Costa Rica - Honors College

Each study abroad program fulfills one year (6 credits) of Honors credit requirements.

Registration works on a first come, first served basis!

How do we secure our spot and keep it?

It works on a first-come, first-served basis!

Prior to register:

Current Honors students need to get clearance from Allen Varela (honorsabroad@fiu.edu). Only cleared students will be allowed to get an appointment to register!**
1. Email honorsabroad@fiu.edu your,
  1. Name
  2. PID Number
  3. Program of Interest
  4. Put “Clearance” on the Subject line
    ** Students already cleared by an Honors advisor do NOT need to be cleared again
Clearance requests received after September 9, 2022, are not guaranteed to be answered before registration appointments open. Hurry up and request yours!
2. Students new to Honors (Transfers and current FIU) will be checked once they fill out their Study Abroad online application (see below)
3. Freshmen starting in Fall 2022 must wait to register until December 15, 2022, once Fall grades are posted
Inform yourself about the different programs. You can get there from the “Study Away” tab above
It is very important to attend the Study Abroad Honors Hours, on the days prior to registration
1. France / Italy / Spain: Tuesday, September 13, 2022 | 3:30-4:45pm | Location: SIPA 125
2. UK / Cambodia-Vietnam: Thursday, September 15, 2022 | 3:30-4:45pm | Location: SIPA 125
3. Costa Rica / Japan: Tuesday, September 20, 2022| 3:30-4:45pm | Location: SIPA 125
The Study Abroad Faculty Directors and a representative from the Honors College will be there to present and answer ALL your questions. Make an educated decision!
Make sure you will be able to make your payments and submit your documentation on time. Remember that keeping your spot is contingent on that and payments are non-refundable!
Make sure you will be able and willing to comply with your destination countries’ COVID laws and guidelines
Read the Study Abroad contract carefully HERE (we strongly recommend reading the contract with your parents or with another person or guardian,) and make sure you will be able to comply with its clauses
Schedule your appointment to register as follows (Spots are very limited. Appointments work on a first-come, first-served basis!):

Only cleared students will be eligible to get an appointment on opening days. Students who were not cleared and still schedule an appointment will have it cancelled and reopened for the next cleared student.
1. For Spain, registration opens on September 27^th. Schedule your appointment online from September 16^th at 10:00am sharp to September 23rd, HERE
2. For Italy, registration opens on September 27^th. Schedule your appointment online from September 16^th at 10:00am sharp to September 23rd, HERE
3. For France, registration opens on September 29^th. Schedule your appointment online from September 16^th at 10:00am sharp to September 23rd, HERE
4. For UK, registration opens on September 29^th. Schedule your appointment online from September 16^th at 10:00am sharp to September 23rd, HERE
5. For Japan, registration opens on October 4^th. Schedule your appointment online from September 23^rd at 10:00am sharp to September 30^th, HERE
6. For Cambodia-Vietnam, registration opens on October 4^th. Schedule your appointment online from September 16^th at 10:00am sharp to September 30^th, HERE
7. For Costa Rica, registration opens on October 6^th. Schedule your appointment online from September 23^rd at 10:00am sharp to September 30^th, HERE
  
  The links will start working only on the dates and times mentioned above. If you click on them before then, please clear your cache before 10am for them to work properly.
  
  You will receive a confirmation email.
You can schedule ONLY ONE APPOINTMENT AND ONLY FOR ONE PROGRAM. If more than one is scheduled, both will get cancelled
Once you get your appointment to register:
1. Complete the online contract, HERE
  1. Read it carefully (we strongly recommend reading the contract with your parents or with another person or guardian,) print it out, initialize it, fill out the bottom part, and sign
  2. Make a copy
2. Complete the Course Registration Form HERE
  1. Leave blank whatever you’re not sure about—print it out and sign
Once you have a confirmed or a waitlisted appointment to register, and at least 24 hours before the appointment, complete the Honors online application and the OEA (Office of Education Abroad) online application. Both applications will be reviewed before registration time
1. Complete the Honors application to your program of choice HERE
2. Complete your OEA online application at fiu.edu
  1. Look for your program of choice
  2. Read everything carefully before submitting!
Completing the applications and required documentation DOES NOT make you eligible or guarantee you a spot on the program. However, without them, you won’t be able to secure your spot at the time of the appointment
Get a $500 non-refundable cashier’s check or money order (only forms of payment accepted.) Leave it blank. You can get one at your bank, United States Postal Service office, Publix, CVS, Wells Fargo on campus (only if you have an account there,) etc.

