Structure: Two Semesters
Activity Level: Moderate
Travel Portion:
2026:
Start: Saturday, May 16
End: Saturday, June 6
Price (airfare not included): $3,100 $2,600
Overview
Program Overview
This course examines the intersection of environmental sustainability and legal frameworks within Costa Rica's unique ecological and regulatory context. Students will explore Costa Rica's pioneering environmental legislation, conservation strategies, and sustainable development practices while analyzing the legal mechanisms that support the country's reputation as a global leader in environmental protection.
This intensive summer course builds upon the foundational knowledge of Costa Rican environmental law to explore advanced applications, contemporary challenges, and innovative legal solutions. Students will engage in practical legal analysis, field-based learning, and collaborative problem-solving while examining cutting-edge issues in environmental jurisprudence and policy implementation within Costa Rica's dynamic legal landscape.
Course focus
- Sustainability
- Culture
- Biodiversity
- Impact of economic, environmental, and social issues related to tourism and general business practices
- Indigenous Traditions
- Community Tourism
- Conservation
- Sustainable medicinal plants
- Unique Ecosystems
- Environmental Law
- COURSE SYLLABUS: Spring 2026 Syllabus & Summer 2026 Syllabus
Program information
- Spring 2026 (on campus): IDH 4007 (3 credits) - MMC, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:00PM-6:15PM
- Summer A 2026 (abroad): IDH 4008 (3 credits) - May 16-June 6, 2026
Program highlights
- Hiking in national parks & private reserves
- Hiking near the Arenal Volcano
- Visiting & talking with members of indigenous tribes
- Chocolate & coffee tours
- Helping improve infrastructure of local schools at the Maleku Indigenous Reserve
- Explore the rich & diverse ecological landscape through boat rides, bird watching, nature walks, snorkeling, swimming & zip-lining
What is included
- 21 nights in handpicked accommodations
- Laundry in two accommodations
- Private group transportation
- Guided hikes
- Various tours of agricultural tourism tours (coffee, chocolate, farm)
- Boat trip at Arenal Lake & Jungle Crocodile boat tour
- Snorkeling tour
- Cooking class
- Day of community service at Maleku Indigenous Community with experienced worker (6+ service hours)
- International travel medical insurance
- Private English-speaking tour guide
- Tips for guides in different locations, private tour guide, and driver
- 20 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 19 dinners
- 24/7 support from Faculty Director & local guide
- Admission to Paradise Hot Springs, Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, Los Quetzales National Park, and so much more
What is not included
- Roundtrip international airfare to/from San José, Costa Rica
- $195.00 Education Abroad administrative fee (OEA Fee)
- FIU in-state tuition (6 credits, $205.57 per credit)
- Passport, visa, and other necessary documents
- Personal expenses
Key:
(#) = number of nights; squiggle line = boat
Itinerary
Itinerary is subject to change. It is a “living document,” meaning that scheduled "Free Time" may be utilized for in-person quizzes, class meetings, and/or class days.
Students should always consult with their Faculty Director prior to scheduling plans during "Free Time"
Day 1: San José
Students arrive to San José by mid-day. Travel by bus/van to hotel. Highlight includes welcome dinner
Day 2-3: Sarapiquí
Travel by bus/van to Sarapiquí. Highlights include coffee tour, Tirimbina Rainforest Center, NGO, hanging bridges, forest, and floating tour of Sarapiquí River
Day 4-7: La Fortuna
Travel by van/bus to La Fortuna with a stop for a pineapple tour. Highlights include chocolate tour, La Fortuna Waterfall, tour at Finca Campesina, community work at Maleku Indigenous Territory, Night Wing Project, Arenal National Park, boat ride on Arenal Lake, Hot Spring Paradise, and zip lines at Ecoglide
Day 8-9: Monteverde
Travel by van/bus to Monteverde with stop at Tejona Eolic Project. Highlights include Curicancha Nature Reserve and night hike at Children Eternal Rainforest
Day 10-13: Uvita
Travel by bus/van to Uvita with a stop for Crocodile Safari at Tárcoles River. Highlights include Marino Bellena National Park, street market, Boruca Indigenous Territory, and Nauyaca Waterfall
Day 14-15: San Gerardo de Dota
Travel by van/bus through the Talamanca Range, visit Quetzales National Park and stop at Páramo while heading to San Gerardo de Dota. Highlights include optional birding, hike to the Oak Forest, hike to Savegre waterfall, and morning hike at the Gardens
Day 16: Jiménez de Cartago
Travel by bus/van to Jiménez de Cartago. Highlights include birding, visit to Las Vueltas town, and cooking class with local products
Day 17-20: Cahuita
Travel by bus/van to the Caribbean Coast. Highlights include snorkeling at the Reef Barrier of Cahuita National Park, Gandoca - Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, Manzanillo Beach sector, Cocles Beach, and Bribri Indigenous Territory
Day 21-22: San José
Travel by bus/van to San José. Farewell dinner. Travel by bus/van to airport. End of program
Faculty Director
Andrej Milic
Born in Vienna, Austria to Yugoslavian parents, Mr. Andrej Milic, is the Director of Development at FIU College of Law. Mr. Milic obtained his Bachelor of Applied Science Degree from Miami Dade College where he was a member of the honors college. He obtained his Master of Management Degree with a specialization in Justice Administration from St. Thomas University and his Juris Doctor of Law from University of Florida. Mr. Milic earned his LL.M. in Intercultural Human Rights at. St. Thomas University School of Law. Mr. Milic is a licensed attorney in Florida and is a participant in the Florida Bar Leadership Academy Class X. Mr. Milic has developed courses for aspiring attorneys and teaches at numerous universities. Mr. Milic lectures internationally on various international legal topics. Mr. Milic’s community involvement includes Business Network International, Hispanic National Bar Association, Serbian American Professional Network and the National Association of Prelaw Advisors.
2026 Payment Schedule
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1st Payment (Deposit) |
2nd Program Payment |
Spring 2026 |
3rd Program Payment |
Education Abroad Fee |
Summer A 2026 |
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Payments are non-refundable & non-transferable