The Study Abroad Program at Las Nubes EcoCampus offers several courses during the academic year, through which students are given an unprecedented opportunity to interact with and learn from the local rural Costa Rican communities through first-hand lessons on tropical ecology, sustainability, indigenous education, arts, health, and conservation.
The emphasis of our programs is on experiential education, building on our long-standing relationships with diverse communities and groups in Southern Costa Rica, including women’s organizations, agricultural cooperatives and producers, environmental protection and social justice groups, and indigenous communities, among others.
It was my first time traveling solo and I was nervous. It was easier than I expected to travel to Costa Rica. I was able to do things out of my comfort zone such as hiking and going on a boat. The boat ride was amazing as I got to see so many different birds and other animals. I also had an opportunity to do a night hike and went to a part of Costa Rica that contained 55 percent of the country’s biodiversity. Another new experience was living with a host family and eating food from a cuisine I wasn't too familiar with. If it was not for this trip, I would not have experienced this. A big takeaway from the trip was the importance of taking advantage of opportunities and to not be scared.
I embarked on this trip to Costa Rica as part of a program focused on cultural immersion and environmental conservation. I wanted to experience the rich biodiversity of the cloud forests and learn from the local communities. The experience was incredibly rewarding, as it allowed me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and witness the beauty of Costa Rica’s natural landscapes. This journey deepened my appreciation for the importance of preserving our environment and reinforced the value of cultural exchange. It was truly an unforgettable adventure that will inspire me for years to come.
For future students of Las Nubes, my advice is to go with an open mind and be willing to step out of your comfort zone. The learning in this course goes beyond the classroom; it is a sensory experience that involves the environment, the culture and the people. As a Mexican, I found additional value in this experience by being able to compare and contrast our traditions and approaches to nature, which further enriched my understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity. Take every opportunity to interact with the local community and reflect on how this knowledge can be applied in your own lives.
Signing up for Las Nubes, I really did not know what to expect. I was busy working and had minimal time to prepare in advance. When I first got there, I instantly knew that it will be a very unique experience. Being literally on top of the clouds (which is the definition of Las Nubes), meeting new friends, different environment and a lot more. I quickly got to make a second family in Costa Rica. Something that I will forever cherish.
The thing I enjoyed most was how we got to share our experiences coming from different backgrounds and everyone had that openness to listen, understand and share their point of view , this, along with how the course was designed in order for us to not only learn in theory but getting fully immersed, from the culturally rich communities getting to know more about their practices, beliefs and initiatives to preserve their knowledge, all the way to venture deep into the rainforest and natural landscapes admiring and understanding our role in education to understand and create consciousness in the society in order to have a true environmental and sustainable education to protect and respect everything that surrounds us.
One of the most valuable aspects of this experience was living with professional and master's level students from different countries. This multicultural environment allowed me to interact and collaborate to significantly broaden my global perspective. In addition, each of the lessons strengthened my ability to generate innovative and sustainable solutions that can address urgent socio-environmental challenges.
I went to York’s Las Nubes campus because the Global Eco-Arts Residency course seemed like a perfect fit for me. Some highlights of my experience include the walking tour of San José where we saw street art, visiting the art centre- TEOR/ÉTICA, having discussions about the course readings, watching a theatre performance in Boruca, and planning and facilitating an art activity for the children at the Expo Cobas festival. Be prepared for long days, and lasting memories!
My experiences at the Las Nubes campus had a profound impact on my academic career to the point where I've since shifted my research to focus on environmentalism and social activism. It sparked a desire to use my art and academic journey to explore, travel, and use my voice to help people and the environment. The ideas we learned, the people we met, and the things we experienced are some things that I'll never forget.
I decided to go to Las Nubes because of its unique opportunity to immerse myself in a rich and diverse environment that blends natural beauty with cultural depth. As an artist deeply committed to exploring themes of women's experiences, societal pressures, and freedom, I believe that living and studying with indigenous women in Costa Rica will profoundly broaden my perspective.
I had an incredible educational experience at York University's Eco Campus Las Nubes. Over ten days, each day felt like a new adventure, exploring various breathtaking locations in the mornings and attending insightful classes in the afternoons. This enriching experience not only expanded my knowledge but also allowed me to create meaningful professional connections and deepen my commitment to sustainability. It was an eye-opening journey that enabled me to appreciate my country from new perspectives and reaffirm my dedication to environmental conservation.
