Program Overview
URGENT: Please note that Nicaragua is currently under a U.S. Department of State Advisory Level 3. University policy requires that students traveling to countries under an Advisory Level 3 complete the Travel Advisory Petition application. Your Travel Advisory Petition will be reviewed by the International Travel Risk Assessment Committee. If approved, you may move forward with the program application.
This program is ideal for Freshman and Sophomore-level students looking to gain international experience in Central America. Volunteer service throughout these Central American countries includes village construction and environmental conservation projects such as building/repairing schools and houses, or helping to restore sensitive environments and protecting sea turtles when they lay their eggs on shore. There is Spanish language study for four weeks while living with host families, various cultural activities throughout the semester, hiking excursions to spectacular natural and cultural settings in the highlands and rainforests, the study of local arts traditions and meditation/yoga training, and SCUBA training with the opportunity to enjoy the beaches and community life in the coastal settings of Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Honduras.
Program Details
The Central America program includes stays in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Honduras. It offers a wide range of experiences and locations including:
- the waterfalls at Semuc Champey
- Lake Atitlan in the highlands of Guatemala
- the fabulous rainforests and beaches of Costa Rica and Honduras
- Mayan ruins of Tikal
There is ample opportunity for service learning projects, Spanish language instruction, and several homestay opportunities that offer intensive interaction with local residents and their community.
FACT SHEET |
Education Abroad Advisor |
Make an appointment with Rachel Landers at any time! |
Get Started |
Attend or watch an Ed Abroad 101 Session |
Program Provider |
Carpe Diem |
Program Dates |
View the Current Carpe Diem Calendar |
Areas of Study |
- International Studies
- Latin American Studies
- Liberal Arts
- Social Science
|
Credits |
Students enroll in up to 18 credits |
Capstone Option |
No |
Language of Instruction |
English, Spanish |
Host Country Language |
Spanish |
Housing |
Other, arranged by provider |
Class Standing Eligibility |
- Freshman
- Sophomore
- Junior
- Senior
|
Minimum GPA Requirements |
Undergraduate: 2.50
Must be in Satisfactory Academic Standing. |
Language Requirement |
No previous language study required |
Program Fee |
Click here to view the Carpe Diem Program Fee |
PSU Fees |
Click here to view PSU Fees
Application Fee:
All applications include a $50 non-refundable fee due on the application deadline. Students who do not intend to complete a program application are required to withdraw before the deadline, otherwise, the $50 application fee will
be assessed to the students' account. |
Scholarships |
|
Carpe Diem Program Fee Includes the Following:
- Tuition
- Excursions
- Accommodations
- All meals
- Medical insurance
- On-site orientation
- Pre-departure and on-site support