Next summer, SCC students will have the chance to participate in a study abroad opportunity in Costa Rica thanks to SCC instructor Sandy Krell-Andre.
The class, entitled Historical, Social and Political Implications of Peace in Costa Rica, is part of a new program offered through Community Colleges for International Development (CCID) and La Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT) in Costa Rica.
Krell-Andre, who teaches chemical dependency and conflict resolution, says that the idea for the class came out of a conference she attended in 2009.
“I was having dinner with instructors from other colleges and we started talking about how we could utilize CCID to create a program that focuses on conflict resolution and peace studies,” says Krell-Andre.
The mission of CCID is to provide opportunities for building global relationships that promote economic development through student exchange.
“It can be hard for community colleges to offer extensive study abroad programs. There are a lot of moving parts involved that smaller colleges aren’t equipped to manage. Through CCID, we can make this program available,” explains Krell-Andre.
After over a year of planning, the class has finally become a reality.
Students will learn about the history and culture of Costa Rica, its decision to disband its military, and the economic, political, security, and environmental implications of this decision. They will visit the United Nations University for Peace, Earth University, and governmental ministries. Guest lecturers include former Costa Rican President and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Oscar Ariaz Sanchez.
Krell-Andre says that while many colleges offer study abroad programs, cultural learning is rarely the primary focus. “Students can visit a college in France, but they may not really be learning about French culture. This class will truly facilitate international studies.”
She continues that this could be the start of a more robust program. “We’re hoping that our experience with this course will help us initiate more international study opportunities.”
To learn more about the class, contact Sandy Krell-Andre at 319-208-5218 or skrell-andre@scciowa.edu.
For more information on CCID, visit their website: http://www.ccidinc.org/
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