Posted on January 23, 2002 at 1:42 p.m.

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures is expanding its study abroad program with a new course offering, “Spanish in Costa Rica.” The course, which is set for May 2-26, is the department’s latest addition to the Spanish language program, which provides study abroad excursions to Spain and Mexico.

“Spanish in Costa Rica” is designed for students who want to improve their proficiency in the language by experiencing authentic Spanish in a real-world setting. Students will live with a Costa Rican family and receive three weeks of intensive Spanish instruction at the CPI Heredia School in San Joaquín de Flores, says UAB Visiting Assistant Professor Jessica Ramos-Harthun, Ph.D. The students will also take Latin dance and cooking classes and tour the museums, nature parks and the capital city, San José.

The cost for the course is $2,240 plus tuition and includes texts, room and board, airfare and registration and activity fees. Students must have at least a sophomore standing and a G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher to qualify. The first non-refundable deposit is due February 28, but students are encouraged to register early to ensure participation. Applications are available at the Humanities Building, Room 409, 900 13th Street South. For more information, contact Ramos-Harthun at jramos@uab.edu.