Walton College
First year EXPERIENCE:
costa rica & Panama
with University of Arkansas & API
Program Details
Program Dates: May 12 – 22, 2024
Location: Costa Rica & Panama
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024
Program Price: Free to accepted students
Participant Selection Criteria:
- Walton Major
- Completed Freshmen Year in Walton
- First generation status
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Demonstrated Financial Need
Program Summary
The Walton Freshmen Experience provides students who may not consider studying abroad due to financial or personal constraints an opportunity to experience a short, international trip at the end of their freshmen year.
Supplemented by Walton and donor funding, students will immerse themselves in the experience without a significant financial burden. Participants will make connections, appreciate the world of global business through visiting companies including Walmart and L’Oreal, and build confidence to participate in future study abroad experiences as they progress through their college career.
Who:
Students who completed their first year at Walton and meet application requirements.
Why:
Get a jump start in experiencing and understanding global business! Visit several companies, including Walmart (Costa Rica) and L’Oreal (Panama), to learn about their international operations, and participate in a range of cultural activities during this 10-day trip.
How:
Students will apply through the regular study abroad process.
Application Process
First, apply directly through the University of Arkansas Hogs Abroad portal.
After you submit your materials, your application will be reviewed by Walton College staff. If approved, you will be asked to complete final paperwork with our study abroad partner, API.
Company Visits
Learn More
- Finca Alsacia: A coffee plantation owned by Starbucks
- CINDE: Experts in Foreign Direct Investment guiding companies to operate in Costa Rica
- Florex: A Costan Rican owned company producing environmentally friendly cleaning products
- Walmart Mexico y Centroamerica: Visit the Walmart corporate headquarters in San Jose
- L’Oreal Centroamerica (Panama): Visit L’Oreal’s business hub in Central America, which represents 20 of their 34 brands
Additional company visits forthcoming; subject to change depending on availability.
Itinerary Highlights
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- San Jose neighborhood walking tour
- Visit to La Paz Wildlife & Waterfalls (lunch included)
- Farm to table lunch included at Lecanto, a certified organic farm
- San Jose tour: Central Market & artisan market
- Salsa Dance class
- Coffee & Chocolate Tour
- Guided visit to Arenal National Park & Volcano
- Canopy tour (includes ziplining and group lunch)
- Panama City & Panama Canal tour
Housing & Meals
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- Group welcome meal, farewell meal, and 5 other meals included, as listed in itinerary
- Accommodation in shared hotel rooms for program duration: linens and towels, weekly cleaning, internet access and daily breakfast included
Travel Documents
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- Passport fees not included in program cost
Health & Safety
Learn more
- API health, safety and cultural orientation offered upon arrival
What's Included
Learn More
- Included in program cost:
- Housing
- Some meals
- Transportation on-site
- Excursions
- Company visits
- Professional development content
NEW - Fare Finder!
In an effort to reduce financial barriers and increase access, we are offering the Fare Finder™ app right inside of APIConnect to provide access to discounted airfare for academic travel. With Fare Finder, we’re making educational travel simpler and more accessible than ever before.
Passport Resources
Don’t let a missing passport derail your study abroad plans! International travelers are itching to get back out there so processing time for passport applications and renewals has increased. Apply for or renew your passport as soon as possible to ensure your study abroad plans stay on track!
A Razorback's experience
“I want you to know just how amazing of an experience I had with API! I tell people that it exceeded all of my expectations, that it couldn’t have been any better. Thank you for creating such a great program! Throughout the session, API was always there to answer questions, give advice, and provide assistance. If I had to do it all again I would still choose API.”
Learn More & Apply!
For more information on this program, or how to get the application process started, reach out to the study abroad office!
Let’s Get You Abroad!
If you have any questions about this program, fill out the form below and we will get back to you!
Looking for More Opportunities to Study or Intern Abroad?
Explore featured study programs, internship options, and more for Walton College of Business students!
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 program
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.