This course offers an immersive, experiential learning journey in Costa Rica, centered in the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world’s five Blue Zones and a region known for the longevity, resilience, and wellbeing of its residents. The course is structured around the interconnectedness of three themes; ecology (plants, animals and ocean life), cultural traditions and rituals (daily practices and ceremonies) and the study of self (yoga, meditation, written reflection) gives students a holistic understanding of the environmental, cultural and physiological factors that profoundly affect one's own well-being.

Students will be hosted at SolSanctuary in Playa Grande, a nonprofit retreat center that serves as both an animal rehabilitation facility and an educational hub for permaculture, gardening, and ecological sustainability. This site provides direct access to beaches, hiking trails, native flora, local farms, and hands-on conservation work, allowing students to engage deeply with Costa Rica’s unique ecosystems.

Twice daily yoga sessions will continue to ground students in embodied learning through asana, breath-work, and meditation. These practices prepare students physically and mentally to be fully present in their experiences, while seminar-style discussions and reflective writing deepen engagement with Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and the philosophical dimensions of self-study, attention, and mindful living.

Presentations and lectures from experts in their field will form the core of each module. Students will study native plants and medicinal botanicals, explore sustainable agriculture, and examine how food systems impact both planetary and personal health. Work with resident veterinarians and naturalists will introduce students to the challenges facing Costa Rican wildlife as habitats shift due to development. Additional sessions with marine biologists will address the health of the ocean, including the impact of microplastics on marine life. Beach cleanups and an art-making project using collected debris provide tangible insight into human ecological impact.

Students will also explore Costa Rican cultural and Indigenous traditions through practices such as temescal ceremony and cacao preparation, contextualized through academic study to ensure cultural respect and understanding.

The student will create a final research/reflection project or paper that may include recipes, field notes, reflective writing, artistic work, environmental observations, interviews with guest lecturers/scholars/cultural practitioners to demonstrate their integrated learning.

The mission of this course is to foster embodied, intercultural, and environmentally engaged learning and encourage students to examine their habits, values, and community relationships while honoring the rich ecological and cultural heritage of Costa Rica.

Week 1

• Monday, Jan. 4: Moraga
  Activities: On-campus day
• Tuesday, Jan. 5: Depart from SFO, Arrive at LIR (Costa Rica)
• Jan. 6-10: Playa Grande
  Class topics: Nature/Permaculture/Ecology.
  Activities: Introduction to Permaculture - work in the garden.
  Lecture presentation: Costa Rican Permaculture.
  Excursions: La Senda Labyrinth and Organic Farm, Tamarindo Farmer’s Market, Reina’s Chocolate and Organic Cacao Farm.

Week 2

• Jan. 11-17: Playa Grande
  Class topic: Ocean.
  Lecture presentations: Oceanography, Marine Biodiversity.
  Excursions: Beach clean-up/micro-plastic art workshop, Estuary Cruise.

Week 3

• Jan. 18-24: Playa Grande
  Class topics: Animals and Nature.
  Lecture presentations: Biology of Costa Rican mammals, SolSanctuary Veterinarians, Botanist of Costa Rica.
  Excursions: Guided Nature Hike Las Baulas National Park, La Leona Waterfall and Guided Nature Hike.

Week 4

• Jan. 25-28: Playa Grande
  Class topics: Ecosystems-Interconnectedness-Culture
  Lecture presentations: Indigenous rituals, Sound healing through vibrations/ceremony, Breathwork.
  Activities: Cacao ceremony, Temescal ceremony, Group Final Project (making connections between the 4 themes)
• Friday, Jan. 29: Depart from LIR, Arrive at SFO

Course Fee: $4,500-$5,500
Learn about the Jan Term Travel Scholarship for additional funding.

This fee includes:
Airfare, Local Transportation, Lodging, Meals, Excursions (e.g., museums, tours, etc.), Gratuity, Travel Insurance ($35/student - international classes only), Miscellaneous

Estimated cost outside of course fee:
$200 for additional food/snacks, souvenirs, laundry, voluntary uber trips to town