On each program’s registration day, ONLY students who signed up online for an appointment will be seen.

Once the Scheduler closes:

Starting on October 10 at 10:00am SHARP, after the opening dates have passed, and as long as spots are still available, registration appointment requests will open for all programs by email only. It will still work on a first come, first served basis.

To schedule your registration appointment at that point, email Allen Varela at honorsabroad@fiu.edu.

Include,

(1) Name
(2) PID number
(3) Date and time of clearance email or clearance advising appointment (only for students that need it. If you don’t, put “N/A”)
(4) Availability (Mondays and Wednesdays are preferred!)
(5) Put your program of choice on the subject field

ONLY ELIGIBLE STUDENTS, WHO COMPLY WITH ALL THE REQUIREMENTS, CAN GET REGISTERED! Please check your eligibility (question #2 on the FAQs.)

Emails received before October 10 at 10:00am SHARP will be dismissed.

Emails will be answered in the order they were received until programs are full.

On the day of your registration appointment:

Have submitted the Honors online application* at least 24 hours before your appointment. (Submission will be checked the day before registration time)

*Applications become valid only after you’ve registered and had everything in order
Have submitted the OEA online application* at least 24 hours before your appointment. (Submission will be checked the day before registration time)

*Applications become valid only after you’ve registered and had everything in order
Be at your appointment on time!
Bring the blank $500.00 money order or cashier’s check (ONLY forms of payment accepted.) This is the Honors College administrative fee. This payment will secure you a spot on your program of choice. It is non-refundable and constitutes a serious commitment to the program
Bring the signed Honors contract printed out (original)
Bring a copy of the signed contract printed out
Bring for signature the Course Registration Form completed, printed out, and signed by you. You will need to upload it later to https://abroad.fiu.edu/, so do not lose it!
Bring your questions, if any

Only students that got clearance, have an appointment, and have done steps 1-10 properly will be registered (as long as there is availability.)
Students new to Honors do not need clearance for 2023
Students who miss their appointment, are late, or fail to have everything in order, will have to reschedule their appointment at a later date and time. If the program is in high demand, you risk losing your spot altogether, so it is imperative that you complete all these tasks, bring all required documentation and funds, and show up on time.

After you’ve been registered:

Keep your good standing with the program by complying with the Honors Study Abroad Rules and deadlines
Upload your documentation to https://abroad.fiu.edu/ by the respective deadlines. (See DATES)
1. Course Registration Form
2. Copy of passport
3. Medical Form
4. Answer all 3 questionnaires
5. Completed OEA mandatory pre-departure orientation’s associated quizzes and paperwork
Get your holds cleared by the deadline. Keep them cleared until you’ve been enrolled in each class
OEA will enroll you in both the IDH 4007 (on campus pre-trip class) and IDH 4008 (actual trip) courses, as long as you have complied with all your requirements and cleared all holds. You do not enroll yourselves. The classes will show on your schedules
Attend the mandatory online OEA pre-trip Orientation and fill out the necessary paperwork. OEA will contact you regarding it sometime during the Spring semester
Be readily available if contacted by the Honors College or OEA by phone or email
Comply with the payment deadlines! (See PAYMENTS)

Below is the Schedule of Payments to be followed once you secured your spot with your initial $500 fee.
Note that ALL payments are non-refundable.
Make your payments at the SASC building cashiers from Mon-Fri, IN PERSON and ON TIME, (ONLY cash, personal checks, OneCard, cashier’s checks, and money order are accepted)
1. $100.00 late fees and account holds* will be applied when payments are made after the first deadline.
  1. *Students cannot be enrolled in their class if they have a hold*
    Students that fail to make their payments by the extended deadlines will forfeit their paid fees, and their spot will go to another student. Posted charges will not be removed.
Tuition fees will be charged to your accounts, separately. The program cost does not include them.
OEA charges a non-refundable $195 administrative fee.
Remember once you have been registered, you cannot withdraw, payments are non-refundable, and swapping programs is not allowed.
Once charges are posted to your account (approximately 3 weeks before the deadline,) they cannot be removed even if you withdraw from the program or were dropped for lack of payment.

SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS:

2023	Deposit*		1st Payment*		2nd Payment*
Program		Amount	Deadline	Amount	Deadline	Amount	Total
Cambodia-Vietnam		$500		$750		$750	$2,000
Costa Rica		$500		$700		$700	$1,900
France	On your appointment day	$500	Dec. 1, 2022	$1,150	Feb. 1, 2023	$1,150	$2,800
Italy		$500		$1,200		$1,200	$2,900
Japan		$500		$1,050		$1,050	$2,600
Spain		$500		$800		$800	$2,100
United Kingdom		$500		$1,450		$1,450	$3,400
	*Non-refundable		*Non-refundable		*Non-refundable

For information about Study Abroad Scholarships, go to: https://studyabroad.fiu.edu/fiu-students/funding/index.html. If you have any questions, contact the Office of Education Abroad at (305) 348-1913 or at edabroad@fiu.edu. If you want to go in person, they are located at SASC 230.

If you are a U.S. citizen receiving the Federal Pell Grant, you should apply for the Benjamin Gilman Scholarship: https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/

1. Once you have scheduled your appointment to register, complete the online applications at least 24 hours before your appointment:
  1. 1. Honors College Study Abroad online application at https://honors.fiu.edu/studyabroad/applications/
    2. Office of Education Abroad application at: https://abroad.fiu.edu
    3. No need to print them out.
2. Complete the following documents:
  1. 1. 2023 Study Abroad Contract and copy
    2. 2023 Study Abroad Course Registration Form
    3. Print them out and bring them to your Study Abroad Registration appointment
3. Once registered, all remaining documents are found at http://abroad.fiu.edu, same portal you had applied online to. Complete/Upload them there by their deadlines:
  1. Course Registration Form signed at Registration (upload)
  2. Copy of passport (upload)
  3. Medical Form (you’ll find it there—download it and upload it once completed by a physician licensed in the U.S.)
  4. 3 questionnaires (complete them online)
  5. Mandatory online OEA pre-trip Orientation
    1. 1. OEA will send you an email in Spring about this
      2. Complete the online orientation and quizzes, sign the paperwork, and upload them to http://abroad.fiu.edu
4. Be aware that you can enroll in a maximum of 18 credits per semester. If you want to go above that amount, you must get this form signed by your major’s Dean and sent it to edabroad@fiu.edu by the deadlines
5. Checklist for your convenience

April 2022:
Study Abroad clearance starts. Email Allen Varela at honorsabroad@fiu.edu (See “Registration” tab)

Sept 13, 2022 | 3:30-4:45pm | Location TBD:
France / Italy / Spain Honors Hour

Sept 15, 2022 | 3:30-4:45pm | Location TBD:
UK / Vietnam & Cambodia Honors Hour

Sept 16, 10:00am SHARP:
Online registration appointment scheduler opens for:

Spain at: https://honors.fiu.edu/studyabroad/spain-appointment/
Italy at: https://honors.fiu.edu/studyabroad/italy-appointment/
France at: https://honors.fiu.edu/studyabroad/france-appointment/
UK at: https://honors.fiu.edu/studyabroad/uk-appointment/
Vietbodia at: https://honors.fiu.edu/studyabroad/vietbodia-appointment/

Sept 20, 2022| 3:30-4:45pm | Location TBD:
Costa Rica / Japan Honors Hour

Sept 23, 2022, 10:00am SHARP:

Online registration appointment scheduler opens for:
Japan at: https://honors.fiu.edu/studyabroad/japan-appointment/
Costa Rica at: https://honors.fiu.edu/studyabroad/costa-rica-appointment/
Online registration appointment scheduler closes for:
Spain, Italy, France, and UK

Sept 26, 2022:
ONLY FOR STUDENTS with confirmed and waitlisted appointments for Spain & Italy:
Deadline to submit the Honors and OEA online applications

Sept 27, 2022:
Spain and Italy Registration opens by appointment ONLY

Sept 28, 2022:
ONLY FOR STUDENTS with confirmed and waitlisted appointments for France & UK:
Deadline to submit the Honors and OEA online applications

Sept 29, 2022:
France and UK Registration opens by appointment ONLY

Sept 30, 2022:
Online registration appointment scheduler closes for:
Japan, Vietbodia, and Costa Rica

Oct 3, 2022:
ONLY FOR STUDENTS with confirmed and waitlisted appointments for Japan & Vietbodia:
Deadline to submit the Honors and OEA online applications

Oct 4, 2022:
Japan and Vietbodia Registration opens by appointment ONLY

Oct 5, 2022:
ONLY FOR STUDENTS with confirmed and waitlisted appointments for Costa Rica:
Deadline to submit the Honors and OEA online applications

Oct 6, 2022:
Costa Rica Registration opens by appointment ONLY

Oct 10, 2022 10:00am SHARP until full:
Requests for registration appointments for remaining spots start being received by email (until programs are full.) Emails will be answered in the order they were received. Requests for registration appointments emails received before this date and time will not be considered. (See “Registration” tab for instructions)

Nov 8, 2022 (approximately):
1^st payment posted to accounts. Payments can be made at the SASC cashiers, as soon as posted and until deadline. The Student Financial cashier’s counter accepts cash, money orders, personal checks drawn on a U.S. financial institution in U.S. currency, cashier’s checks, traveler’s checks, and the FIU One Cards.

