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Information Sessions:

** - Double check the website one week prior to the meeting date.

Deadline to Apply::
All forms & application components must be submitted by December 11th , 2012.

Goals:

• To foster understanding of cross cultural sensitivity, development, environmental, and sustainability issues
• To promote the study of Spanish and further overall communication skills
• To develop transferable life skills and attitudes including: adaptability, analysis, confidence, independence, initiative, integrity, organization, perseverance, problem solving, responsibility, stress management, and time management
• To share and apply one’s experience through future involvement in Canadian or other communities

Program Overview:

• International Cooperative Education combines cross-cultural living with international community service work experience
• Students live with host families and work on community development, conservation, and environmental projects

• Age 15 by program start
• Completed grade 10 (i.e. 16 credits) by program start
• Have completed and passed Civics (CHV2O) by program start

International Placement:

• Live with host family
  • You will share a host family with one other YRDSB student (you will share a bedroom with that student)
• Immerse oneself in Spanish language
• Develop cross cultural communication skills
• Complete practical assignments
• Work at several work placements in a variety of host communities.
  
  At your rainforest community, work tasks may include:
  • Protecting the water source, flora, & fauna
  • Making wood signs for trails, property
  • Building, maintaining, and cleaning forest trails and drainage trenches
  • Constructing, cleaning, and maintaining infrastructure for eco-tourists & school groups
  • Planting trees
  • Dredging canals
  • Building retaining walls
  • Building & repairing forest trails
  • Preparing gardens in butterfly conservatory
  • Cleaning & painting community buildings
  • Participating in community beautification
  • Cleaning water ducts
  • Maintaining, developing, and improving the wildlife rescue centre (cleaning cages; monitoring animals’ health & diet; preparing food & feeding animals; building cages, fences, nest boxes, feeding platforms; rehabilitating animals; conducting tours.)
  
  
  At your coastal community, work tasks may include:
  • Protecting, conserving, & researching sea turtle nesting
  • Constructing & monitoring hatcheries/breeding grounds
  • Transferring turtle nests
  • Performing beach signalling
  • Protecting nests/female turtles via Patrol walks
  • Collecting data (biometry/marking)
  • Maintaining & constructing infrastructure
  • Clearing beach
  • Assisting with community projects
  • Preparing meals
  
  
  At your host family’s house, ‘work’ tasks may include:
  • Gardening
  • Farming (assist w/ the maintenance of plants, crops & animals)
  • Preparing meals
  • Doing laundry
  • Cleaning house/yard
  • Babysitting
  • Playing sports
  • Attending community events (church, group dinners, birthday parties, market day, movies, music, etc.)
  • Watching Spanish television/listening to Spanish music
  • Helping children with homework
  • Planning & implementing a cultural show
  • Teaching English; teaching about your Canadian & your heritage culture
  • Learning Spanish
  • Learning about Costa Rica’s environment & culture

How Much Does it Cost and What is Covered?

Per student program fees are $ 3595 and cover all overseas expenses including:

• Transportation – all international and in Costa Rica transportation (planes, bus, van, taxi)
• Accommodation – host family, hostel, hotel, beach house
• Food – all daily meals
• All entrance fees – parks, tours, theatre
• 24/7 support – from teacher and bilingual Costa Ricans
• Medical insurance - comprehensive international medical insurance that accesses the best hospitals

How Do I Apply?

The complete application is downloadable from this website in the Fall

Components of the Application:

• Application Form – downloadable from this website in the Fall; includes instructions for the following requirements…
  • Credit Counselling Summary – get a copy from your Guidance office
  • Attendance Records – get a copy from your Guidance office
  • 3 Teacher References – forms downloadable from this website
  • Essay – Why are you Interested in Summer International Co-op to Costa Rica?
  • Candidate Vetting Form – completed by your Co-op Department head in conjunction with your Principal/Vice Principal, Guidance Counsellor, Special Education monitor (if applicable), + review of OSR. This form will be sent electronically to your Co-op Department Head once we have received your completed application.
  • Interview – will be conducted in person or over the phone once your complete application has been submitted.

Deadline to Apply:
All forms & application components must be submitted by December 11th , 2012.

Application submission instructions are on the application form.

(You will be notified by phone or email of the date, time, & location of your interview)