In all other courses, Spanish is used as the language of instruction to the fullest extent possible. Students may elect to write their papers in either Spanish or English. During the initial four-week block all students take intensive Spanish as well as required seminars on the cultures and politics of Costa Rica, a course on Central American Women, and an environmental problems course. Students prepare for their field internships during this first month by choosing the country in which they will work. Students plan the particular internship in consultation with faculty advisors who are experts in the culture of the country chosen and in the students' area of interest.
Instructors rotate weekly among the classes to give students exposure to varieties of accents.
The decision on course selection is based on the stated interests by the majority of students in their admission applications each term. The individualized internship provides students a rare opportunity to gain experience in the urban or rural areas working on individual or group projects with national and international scholars and professionals. Only one student is placed at each internship site. Students are expected to carry out a full time work and study schedule during this period. Academic Credit Recommended credit is fifteen semester credit hours or the equivalent for each Fall or Spring semester.