Operations Management:
International Travel in Costa Rica
for Pacific University Students
Experience Costa Rican Culture and Business!Â
Program Details
Where: San Jose, Costa Rica
Program Dates:Â January 11 – January 23, 2024
Faculty Leader: Dr. Hossein Rikhtehgar Berenji [bio]
Course: MGMT 352 Operations Management: International Travel [more info]
Application Deadline: August 28, 2023
Program Cost: Approximately $3,000 – $3,500*
*Dependent on enrollment & flight expense
Program Highlights:
On this program, students will have the opportunity to experience Costa Rican business practices, supply chain, and international business. Some business visits include the Starbucks coffee plantation and a medical manufacturing company.
In addition, students will be immersed in the beautiful nature and culture of Costa Rica, enjoying activities such as ziplining at Manuel Antonio, a beach excursion, salsa dance lessons, and a visit to the urban zoological park.Â
Course Details
MGMT 352:
Operations Management: International Travel (2 credits)
More information coming soon!
Pre-requisites:
- Must enroll in and pass Operations Management: Travel Prep (2 credits) during the 2023 Fall semesterÂ
- Must have completed Math 207 or BA 301 prior to departure
PROGRAM ITINERARY
Please note that the itinerary below is subject to modifications based on scheduling, weather, and other factors.Â
Thursday, January 11
EXCURSION: Manuel Antonio
Morning:
- Arrival into San Jose (SJO) and organized airport reception
- Transfer to accommodations in Manuel Antonio (about 5 hours)
Afternoon:
- Check-in at hotel
- Cultural, health, and safety orientation
- Free afternoon
Evening:
- Group welcome dinner
- Overnight in Manuel Antonio
Friday, January 12
EXCURSION: Manuel Antonio
Morning:
- Breakfast at accommodations
- Canopy tour in Manuel Antonio (lunch included)
Afternoon:
- Lunch included with canopy tour
- Business visit: Sustainable hotel and tourism
Evening:
- Dinner on own
- Overnight in Manuel Antonio
Saturday, January 13
EXCURSION: Manuel Antonio
Morning:
- Breakfast at accommodations
- Manuel Antonio National Park with local guide
Afternoon:
- Lunch on own
- Free afternoon
Evening:
- Dinner on own
- Overnight in Manuel Antonio
Sunday, January 14
Morning:
- Breakfast at accommodations
- Travel to San Jose, check into accommodations
Afternoon:
- Lunch on own
- San Jose walking tour & visit handcraft market
Evening:
- Dinner on own
Monday, January 15
Morning:
- Breakfast at accommodations
- Guest lecture
Afternoon:
- Lunch on own
- Costan Rican cooking class
Evening:
- Dinner on own
Tuesday, January 16
Morning:
- Breakfast at accommodations
- Business visit: Coffee tour of Finca Alsacia, one of the coffee plantations directly owned by Starbucks, including presentation with company representative.
Afternoon:
- Visit to La Paz Wildlife & Waterfalls
- Lunch included
Evening:
- Dinner on own
Wednesday, January 17
Morning:
- Breakfast at accommodations
- Pacific faculty-led class session (2 hrs)
Afternoon:
- Afternoon Lunch on own
- Guided tour of the National Theater
Evening:
- Dinner on own
Thursday, January 18
Morning:
- Breakfast at accommodations
- Business Visit: Visit a medical technology manufacturing companyÂ
Afternoon:
- Lunch on own
- Free afternoon
Evening:
- Dinner on own
Friday, January 19
Morning:
- Breakfast at accommodations
- Pacific faculty-led class session (2 hrs)
Afternoon:
- Lunch on own
- Salsa Dance class
Evening:
- Dinner on own
Saturday, January 20
Morning:
- Breakfast at accommodations
- Business visit: Farmer’s market in Heredia where we will speak with a Municipal Farmer’s Council rep, discuss local food supply chains, sourcing, selling directly to consumers, challenges of running these businesses, etc.
Afternoon:
- Lunch on own
- Free afternoon
Evening:
- Dinner on own
Sunday, January 21
Morning:
- Breakfast at accommodations
- Depart for Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
Afternoon:
- Visit to Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, an urban zoological park administered by a conservation nonprofit foundation that houses the country’s largest animal rescue and rehabilitation center
- Lunch included
Evening:
- Dinner on own
Monday, January 22
Morning:
- Breakfast at accommodations
- Business visit: Farm visit with Suelos Vivos, a non-profit organization working with various farms around Costa Rica promoting sustainable practices and social responsibility in productionÂ
Afternoon:
- Afternoon Lunch on own
- Free afternoon to pack
Evening:
- Group farewell dinner
Tuesday, January 23
Morning:
- Breakfast at accommodations
- Organized transfer to airport for departure
- Depart Costa Rica for the United States
GETTING STARTED:
If you are ready to apply, you will need to create an application with Pacific University, and complete and submit all of the required items.Â
Important Dates:
- Info Session: March 21, 2023 at 6:00pm in Berglund 216
- Application Deadline: August 28, 2023
Have questions?Â
For application and financial questions:
- Alessandra Govi at [email protected]
For program and academic questions:
- Professor Hossein at [email protected]Â
Still have questions?
Complete this online form to be connected with an advisor.
What’s Included in the Program
Travel & Transportation
Travel:
- One group airport pick-up in SJO
- Onegroup airport return in SJO
Transportation:
- Ground transportation on all pre-arranged activities, as necessary
Not Included:
- International flight
- Passport/visa fees
- Luggage fees
Cultural Activities & Excursions
- Day trips, excursions, academic visits and cultural activities, as listed in the itinerary
Housing & Meals
Housing:
- Accommodation in shared hotel rooms for program duration
- Linens and towels included
- Weekly cleaning
- Internet accessÂ
Meals:
-
Daily breakfast included
- Group welcome meal
- Group farewell meal
- 3 other meals included, as listed in itinerary
Health & Safety
- Resident Director to implement and oversee the program itinerary and serve as an emergency contact available 24/7.
- Every Resident Director is thoroughly trained in emergency response and receives ongoing training and support. In the event of an emergency, they are ready to enact emergency action plans.
- Health, safety, and cultural orientation upon arrival
Why API
API offers best-in-class programming, with student well-being a high priority.
Our mission is to create better global citizens through international experiential learning. API programs are developed to be transformative, career-boosting experiences that include:
- Community involvement through optional volunteer programs with API Gives Back
- Cultural awareness through relevant coursework and time spent in multicultural student groups
- High-touch student support throughout the programÂ
About API
Academic Programs International (API) was founded in 1997 and is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable experiential learning programs. Their extensive pre-departure preparation, coupled with strong support services on-site, facilitates academic, cultural and linguistic learning. Within the supportive environment of the API programs, API participants are encouraged to explore their host communities and become increasingly independent and confident in their own abilities. They strive to make international educational experiences accessible to as many participants as possible, and, as such, works to provide multiple program components at a low program cost.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
API is committed to providing enriching international experiences to its participants. We believe in the importance of promoting acceptance, dignity, and respect among people of all backgrounds. No matter who you are or where you come from, API will support you during your journey abroad.