Study Abroad

Register Now  Passport Information
Country(s)

Costa Rica

Dates

May 19 - May 28, 2025

Registration Deadline

January 23, 2025

Courses

CEN 300 - Global Community Engagement, 3 credits  

IS 300 - Global Community Engagement, 3 credits  

Any student needing something for their major (ECON, MKT, or CRM) will need to get a course substitution approved. 

Travel Cost: $2,495

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: 

Prof. Julie Schnobrich-Davis
Criminology & Criminal Justice  
(860) 832-3139  
j.schnobrichdavis@ccsu.edu 

Prof. Carolyne Soper
Economics  
(860) 832-2731  
soperc@ccsu.edu 

Prof. Jason Snyder
Marketing  
(860) 832-3207  
snyderjal@ccsu.edu 

Scholarship

A limited number of scholarships are available. Scholarships will be a minimum of $700 based on the available funds. There will be an additional $300 scholarship for first-year students. A minimum GPA requirement is 3.0! Scholarships are awarded on a first-first come first-served basis. The registration portal has a limited timeframe, we suggest you prepare your scholarship essay before starting the application! They are due together. 

Click here to see the scholarship prompts.

Upcoming Events

Giving Tuesday
For All Ages holiday card drive
Mindfulness Bingo
On stage at Central: 'The Revolutionists'

Contact Information

Zongxiang Mei
International Education Coordinator
Global Engagement and Interdisciplinary Education
Clarence Carroll Hall
130
860.832.2043
zongxiang.mei@ccsu.edu
Chaihyung Christine Park
Course Abroad Program Associate
Global Engagement and Interdisciplinary Education
Clarence Carroll Hall
128
860.832.2044
chaihyung.christine.park@ccsu.edu

Course Abroad Catalog GEIE Classroom Visit Request Form

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Course Abroad Advising Semester & All Study Abroad Advising

Exploring Costa Rica: Marketing & the Underground Economy

Embark on a transformative journey into the depths of the clandestine world with our groundbreaking study abroad program: Marketing & the Underground Economy. Students explore the intersection of marketing, economics, and criminology culminating in the vibrant backdrop of Costa Rica. Our course offers a multidisciplinary approach, providing students with a nuanced understanding of the intricate dynamics shaping illicit trade networks. Learn about activities like online exploitation, illegal substance distribution, and the exchange of compromised information on the dark web.

Exploring the Underworld: Engage in riveting discussions dissecting the anatomy of the underground economy. Through interactive activities, students analyze the impact of illicit markets.  

Marketing Strategies in the Shadows: Delve into the marketing tactics employed by underground enterprises. From pricing to promotion, participants scrutinize the innovative methods utilized to thrive in the shadows.  

Economic Implications: Examine the economic structure of the underground economy and its ramifications on both local and global scales. Students evaluate the socio-economic consequences of illicit trade.  

Criminological Perspectives: Uncover the nexus between crime and economics, exploring theories of deviance and criminal behavior within the context of illegal markets. Gain insights into law enforcement strategies and challenges in combating illicit activities.  

Cultural & Historical Points of Interest: Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture. Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Manuel Antonio National Park, where lush rainforests meet pristine beaches. Journey to the Monteverde Institute and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a sanctuary of biodiversity nestled among mist-shrouded mountains. Witness the harvest and production of coffee and chocolate beans. Help the nation’s biodiversity conservation efforts at the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center. Visit the U.S. Embassy and learn how the U.S. is represented in foreign countries, including in trade and economic development. Volunteer for a day with the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation.