Program Description

This course will provide students with a comparative public health perspective to explore similarities and differences in the delivery of maternal health care in migrant, rural, and indigenous communities in Costa Rica and Iowa. This course will be taught in the summer in both Iowa and Costa Rica. Students will receive 2 credit hours for participating in this course

Academic Program

This course will incorporate applied epidemiological and community-engaged research methods to understand clinical and social determinants of maternal and child health and reproductive care. Within this 4-week course, students will travel to Costa Rica for 8 days to learn about health systems in the context of the Costa Rica Social Security Fund, participate in site visits to maternal and childcare centers and organizations in the Ngobe-Bugle indigenous territory of La Casona. To learn about maternal-child health issues and interventions for migrant populations in Iowa, students will engage with community partners through guest lectures and examine emerging research. In addition to participating in group discussions, students will be required to write a comparative analysis of maternal health in Iowa and Costa Rica.

This course is designed for public health students, but is open to both undergraduate and graduate students of all majors. Non-public health students should consult their academic advisor to see how the credit could apply to their degree plan.

This course will be co-lead by Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, Nichole Nidey and Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, Jonathan Platt.

Program Activities

The program will include visits to local health-care organization and NGOs as well as some tourism activities. Possible activities include the following:

• San Jose Walking Tour
• Visit with local health care teams to discuss public health
• Visit with local child care centers to discuss health care interventions
• Visit to indigenous territory to discuss inequities and the relevance of cultural advisors
• Manuel Antonio National Park

Program Dates

The course will begin on May 19 and run through June 12. Students will travel to Costa Rica during this block of time. Students will be in Costa Rica from May 31-June 7. Departing the US on May 30 or 31 and arriving back to the US on June 7 or June 8.

For More Information

Nichole Nidey, faculty-leader
Email: nichole-nidey@uiowa.edu

Jonathan Platt, faculty-leader
Email: jonathan-platt@uiowa.edu

Krista Larson, Study Abroad Program Coordinator
International Programs
Email: krista-larson@uiowa.edu

San Jose

San José, Costa Rica's capital, offers a unique blend of culture, history, and urban charm that appeals to tourists seeking an authentic experience. Visitors can explore the vibrant markets, such as Mercado Central, and enjoy local cuisine, including traditional dishes like gallo pinto. The city is home to impressive cultural landmarks, including National Museum of Costa Rica and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, which provide insight into the country’s rich heritage. Additionally, San José serves as a convenient gateway to Costa Rica’s stunning natural attractions, such as volcanoes and rainforests, making it an ideal starting point for travelers.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a Central American gem known for its rich biodiversity and commitment to sustainability. With a population of around 5 million people and covering approximately 51,100 square kilometers, the country boasts an array of ecosystems, from lush rainforests to pristine beaches, housing about 5% of the world’s species despite its small size. Costa Rica's economy is diverse, with key industries including agriculture, tourism, and technology. The nation is also recognized for its progressive environmental policies, being one of the first to abolish its army in 1949 and reinvest in education and health.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

While in San José, students will stay in a hotel with double occupancy rooms. In San Vito, they will have dorm-style lodging, with 3-4 people per room.

Passport

U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens who do not have a passport should apply for one as soon as possible. More information about how to apply for a passport is available on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. US citizens who need to renew their passport can find more information on the US Department of State’s website.

Expedited processing service is available at an additional cost. UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-U.S. Citizens

Students who are not U.S. citizens should contact UI Study Abroad (study-abroad@uiowa.edu) for information on how to ensure that their passport is valid for the duration of their time abroad.

Travel Arrangements

A suggested flight itinerary will be shared with students accepted to the program. Students are strongly encouraged to book the suggested flight itinerary or an alternative itinerary that arrives in San Jose at approximately the same time. Transportation from the airport to the hotel will be provided for those who on the suggest flight.

Participants who are unable to meet onsite staff at the group arrival point in the airport are responsible for checking in at the designated arrival point at the appointed date and time and are responsible for all transfer arrangements and costs.

Local Transportation

Participants will be provided with transportation for all program activities.

Eligibility

This program is open to UI students who fulfill the following requirements:

• Good academic and disciplinary standing: Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who, even after being accepted into a program, are put on either academic and/or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad. In these cases, students will not be allowed to study abroad, and are wholly responsible for any and all financial expenses incurred.
• Minimum 2.75 GPA: Students must have at least a 2.75 UI & cumulative GPA. Applications from students who have a GPA below 2.75 may be considered for the program on a case-by-case basis. Students who have below a 2.75 should consult the faculty-leaders before applying.
• Academic requirements:This program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students of all majors. Priority will be given to undergraduate students in their third or fourth year and students in graduate programs. Spots will be offered to students in their first or second year as space allows.
• Demonstrated preparedness and maturity: Students must meet entry requirements for the countries and venues visited by the program. Students must demonstrate preparedness to take on the heightened responsibilities associated with international study and travel and demonstrate a commitment to behave responsibly abroad while respecting cultural differences. Students are expected to obey both local laws and program directives conveyed to participants before and during the program. The University of Iowa Code of Student Life applies to all program participants while abroad.
• Attendance at mandatory orientation programming: Students must attend all in-person and online pre-departure orientation programming.

There is no Spanish language requirement for participation in this course.

Costs

The cost sheet outlines the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid and planning purposes. It includes fees charged on students’ U-Bill (course fee, Study Abroad Administrative Fee, and mandatory Iowa Regents CISI Travel Insurance), as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Please see the respective websites for further details. Contact the UI Study Abroad advisor with questions regarding the cost sheet.

The 2025 course sheet will be posted soon. The course fee does not include the Study Abroad Administrative Fee, CISI Travel Insurance, or out-of-pocket expenses, all of which are listed in the cost sheet.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Most financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans) is applicable to study abroad programs. Please check the Study Abroad website for information on financial aid and how it may be applied to studying abroad. You are also encouraged to speak with someone at the Office of Student Financial Aid to explore financial aid options.

Scholarship opportunities exist for study abroad participants. Please explore Study Abroad’s websites for UI Study Abroad Scholarship Opportunities and Non-UI External Awards.

How to Apply

The application for the Summer 2025 program opens on January 1, 2025 and will close on February 2, 2025. The application process consists of the following steps:

• UI applicants complete the UI Online Application for Study Abroad. Applicants will be charged a $50 non-refundable application fee.
• Once the application process is complete, application materials will be reviewed. All applicants will receive official notification of their acceptance status shortly after the final application deadline. Accepted students will also receive information about how to confirm their place in the course.
• Details about flights and orientation will follow soon after accepted students confirm their place in the program in February.

Application Deadline

Summer 2025 program: February 2, 2025

Acceptance & Confirmation Materials

Acceptance and confirmation materials will be distributed after the next application deadline.

Health & Safety Planning

All students preparing to study abroad should review the following:

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travelform with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Visa

U.S. passport holders do not need to obtain a visa for a stay in Costa Rica of less than 180 days. Non-U.S. passport holders should consult with their local embassy.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These are in addition to orientations provided by the provider upon arrival in San Jose. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs online “Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation” course distributed through ICON prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu.

Program-Specific Orientation

During this in-person orientation, students will receive information on registering for their program in MyUI, payment and billing, course approvals and other practical matters. Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the academics of the program.