Nov 14, 2022:
Students registered from today on will have an extended deadline (01/06/2023) to upload their documentation to https://abroad.fiu.edu/

Nov 18, 2022:

Deadline to upload ALL required documentation to https://abroad.fiu.edu/
Deadline to clear holds. Must maintain a clear account until enrolled in IDH 4007

Dec 1, 2022:

1^st payment deadline. Payments should be made at the SASC cashiers, as soon as posted and until deadline. The Student Financial cashier’s counter accepts cash, money orders, personal checks drawn on a U.S. financial institution in U.S. currency, cashier’s checks, traveler’s checks, and the FIU One Cards.
Deadline to submit form from major’s Dean to OEA, to be enrolled in more than 18 credits in Spring

Dec 8, 2022:
1^st payment extended deadline with $100 late fee. Failure to comply by this date will preclude from program participation. The spot will reopen for registration.

Dec 13, 2022 (approximately):
2^nd and 3^rd payments posted to accounts. Payments can be made at the SASC cashiers, as soon as posted and until deadline. The Student Financial cashier’s counter accepts cash, money orders, personal checks drawn on a U.S. financial institution in U.S. currency, cashier’s checks, traveler’s checks, and the FIU One Cards.

Jan 3, 2023:
2^nd payment deadline. Payments can be made at the SASC cashiers, as soon as posted and until deadline. The Student Financial cashier’s counter accepts cash, money orders, personal checks drawn on a U.S. financial institution in U.S. currency, cashier’s checks, traveler’s checks, and the FIU One Cards.

Jan 6, 2023:
Students that registered on or after Nov 14, 2022, ONLY:
Deadline to upload ALL required documentation to https://abroad.fiu.edu/

Jan 10, 2023:

Spring semester starts (IDH 4007 Study Abroad classes begin)
2^nd payment extended deadline with $100 late fee. Failure to comply by this date will preclude from program participation. The spot will reopen for registration.

Feb 1, 2023:

3^rd payment deadline. Payments should be made at the SASC cashiers, as soon as posted and until deadline. The Student Financial cashier’s counter accepts cash, money orders, personal checks drawn on a U.S. financial institution in U.S. currency, cashier’s checks, traveler’s checks, and the FIU One Cards.
Deadline to pay IDH 4007 tuition regardless of Financial Aid’s disbursement dates

Feb 8, 2023:
3^rd payment extended deadline with $100 late fee. Failure to comply by this date will preclude from program participation in IDH 4008. The spot will reopen for registration.

Mar 1, 2023:
Deadline to pay OEA’s $195 administrative fee

Mar 6, 2023:

Deadline to clear holds. Must maintain a clear account until enrolled in IDH 4008
Deadline to complete OEA’s online mandatory pre-departure orientation and associated quizzes, sign the paperwork, and upload it to abroad.fiu.edu

Mar 15, 2023:
Deadline to submit form from your major’s dean to OEA if enrolling in more than 18 credits in Summer

Mar 28, 2023:
Deadline to pay IDH 4008 tuition regardless of Financial Aid’s disbursement dates

Apr 14, 2023:
Deadline to upload actual passport copy for students that had submitted only proof of passport processing

By registering to study abroad, students commit to making their payments on time, to complying with the requirements on time, and to remaining with the program. Refunds are not awarded, and switching programs is not allowed.

Note: - IDH 4007 is the pre-travel class on campus; IDH 4008 is the class abroad.
- Deadline dates that fall on weekends and/or holidays are NOT moved to the next business date.

Documentation:
Before securing their spot, students must (1) complete, initialize, and sign the Honors Study Abroad Contract, (2) apply online at abroad.fiu.edu, and (3) apply online at https://honors.fiu.edu/studyabroad/applications/. Their documentation will be subject to approval.

Students must upload ALL Office of Education Abroad (OEA) required documentation to abroad.fiu.edu by NOVEMBER 18, 2022, 11:59PM. Students who fail to comply by then will not be allowed to participate in IDH 4007 and/or IDH 4008, or travel with the program. Refunds will NOT be awarded. Posted charges will not be removed

The documentation required by OEA includes the Medical Form, copy of valid passport, Course Registration Form, and four questionnaires: 1) personal information form, 2) emergency contact form, 3) special needs form, and 4) financial information form.

