Student Orientation Handbook: Short Courses
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- I. ABOUT THE MONTEVERDE INSTITUTE
- MVI Student Code of Conduct
Pre-departure ChecklistRead the Monteverde Institute Student Handbook carefully. Email completed forms to the Monteverde Institute: mvi@mvinstitute.org. If you are a minor, make sure you have your parents’ signature on the Participant Contract. Cut the bottom off the “Student Information Sheet” and leave it with anyone who might need to contact you while you are in Costa Rica. If you do not already have a passport, apply for one now. Your passport must be valid at least six months beyond the date of your return to the US. US citizens do not need to obtain a visa for travel to Costa Rica. If you are traveling on a non-US passport you may be required to obtain a visa to enter Costa Rica. Check with your university, school and the Costa Rican consular website for current requirements. Begin the process early, as it can take as long as six months to obtain a visa. Make sure your health insurance provides you coverage while studying abroad. If you do not have international health coverage you will need to obtain it. Remember to bring your insurance and important medical information with you. If you bring a laptop computer we strongly encourage you to get it insured. The Monteverde Institute is not liable for any damage that occurs to your computer during your time in Costa Rica Check the packing list. Remember that you will be responsible for carrying your own luggage so pack accordingly. I. ABOUT THE MONTEVERDE INSTITUTEWhat is the Monteverde Institute?The Monteverde Institute (MVI) is a Costa Rican non-profit association dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice on the sustainable management of resources through education, applied research and community engagement. Connecting local communities and organizations to the wider international academic community, the Institute seeks to understand, find appropriate solutions to, and disseminate information on the environmental, social, cultural and economic issues faced not only by Monteverde but by communities around the world. Education through community-based learning is at the heart of the Institute’s efforts and plays a key role in our vision for a sustainable future. Whether you are participating in a course on tropical biology, conservation, agro-ecology, sustainable development, community health, planning and architecture, or Spanish language and culture, our goal is to help ground the academic focus within a real context, and help you learn first-hand what these topics mean for individuals, families and communities. Since 1986, the Institute has been coordinating and running educational courses for universities, schools and other groups from the U.S and other countries – it is our principal activity. Each year, hundreds of students participate in a study abroad course hosted by the Institute. These courses are designed in collaboration with your home institution to meet your particular interests or needs. Academic credit is granted through the partnering institution (your university of school). Some courses have open enrollment. Please check our website (www.monteverde-institute.org) for information on how to sign up for courses or how to partner with the Institute. As your host institution in Costa Rica, our goal is to make your educational experience as meaningful as possible. For many students this experience can be life changing. Your course may include presentations from world-renowned scientists as well as local residents and activists. You may visit well-known tourist attractions and small family farms off the tourist track. While marveling at the beautiful lake and volcano, you will also learn about the importance, contradictions and challenges of hydroelectric power. If you are participating in a homestay, you will have the opportunity to practice Spanish and to learn what everyday life is like for Costa Rican families. You may have the chance to do volunteer community service, participate in a research project, or conduct your own study. Whatever the focus of your course, the Institute works with your university, school or group to create a rich experience. The Institute is also concerned about your safety, health and well-being. Much work is done before you arrive to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Depending on the agreement with your home institution, the Institute oversees your itinerary, accommodations, meals, transportation, and educational activities during your course. At the local level, the Institute works closely with the municipal government and local organizations, and participates in several commissions including the planning commission and the environmental education commission, as well in local and regional NGO networks. In addition, MVI is collaborating with local institutions to identify research topics of importance to the zone both in the natural and social sciences. We also offer classes and workshops to community members, and while you are here you might well see community meetings. Please see our website for ongoing community initiatives and how you might help: http://monteverde-institute.org
2. A professor / teacher / leader of the home institution 3. MVI course coordinator 4. Two students from the group (one female, one male) selected randomly 5. The MVI homestay coordinator, if applicable.
2. Suspension of the student’s participation in planned activities 3. Notification of family and return to home country at student’s own expense. Should the resolution require removal from a homestay and placement with a different host family or alternative lodging, the student or home institution will be responsible for paying the remaining balance of homestay to the family, plus the additional cost of new accommodations. Many families depend on the income generated by hosting students, and it is unfair that they must “put up with” a student’s behavior for fear of losing this income. Violations of any Costa Rican laws are automatically considered misconduct. In the specific example of illegal drug possession and/or use, including marijuana, MVI wants you to know that drug laws and penalties are strict in Costa Rica. A single conviction could mean spending six to 12 years in a Costa Rican prison. MVI cannot and will not protect you from being prosecuted. Anyone found using or in possession of illegal drugs will be sent home immediately at his or her own expense. Please, constrain your individuality by respecting Costa Rican standards and norms. No matter what your personal feeling are about nudity and sex, Costa Ricans are apt to be somewhat more conservative. States of undress that might be acceptable and inevitable in field stations and remote lodging dormitories can be offensive to a host family or in public. Nudity on beaches, no matter how apparently deserted, could jeopardize future use of the site by MVI groups, and may offend personnel helping the course. Vehicle Use: Finally, please note MVI’s policy on vehicle use. For safety and liability reasons (and in some cases Costa Rican law) students are not allowed to drive or ride on a motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle, regardless of age. In addition, students may not drive a vehicle (car or truck) during the duration of a course. Naturally, if you are of legal driving age you may rent/drive before or after your MVI course. Directory: 2014 2014 -> For want of a nail 2014 -> The Global Warming that Wasn’t 2014 -> Assembly, No. 3901 state of new jersey 216th legislature 2014 -> Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act of 2014 2014 -> Ihbb asian Championships 2014 middle school bowl Round 4 First Quarter 2014 -> Unit: Automotive and Auto Body 2014 -> Ihbb european Championships 2014 Bowl Round 4 First Quarter 2014 -> International History Bee and Bowl 2013-14 Asian Division Question Set Bowl Round Six 2014 -> United states patent and trademark office 2014 -> Walnut creek, ca branch executive committee meeting minutes Download 0.65 Mb. Share with your friends:
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