Renewable Energy for International Development

January 3-11, 2012

Program Information

Work hands-on with solar, wind, hydroelectric, and/or biofuels applications for the rural developing world!

This program is an exciting opportunity to learn about renewable energy technologies and make a difference in the lives of people in the developing world. The program combines a 9-day travel program to rural Costa Rica with an 8-week online course that builds on the experience and data gathered in the field.

Students will learn about the geography, history, and culture of Costa Rica and the Central American region and study how issues of energy, the environment, and economy in developing countries differ from those in the United States. During the study abroad service-learning experience, students will be engaged in hands-on installation of renewable energy systems to benefit the residents of the Costa Rican host community of Mastatal.

Course Information

Students enroll in Madison College course number 20-623-290. This 3-credit course includes 9 days of field work in Mastatal, Costa Rica, plus 8 weeks of online instruction. (Please note that the 8-week online course requires participants to be Madison College students. If you are currently not a student at Madison College, visit Apply Now / Register and click on Option 2.)

Instructors for this course are Ken Walz, Chemistry and Engineering Instructor at Madison College, and Ian Woofenden, Renewable Energy Instructor at Solar Energy International.

Accommodations and Meals

Participants will stay in dormitory lodging at the Rancho Mastatal Environmental Learning and Sustainable Living Center.

The cost of the program includes 3 meals per day in Mastatal.

Additional Information

A passport is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Costa Rica. If you need to apply for a passport, it is advised to allow at least 6 weeks for standard processing.

Madison College requires all participants to purchase international health insurance. Information will be provided upon registration.

Cost

The program fee for January 2012 is approximately $1800 (estimated), which includes:

• 9 days travel and renewable energy instruction in Mastatal, Costa Rica
• Hands-on instruction and construction of multiple solar electric systems
• Tours of various renewable energy and sustainability projects in Mastatal
• Motor coach from Juan Santamaría International Airport (San José, Costa Rica) to Mastatal
• 9 nights dormitory lodging at the Rancho Mastatal Environmental Learning and Sustainable Living Center
• Meals in Mastatal (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Experienced Engineering and Renewable Energy Instructors
• Spanish Language Translator(s) in Mastatal

Additional tuition for the 3-credit, 8-week online course is approximately $394.50; the course fee will be higher for non-Wisconsin residents. The course runs January 17 - March 20, 2012.

Additional costs include:

• Airfare to and from San José, Costa Rica (students must arrange individually)
• Mandatory international health insurance (approx. $50.00)
• Costa Rica country departure tax (approx. $26.00)
• Incidental/recreational food and drink
• Personal expenses: laundry, entertainment, souvenirs, etc.
• Passport (if you do not yet have one)

To Apply

The application deadline is Tuesday, November 1, 2011. All materials, including the initial deposit of $500, must be received by 4:00 p.m. in the Center for International Education. (NOTE: Unless an applicant is rejected, the $500 deposit is non-refundable.)

Application for Renewable Energy Costa Rica

For More Information

If you would like to know more about studying abroad through Madison College, please StudyAbroad[at] matcmadison [dot] edu (email us) or call 608-246-6201 to schedule an appointment.

RE4ID Fact Sheet (Word, 526KB)

RE4ID Frequently Asked Questions (Word, 325KB)