The Medical Form is valid for only one year as of the date it is signed by a physician licensed in the United States and cannot expire before the end of the program.

Students are strongly encouraged to review vaccination requirements, including against COVID-19, for countries they plan to visit. Failure to abide by vaccination requirements may prevent a student from entering a country and continuing participation in the Study Abroad program, in which case, refunds will NOT be awarded. FIU provides many vaccinations, including against COVID-19, for students on campus. (Read this: U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, and Immigrants: Travel to and from the United States | CDC)

Passport must remain valid for at least 6 months after the last day of the program.

Should the student not have a valid passport by the deadline mentioned above, they must instead submit proof that the passport application/renewal process has been initiated and must replace it with a copy of their actual passport no later than APRIL 14, 2023. Students who fail to comply by then will not be allowed to participate in IDH 4008, or travel with the program. Refunds will NOT be awarded. Posted charges will not be removed

ONLY FOR STUDENTS WHO SECURE THEIR SPOT ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 14, 2022:

The deadline to upload the required documentation will be extended until JANUARY 6, 2023, 11:59pm (before final DROP date). Students who fail to comply by then will not be allowed to participate in IDH 4008 or travel with the program Refunds will NOT be awarded. Posted charges will not be removed.

Students must clear any existing holds by NOVEMBER 18, 2022, 11:59PM and again by MARCH 6, 2023, and are responsible for ensuring that they have no new holds before being enrolled in both IDH 4007* and/or IDH 4008*. Students who fail to comply by the deadlines will not be allowed to participate in the program. Refunds will NOT be awarded. Posted charges will not be removed.
* Students with holds on their account cannot be enrolled for classes.

While taking the IDH 4007 class, students will have to complete the online mandatory pre-departure orientation on the study abroad application portal. Students must complete the session and associated quizzes, sign the paperwork, and upload it to their application at the abroad.fiu.edu portal by MARCH 6, 2023, 11:59pm.

Physicality:
The faculty leader and/or support staff do not administer medical care or provide medication.

Students must be aware that if getting tested for COVID-19 were to be required for flying, they will be expected to limit their exposure once tested. Should they contract COVID-19, they will have to abide by the rules of both the airline and their country of destination. It will be their responsibility to keep themselves healthy and able to participate in their program. Students who are not allowed to go as a result of having exposed themselves, or should their departure get delayed, will be responsible for the extra charges. Refunds will NOT be awarded and posted charges will not be removed.

Academics:
In order to participate in an Honors study abroad program, students must maintain a minimum cumulative FIU GPA of 3.3. Students who fail to comply will not be allowed to participate in IDH 4007 and/or IDH 4008. Refunds will NOT be awarded. Posted charges will not be removed

A minimum grade of C in IDH 4007 is required to be enrolled in IDH 4008, or travel with the program. Refunds will NOT be awarded if the student cannot be enrolled and posted charges will not be removed.

Students must be aware that they can enroll in a maximum of 18 credits per semester. If they want to go above that amount, they must get this form signed by their major’s Dean no later than DECEMBER 1, 2022, 11:59pm for Spring 2023 classes and MARCH 15, 2023, 11:59pm for Summer 2023 classes and send it to edabroad@fiu.edu.

Behavior:
Students who have been sanctioned under the FIU Student Conduct and Honor Code (https://regulations.fiu.edu/docs=257), which results in loss of privileges, and/or other sanctions that result in the student not being considered to be in good standing with the University (e.g., conduct probation), are not be eligible to participate in IDH 4008 or travel with the program. Refunds will NOT be awarded. Posted charges will not be removed.

Students found responsible for an Academic Misconduct Violation will be dismissed from the Honors College upon notification of findings and will not be allowed to participate in, or travel with the program. Refunds will NOT be awarded. Posted charges will not be removed.

Students studying abroad are expected to represent the Honors College and FIU honorably and maturely. The faculty director and/or staff are authorized to end the program early for students whose behavior becomes disruptive (and/or violates the FIU Student Conduct and Honor Code.)

Payments:
Once students apply online, they must secure their spot with the Honors College with a blank, non-refundable $500 cashier’s check or money order (ONLY,) and all the required documentation.

Study abroad payments are non-refundable and are made in 3 installments. The OEA will post the charges on the student’s account approximately 3 weeks before each payment deadline. Once the charges are posted, they cannot be removed.

Students who secure their spot after charges for an installment(s) have been posted will have the overdue payments added to the next deadline’s charges

Students are responsible to ensure with Student Financials that any payment made towards their study abroad program is indeed applied to that program.