Getting Started
Overview
Our courses have no prerequisites and are open to all York University undergraduate (3rd and 4th year) and graduate students. Students can enroll in the courses as elective credits. If you would like these courses to count towards major degree requirements, you must contact your faculty’s/department’s program director and/or academic advisor.
Duration: 10 days for Summer courses, 9 days for Winter/Fall courses Number of Credits: 3 Course Activities: Lectures, guest speakers, hikes, visits to sites and communities, conversations with local stakeholders, and hands-on projects with local organizations. Room and board: Accommodations are a combination of homestays and hotels depending on the course. Local Costa Rican food will be provided taking into account dietary restrictions and/or preferences.
BEFORE YOU ENROLL Our courses are intensive as well as physically and emotionally demanding. It is important that you consider these factors before enrolling in any of the courses. You also need to take into consideration all the health and safety risk factors listed on the Government of Canada’s website (Costa Rica Profile). You will need to acknowledge some of these factors on the Risk Assessment forms. If you have questions or concerns regarding accommodations and/or disabilities before enrolling in any of the courses, you should consult with the Department of Student Counselling, Health and Well-being
To enroll in our courses, you need to complete the following steps.
Step 1: Check your eligibility & attend an information session
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY IS BASED ON THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
Good academic standing
Cannot be on any academic warning or probation
A minimum of 60 credits completed by either the end of the Fall term for the February Reading Week course or by the end of Winter for the Summer courses (only applies to undergraduate students)
A cumulative GPA of 4.00 for Bachelor’s degree students and a cumulative GPA of 5.00 for Honours degree students
Based on an evaluation of your academic records, a recommendation for admission into the Study Abroad program will be determined by the Office of Student Academic Services.
You will be notified by email of this decision. Only after you have completed this step, you will be able to pay the deposit
WE HOLD SEVERAL INFORMATION SESSIONS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
All students are welcome to attend. At the session, we will present an overview of our EcoCampus in Costa Rica and the courses, and you will have the opportunity to meet some of your instructors (listed below) and ask them course-related questions. We will also discuss costs and requirements.
Attending an information session for each program is recommended but not mandatory. Not attending a session is not an excuse for missed deadlines and/or requirements.
DATE
TIME
LOCATION
Winter Reading Week
TBA
Virtual
Summer Abroad
TBA
Virtual
If you want to participate in one or more of our courses and you are not currently registered at York University, you must complete the registration process described below, which varies depending on whether you are an undergraduate student, a graduate student, an exchange student, or if you want to enroll for professional development/personal reasons and are not seeking to complete a degree.
Before you start with this process, we recommend that you attend one of our information sessions. At the session, we can answer your questions regarding programs and course content. This process, as well as collecting all required documentation may take several weeks, so we recommend that you start early.
Registration Information
Request a Letter of Permission (LOP) from your home institution
Consult with your program director, advisor, or Chair to confirm that you are allowed to take courses outside your program/degree. If you are allowed, then you need to request a Letter of Permission (LOP) from your program containing the following information:
Unambiguous statement of student’s level (if undergraduate, that you currently are in your 3rd or 4th year).
The maximum number of credits and the Las Nubes Study Abroad course(s) names/codes the student is allowed to enroll at York University (check the list of courses above under Step 2).
Contact information of the person in charge of approving the LOP.
Note: If English is not the official language of the student’s home institution, a letter issued by the international office at their home institution verifying your English proficiency must be submitted in addition to the LOP. Students can check York University’s language proficiency requirements here.
Only after having submitted your LOP to us, please complete the Visiting Students Admissions Form and notify us after you have completed and submitted the form. Once you have been officially admitted to York, you will receive a YorkU student number. From this point forward, you can continue with Step 2 of the process.
