University for Peace

The University for Peace (UPEACE) was established in December 1980 as a Treaty Organization by the United Nations General Assembly. UPEACE is only university in the United Nations system authorized to offer academic degrees in the field of peace and conflict studies.

Located in Costa Rica within the University for Peace, the UPEACE Centre for Executive Education was launched to deliver dynamic workshops, seminars and training courses.

Course

Chapman University: Peace Communications field experience in Costa Rica

Location:

Costa Rica (San José area, San Vito and Manuel Antonio)

  • Hotel Marañón– about a 20 minute ride from UPEACE, while in the San Jose area you will be staying in Ciudad Colon at a boutique eco-lodge surrounded by nature. (+506) 2249-1271
  • Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) Las Cruces Research Station – located near the Panamanian border, in the town of San Vito, this will be your home while you dive into a 2-day course on global health and development issues that mix classroom time with field visits to surrounding indigenous territories and health centers.
  • Hotel Mono Azul – Hotel Mono Azul, or Blue Monkey in English, will be your home in Manuel Antonio. Run by an American couple, this funky hotel has a great bar & restaurant, and operates with an eye toward sustainability. (+506)2777-2572

Course dates:

January 8-20, 2020

Course highlights:

  • Nacientes Palmichal – an example of rural community tourism
  • Restorative Leadership and Circles workshop
  • Tarcoles sustainable fishing village
  • Inter-American Center for Global Health (CISG) – work with an indigenous community to promote an understanding of the complex components around global health
  • Lloverá Foundation – organization that provides food, rehabilitation and tools for reintegration for homeless people
  • Transforma – NGO that works towards transformational development for socially vulnerable women and children
  • Free day in Manuel Antonio!

Contact information:

Logistics Information:

What to Bring:

  • A small backpack or duffel bag to bring luggage on the Manuel Antonio/San Vito trip (larger suitcase can be stored at the hotel in San José)
  • Hiking/walking shoes or sneakers, specifically for Nacientes Palmichal, our time in San Vito, and the tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Bug spray and sun screen (both are quite expensive in Costa Rica, so better to bring your own, and even better if they’re eco-friendly!)
  • Beach attire
  • Water bottle for daily use
  • Clothing for humid, hot and cooler temperatures
  • Light-weight, water-resistant jacket or similar
  • Flashlight
  • Donations: Donations are COMPLETELY VOLUNTARY, but, that said, should you be inspired to help out, our partners at Lloverá Foundation, which works with homeless populations in San José, is our lucky recipient this year. They would be overjoyed if we could bring along donations such as:
    – clean, new socks
    – gently used clothes, particularly men’s clothing (most useful are sizes S and M) – sweatshirts and sweaters are much appreciated!
    – gently used shoes, particularly men’s sneakers and shoes – any size/shape helps!
    – cosmetics such as fresh toothbrushes, toothpaste and deodorant
    – blankets

Other important tips:

  • Currency: US dollars are accepted in many parts of Costa Rica, but the local currency is called the colon. Exchange rates have been fluctuating A LOT lately, but should run between 600 and 650 colones to the dollar.
    Please do not come hoping to exchange money at the bank. You can take out colones at the ATM, or use dollars and get colones as your change, but exchanging money is slow and arduous, and not built into the trip.
  • Food: Costa Ricans eat a lot of rice and beans! We’ll try to keep your diet somewhat varied, but come prepared. If you have special dietary needs or allergies, be sure to alert your professor so that we can prepare accordingly.

Open enrollment courses by the UPEACE Centre: Click here

The Centre’s Team: Click here

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