Students who pay their program fee through a scholarship or Financial Aid are still responsible for having the payments made on time and in their entirety. Therefore, it is the student’s responsibility to contact Financial Aid to ensure compliance. If any delays are foreseen, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the Honors College of the situation before the deadline. If their aid/scholarship will not cover the full amount due, it is the student’s responsibility to pay the remaining balance out of pocket. Students who fail to comply will not be enrolled on the program and will not be allowed to participate in, or travel with the program. Refunds will NOT be awarded. Posted charges will not be removed.

Payments must be made no later than the deadline published at https://honors.fiu.edu/studyabroad/payments (December 1, 2022, January 3, 2023, and February 1, 2023). If students fail to make them on time, the university will apply a $100.00 late fee to their account. Late fees cannot be removed.

After each payment deadline there is a one-week grace period, an extended deadline, when payments are still accepted. However, the late fee will still be applied, and students may get a hold on their account*. If students fail to complete their payment within exactly that one-week grace period, and had not notified the Honors College in advance, they will be withdrawn from the program and will not be allowed to participate in IDH 4007 and/or IDH 4008 or travel with the program, depending on the time the payment was missed. Refunds will NOT be awarded. Posted charges and late fees will not be removed.
*Students with holds on their accounts cannot be enrolled for classes.

Students who pay their program’s tuition through a scholarship or Financial Aid are still responsible for having the payments made on time and in their entirety. Therefore, it is the student’s responsibility to contact Financial Aid to ensure compliance. If any delays are foreseen by Financial Aid, it is the student’s responsibility to pay the balance out of pocket by FEB 1, 2023, 11:59pm for IDH 4007 and by MARCH 28, 2023, 11:59pm for IDH 4008. Students who fail to comply will not be allowed to participate in, or travel with the program. Refunds will NOT be awarded. Posted charges will not be removed.

Students must pay OEA’S $195 fee by MARCH 1, 2023, 11:59pm. If they fail to comply, they will not be allowed to participate. Refunds will NOT be awarded. Posted charges will not be removed.

FIU and the Honors College strongly discourage making big purchases, such as airline tickets, before the programs are confirmed by OEA. If canceled, FIU cannot refund these, or any other expenses related to the programs not paid directly to FIU.

Switching, Withdrawals, and Cancellations:
Once students are registered, they are not allowed to switch programs. Students who still want to change programs will have to withdraw from the initial one, first, with no refunds. Then secure their spot in the new program, pay the $500 deposit again, and complete all the new program’s missing payments. Permission to apply for the second program is at the full discretion of the Honors College.

Withdrawal from a program will only be permitted for medical reasons. In order to request a medical withdrawal, students must provide appropriate medical documentation from a physician licensed in the United States. Otherwise, they will remain responsible for all charges.

Students that are dropped from a program for lack of payment, lack of documentation, or due to FIU Student Conduct and Honor Code sanctions, will still be responsible for the charges already posted to their account. That balance will still be due.

FIU and/or the Honors College reserve the right to cancel study abroad programs—the only case in which a refund will be made. The refund will cover the program’s cost and the $500 deposit. Late fees will not be refunded or removed. Students will be responsible for fees or losses incurred in cancelling or changing their airfare ticket and any other expenses not covered by the program fee. Consideration to purchase Trip Cancellation insurance coverage is recommended. Refunds for the $195 OEA fee will be at OEA’s discretion.

If the program gets canceled once the IDH 4007 course has started, students will continue that course until finished. They will obtain 3 academic credits for it and their tuition for the course taken will not be refunded.

By signing up to participate in a study abroad program, students are assuming all the above-mentioned responsibilities and are committing to comply with them without further notices.

Yes! Study Abroad Honors Hours will take place in September right before registration opens. Everything will be explained there, so make sure to attend!

For France / Italy / Spain: Tuesday September 13, 3:30-4:45pm, location: SIPA 125

For UK / Cambodia-Vietnam: Thursday September 15, 3:30-4:45pm, location: SIPA 125

For Costa Rica / Japan: Tuesday, September 20, 3:30-4:45pm, location: SIPA 125

Current Honors students need a minimum GPA of 3.3 and clearance from Allen Varela. To request yours, see the instructions on Question #3.Freshmen, dual enrollment, and FTICs do not need clearance.

Newly admitted Freshmen, Dual Enrollment, and FTIC’s (first-time in college students)

- Students without an FIU GPA: If space is available, freshmen in their first year who do not yet have an FIU GPA may apply for a Study Abroad program after their Fall grades have been posted (Dec 15, 2022.) Students must have earned a minimum GPA of 3.3 to apply.

