Mid-Semester Module 2013

Exploring Sustainable Economic Development in Nicaragua and Costa Rica

¡Bienvenidos a Nicaragua y Costa Rica!

We visit:– Nicaragua: Jinotega (Los Robles), Managua,

San Juan del Sur, Granada– Costa Rica: Arenal, Sarapiqui, San Jose

We focus on:– Sustainability – Economics of coffee industry– Women’s cooperatives

We connect:– Several community engagement projects– Visit numerous businesses, farms,

restaurants, infinity pools, beaches,(rivers and hot springs)

Required preparation:– 4 hours of meetings (plus readings)

Our Stops …Sarapiqui

Partners on the Ground

• Our long-time hosts in Nicaragua (Jon, Mara and Dariel)

• Work with Nicaraguan communities to facilitate sustainable community development

• Our new hosts in Costa Rica• Promote corporate

responsibility and strategic social investment in Costa Rica

Learning Opportunities• Visit coffee farms, businesses and communities• Meet several women’s cooperatives• Visit (nonprofit and for-profit) social enterprises• Work/play with local kids in schools

Cultural and Social• Finca Las Nubes BBQ• Sailing, fishing, surfing,

canopy tours?• Day trip to Granada• Rafting (Rio Sarapiqui)

or hot springs (Ecotermales) in Costa Rica

• Economic (spending our $$ with locals)• Cultural (homestays and community

service projects)• SE@G projects (health clinic in Los

Robles and Farmers to 40)

Our Impacts

In 2011, we donated several new roofs to residents in Los Robles.

In early 2012, we initiated a project to develop and support a community health

clinic in Los Robles.

This year, we are piloting a model that will return 40% of the retail price for coffee to

the farmers that grow the beans.

Trip Details

• Wednesday, February 27 to Tuesday, March 12

• Estimated Cost– Ground costs, including all meals (~$2,800)– Airfare (~$700-800)– Personal spending (~$300)

• Lodging– Eco-lodge (in Los Robles)– Hotels (in Managua, Granada, Arenal, Sarapiqui and San Jose)– Homestays (in SJdS and TBD in Costa Rica)

• Language Requirements (Spanish desirable but none required)

• Space is limited to 16 students

• For another perspective on the “look and feel” of the trip (compiled by an EvMBA student on a January trip):

• http://vimeo.com/35135008