Step 2: Enrollment Process
You can enroll in one course or in as many courses as your program allows. The cost to participate in any course includes:
York Tuition
Amount varies, whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, domestic or international student (refer to the Student Financial Services website for more information)
+
Program Fee
To cover all in-country transportation, room and board, as well as park entrance fees that are part of course programs. Accommodations include a mix of homestays with local families, lodges and hotels
+
Flight Fare & Travel Insurance*
York International (YI) provides an award to all participating York students to help cover fare costs. All participants are required to have travel insurance. Students must register directly with GuardMe (follow the link to see the coverage details for GuardMe Global B)
The program fees for 2025 are as follows (in Canadian dollars):
York University does not make flight or travel insurance arrangements for students. For each course, you will be given specific information as to when to arrive and where will you be picked up and dropped off. Any activities or plans made outside our course program are the student’s responsibility.
You can secure your spot in one or more courses by paying a $200 non-refundable deposit by the deadlines listed below.
Winter Reading Week
December 10, 2024
Summer Abroad
February 1, 2025
Even though you can register in the payment system right now, the list of courses with deposit payment options will show ONLY after you have received the eligibility notification by email (step 1, above).
All courses are capped at 25, and spots are considered on a first-come-first-serve basis. Note that you won’t be able to pay the deposit unless we have checked your eligibility!
With the information provided by the Safety Abroad Manager from York International and once you have gathered all your travel details (flight info, itinerary, travel insurance information, etc.), complete the Travel Registry and Informed Consent Form. This is a mandatory step and needs to be completed by:
Summer Abroad
April 1, 2025
Enroll in the course(s) through the REM system. Enrollment in these courses is restricted. Note that you will not be able to enroll in any course unless you have been approved to participate and have paid the deposit. Summer registration starts at the beginning of March each year, you will not be able to add any Summer course before that time.
If you are a graduate student and your course is not listed as a graduate course, you are required to submit a request to enroll in an undergraduate course. Fill out this form, submit it to your program director and copy us on your submission.
Note: If you have already enrolled in any of the Study Abroad courses in Costa Rica, you are not permitted to re-enrol in the same course. If you do, the Repeated Course Policy will be implemented. For more information on Repeated courses please visit https://myacademicrecord.students.yorku.ca/course-repeat
Please note that the amount you are paying covers the 'program fee' portion of the course (please be aware that this is different from tuition; for details, refer to the financial information above.
Dropping Courses: We take your deposit as a commitment to your participation. If you withdraw from the course(s) after paying the remainder of the program fee, the activities and items for which we have pre-paid on your behalf and counting on your participation will be deducted from the program fee
Selected faculties and departments at York University have created bursaries and awards to support student participation in international experiences. Note that your application to these bursaries and awards is contingent on your enrollment in the Las Nubes Study Abroad courses. Bursaries administered by Las Nubes and York International will be processed only after the mandatory session.
Name
Description
Eligibility Criteria
Amount (CAD)
Application
Las NubesEcoCampus
Las Nubes Study Abroad Fund (LNSAF)
This is a fee subsidy provided to students who participate in the courses offered by Las Nubes at the Las Nubes EcoCampus.
All York University students participating in the Las Nubes Study Abroad programs are eligible to receive the LNSAF. The amount of LNSAF funding is based on: 1. Financial need (students with financial needs will be given higher consideration) 2. Good academic standing (B+ or higher) 3. Number of courses registered for at Las Nubes 4. External funding or other awards applied for/received
There are two categories: Category 1: Full one-course subsidy ($1,300 each, 4 per year) Category 2: Offered to support students enrolled in one or more courses [$250 for 1 course; $500 for 2 courses), $750 for 3 courses; $1,000 for 4 courses; $1,250 for 5 courses]
York International provides all degree-seeking York University students a travel subsidy to support their participation in global learning opportunities.
Given to all students enrolled in the Las Nubes courses
Cannot be combined with other YI admin funding
Up to $500
N/A
Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies (LA&PS)
Go Abroad, Study Abroad Award
For LA&PS students who want to study or participate in academic international activities abroad as part of their degree but need financial assistance
Given to undergraduate LA&PS students only
Up to $250
Application form due at least 4-8 weeks before the departure date
Glendon College
Glendon: Experiential Education Bursary Program
Glendon students engaged in experiential education opportunities through the Glendon Awards
Given to undergraduate students from Glendon taking a Glendon course approved by EE
Program Fee: The total cost of the Las Nubes Study Abroad Program includes a "program fee," which covers specific elements of the course. This fee is separate from tuition fees. Detailed information on what the program fee includes can be found in the financial information tab on the Las Nubes website: Financial Information.
Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot in the program. This deposit represents the first installment of the program fee and must be paid by the specified deadline upon acceptance into the program.
Final Payment: The remaining balance of the program fee is due by April 1, 2025. Failure to pay the final installment by this deadline may result in the forfeiture of your spot in the program, and the non-refundable deposit will be retained.
Payment Methods:
Accepted Methods: Payments can be made via credit card. All payments must be made in Canadian dollars (CAD).
Payment Confirmation: Upon receipt of each payment, a confirmation email will be sent to the participant’s registered email address. Please retain this confirmation as proof of payment.
Refund Policy:
Non-Refundable Deposit: The initial deposit paid to secure your spot in the program is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Refund Eligibility: Refunds of the remaining program fee (excluding the deposit) will only be considered under exceptional circumstances, such as documented medical emergencies. Requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to lsanubes@yorku.ca and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Processing Time: Approved refunds will be processed within 30 days of the request being granted. The program administration is not responsible for any differences in the refunded amount due to fluctuations in exchange rates or bank fees.
Program Changes and Cancellations:
Program Modifications: The Las Nubes Study Abroad Program reserves the right to make changes to the program itinerary, activities, or costs as necessary. Participants will be notified of any significant changes as soon as possible.
Program Cancellation: In the unlikely event that the program is cancelled by York University, participants will receive a full refund of all payments made, including the deposit. However, the program is not responsible for any additional costs incurred by participants, such as travel expenses.
Participant Responsibilities:
Financial Responsibility: Participants are responsible for ensuring that all payments are made on time and in full according to the deadlines outlined above. Late payments may result in additional fees or the forfeiture of your place in the program.
Travel Insurance: Participants must obtain medical insurance through GuardMe and are strongly encouraged to obtain additional coverage for trip cancellation, COVID-19, and other unforeseen events. The Las Nubes Study Abroad Program does not provide travel insurance.
Contact Information: For any questions or concerns regarding payments or these terms and conditions, please contact the Las Nubes Study Abroad Program at lasnubes@yorku.ca.
Step 3: Prepare and pack for your Trip
You must attend this session, as we will discuss logistical travel details and give specific instructions for your trip.
Reading Week
Thursday, January 16, 2025
10 AM - 12 pm
Zoom
Summer Abroad
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
10 AM - 12 pm
Zoom
Some professors hold mandatory orientation sessions, where course details, expectations, assignments, and preparation materials are discussed and handled. If your schedule conflicts with these sessions, make sure to inform your professor ahead of time, so alternate arrangements can be made.
ENVS4810A
TBA
TBA
Zoom
To get a student’s perspective of the overall experience at Las Nubes, you can read the Summer Abroad Student Manual (2019) prepared by Las Nubes Alumni, Christina Nardini.
Photo credits: Helen Davidko & Fatima Ali
Important Information
Students who require accommodations need to meet with their advisors beforehand and provide their professors with letters of accommodations at the course orientation sessions. Accessibility may be limited in certain areas in Costa Rica and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet all your accommodation needs. Should you have any questions or concerns before you enroll in any of the courses, you should schedule an appointment with the Department of Student Accessibility Services at York University
Our courses are intensive as well as PHYSICALLY and EMOTIONALLY demanding. It is important that you consider these factors before enrolling in any of the courses. You also need to take into consideration all the health and safety risk factors listed on the Government of Canada’s website (Costa Rica Profile). You will need to acknowledge some of these factors on the Risk Assessment forms.
We have also put in place a Health & Safety Plan. Participants will receive instructions regarding protocols at the mandatory session.
Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica. Refer to Costa Rica's Embassy in Canada for requirements for citizens of other countries. If you are travelling to Costa Rica via a third country, make sure to verify whether you need a 'transit visa' or not.
We take your deposit as a commitment to your participation. If you withdraw from the course(s) after paying the remainder of the program fee, the activities and items for which we have pre-paid on your behalf and counting on your participation will be deducted from the program fee.
Students are required to have the travel insurance approved by York University. Students must register directly with GuardMe