- Students with a College GPA: Dual Enrollment students and FTIC’s, with or without a completed AA degree, who have placed into the upper division Honors curriculum, must have a minimum 3.3 overall college GPA to apply.

- All qualifying newly admitted freshmen and FTICs must have attended an Honors Orientation or Workshop to enroll in an Honors Study Abroad Program.

Registration works by appointment only and on a first come, first served basis.

For Spain, registration opens on September 27^th. Schedule your appointment online from September 16^th at 10:00am sharp to September 23^rd at 10:00am, HERE
For Italy, registration opens on September 27^th. Schedule your appointment online from September 16^th at 10:00am sharp to September 23^rd at 10:00am, HERE
For France, registration opens on September 29^th. Schedule your appointment online from September 16^th at 10:00am sharp to September 23^rd at 10:00am, HERE
For UK, registration opens on September 29^th. Schedule your appointment online from September 16^th at 10:00am sharp to September 23^rd at 10:00am, HERE
For Japan, registration opens on October 4^th. Schedule your appointment online from September 23^rd at 10:00am sharp to September 30^th at 10:00am, HERE
For Cambodia-Vietnam, registration opens on October 4^th. Schedule your appointment online from September 16^th at 10:00am sharp to September 30^th at 10:00am, HERE
For Costa Rica, registration opens on October 6^th. Schedule your appointment online from September 23^rd at 10:00am sharp to September 30^th at 10:00am, HERE

It’s your choice. You don’t have to. Your study abroad program will satisfy your one-year, 6 required Honors credits: 3 credits for the Spring on-campus mandatory class + 3 credits for the Summer trip. But, since there are no guarantees you will get registered on one—it works on a first come, first served basis—it is recommended you do take a seminar. You could fall behind if you don’t.

For information about Study Abroad Scholarships, go to: https://studyabroad.fiu.edu/fiu-students/funding/index.html.

If you have any questions, contact the Office of Education Abroad at (305) 348-1913 or at edabroad@fiu.edu. If you want to go in person, they are located at SASC 230.

If you are a U.S. citizen receiving the Federal Pell Grant, you should apply for the Benjamin Gilman Scholarship at https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/

Yes. But if you are paying through a scholarship, it is still your responsibility to have the payments made by the deadlines and in their entirety. Same with tuition fees. It would be your responsibility to contact Financial Aid to ensure they will be complying by the deadlines. If any delays are foreseen for the program fees, you must notify the Honors College of the situation in advance. Tuition fees must be paid by the Honors deadlines. If your scholarship will not cover the full amount due by then, it will be your responsibility to pay the balance out-of-pocket.

FIU and/or the Honors College reserve the right to cancel study abroad programs—the only case in which a refund will be made. The refund will cover the program’s cost and the $500 deposit. Late fees, if any, will not be refunded or removed. Students are responsible for fees or losses incurred in canceling or changing their airfare ticket and any other expenses not covered by the program fee. Purchasing Trip Cancellation insurance coverage is recommended. Refunds for the $195 OEA fee will be at OEA’s discretion.

All programs are contingent upon the COVID situation and FIU's decision. FIU continues to carefully monitor the public health situation around the world.

Please keep in mind that there is a possibility that the program will not be allowed to travel in the summer even if you are taking IDH 4007 in the spring.

If your program is allowed to travel in the summer, you will later be enrolled in IDH 4008 for Summer 2023.
If FIU decides to not allow your program to travel in the summer after you started taking IDH 4007 in Spring, the IDH 4008 portion of the program will be canceled. However, you will keep taking IDH 4007 for the length of the Spring semester, and you will complete its 3 credits.

Students are strongly encouraged to review vaccination, including against COVID-19, requirements for visiting countries. Failure to abide by vaccination requirements may prevent a student from entering a country and continuing participation in the Study Abroad program. FIU provides many vaccinations, including against COVID-19, for students on campus.

2023 Costa Rica: Environment and Sustainability

All Honors College study abroad websites may contain information reflective of last year's programs. We are updating each program website with new information in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you have specific questions regarding 2023 program information, please contact Allen Varela at honorsabroad@fiu.edu. This year, we established the new Honors Study Abroad WhatsApp group where faculty directors, Honors alumni and students who completed Honors Study Abroad will describe their experiences as well as do their best to answer your questions. You can join this group by emailing honorsabroad@fiu.edu.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Costa Rica is determined to be the first carbon-neutral country in the world. This represent a big challenge, nut also a learning opportunity, to see the world “out of the box”. On the summer trip, students will focus on the country’s initiatives in social responsibility, sustainable development, biodiversity with an emphasis on tropical ecosystems, indigenous community, and the effects of global warming mitigation, as well as the relation people/nature. We will explore everything from chocolate and coffee tours to rainforest medicines, from volcanoes to beaches, from exotic birds to gulch-spanning ziplines, from crocodiles to frog ponds. At the Malecu Indigenous Reserve and the community of Copey de Dota, students will work on service-research projects alongside local ecotourism directors, farmers and scientists who are working in cooperatives and research institutes that benefit both entrepreneurs and the local community.

To watch the Costa Rica Study Abroad Honors Hour Session held on September 20, 2022, please visit here.

COURSE SYLLABUS:
2023 Syllabus

WHAT DOES IT COST?
Approximately $1,900 + airfare ($350 to $500)

WHAT IS INCLUDED?
– $500 non-refundable Honors College administrative fee
– Accommodations
– Most meals
– Local Transportation
– Group visits, activities
– Museums, etc.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
– Airfare
– $195 Office of Study Abroad fee
– FIU tuition
– Passport, and other necessary documents
– Vaccinations if needed
– Personal expenses

WHEN WILL YOU TAKE THE PRE-TRIP CLASS?
Spring 2023: Fridays, 8:00AM to 10:45AM

WHEN WILL YOU GO ON THE TRIP?
Summer A: May 11 – June 1, 2022

LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:

3– Moderate

WHAT IS THE FOCUS?
Sustainability, culture, and biodiversity. The impact of economic, environmental, and social issues related to tourism and general business practices.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Activities: You’ll be visiting national parks, and private reserves. You’ll be working on cooperative farms, visiting and talking with members of indigenous tribes and assisting local people in launching sustainable tourist facilities. Also, you will explore the rich and diverse ecological landscape through boat rides, bird watching, nature walks, snorkeling, swimming, and zip-lining.

You will also perform approximately 20 hours of service work at the Malecu Indigenous Reserve and Copey de Dota community, helping to improve the infrastructure of the local schools.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
Indigenous traditions, community tourism, conservation, sustainable medicinal plants, unique ecosystems, the cooperative model, and its social/economic impact.

WHERE WILL YOU GO?
Destinations: Sarapiquí: Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve; La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano Observatory, Paradise Hotsprings, La Fortuna Waterfall; Monteverde: Curicancha Cloud Forest Reserve, Children Eternal Rainforest; North Pacific: Curú National Wildlife Refuge, Tortuga Island Tárcoles river, South Pacific: Marino Ballena National Park, Uvita Beach; San Gerardo de Dota: Los Quetzales National Park, Las Vueltas Reserve; San José de Costa Rica: Starbucks Coffee Tour Sarchí, Downtown San José.

WHO WILL BE INTERESTED?
Great for students with interests in environmental studies, biodiversity, economics, ecology, anthropology, sociology, agriculture, business, tourism, medicine, pharmacology, religious studies, engineering, biology… There is something for everyone!

HOW DOES IT WORK?
IDH 4007 (3 credits): Spring course on campus. Fridays 8:00am – 10:45am

IDH 4008 (3 credits): Trip during Summer A.

These 6 credits fulfill one year of Honors College requirements.

WHO ARE YOU GOING WITH?
Carlos Roberto Chavarria – cchavarr@fiu.edu

ABOUT THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR:

Carlos Roberto Chavarria is a Forest Engineer with a master’s degree in Natural Tourism Management, specialized in protected areas management, development of economic activities based on the sustainable use of natural resources, agro-ecotourism, and sustainable tourism. He is one of the founders of “Reserva Biológica Tirimbina,” where he developed a model of financial sustainability that generates resources for the development of Environmental Education and Scientific Research programs. He has also developed a variety of activities on biological corridors’ management in Costa Rica and has worked with Coffee Farmers Cooperatives for the implementation of better environmental practices.

Professor Chavarria has contributed as a tutor in the Organization of American States’ Agro-ecotourism Program and has offered courses about Sustainability, Ecotourism and Climate Change for Ball State University, Indiana, Johnson & Wales University, Rhode Island, Purdue University, Indiana, Florida International University, and others. He collaborates with the Society for Conservation Biology, American Section’s Board of Directors since 2010. Since 2012, he has been developing programs in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama, connecting institutions dedicated to conservation and education with these countries’ culture, traditions, and scenic beauty.