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.
Getting Started
Quick overview of courses, length, number of credits, and relevant information before you enroll
Explore Courses
Search the courses offered at Las Nubes EcoCampus
Registration & Enrollment
Step-by-step information, including eligibility, saving your spot, financial information & bursaries, and more
Pre-Departure Planning
Trip preparation, mandatory, and course orientation sessions
While in Costa Rica
Health and safety, intercultural communications, and sharing your experience
Information for Faculty
Information about the process, timelines, and responsibilities for York University professors.
Student Testimonials
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
Explore Courses
Registration Information
To enroll in our courses, you need to complete the following steps.
Step 1: Check your eligibility & attend an information session
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)
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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
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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):
| Number of Courses | Number of Credits | Program Fee for HUC, CALAREO and York Exchange Partners (CAN$) | Other Institutions (CAN$) |
| 1 | 3 | $1,500 | $1,750 |
| 2 | 6 | $2,600 | $3,000 |
| 2* | 6 | $2,200 | $2,600 |
| 3 | 9 | $3,500 | $4,000 |
| 4 | 12 | $4,400 | $4,750 |
| 5 | 15 | $5,200 | $5,750 |
| 6 | 18 | $5,900 | $6,500 |
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.
*This program fee applies exclusively to the ENVS4810A and ENVS4810B courses, which are being offered concurrently
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 | Closed – Course is Full |
| Summer Abroad | March 20, 2025 (EXTENDED) |
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!
Paying a deposit to reserve your spot does not ensure admission. Additionally, the program may request an interview as part of the final evaluation process.
The remainder of the program fee must be paid by:
| Winter Reading Week | January 15, 2025 |
| Summer Abroad | April 1, 2025 |
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
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
2025 calendar:
| Course Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ENVS 4120 | Natural History: Environmental Education in Costa Rica (ENVS 4120) |
| ADMS 4971 | Managing for Sustainability in Costa Rica (ADMS 4971) |
| ENVS 4810A | Conservation and Development for Social-Environmental Sustainability and Wellbeing (ENVS 4810A) |
| ENVS 4810B | Environmental Arts and Food Sovereignty in Costa Rica (ENVS 4810B) |
| PANF 3030/5030 | Global Eco-Arts Residency (PANF 3030/5030) |
| GL/SP/COMS 4608 | Narratives in/of Costa Rica. Individuals, Communities and their Voices (GL/SP/COMS 4608) |
| AP/SOSC 4051 | The Business of Fair Trade (SOSC 4051) |
| HH/GH 4920 | Social Determinants of Global Health: Costa Rica “Exploring Health and Aging in Costa Rica” |
| EDST/EDUC 3700, EDUC 5444 | Educating for a Sustainable Future (EDST/EDUC 3700, EDUC 5444) |
| ENVS 4402 | Climate Mitigation/Climate Solutions in Costa Rica |
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:
| Winter Reading Week | January 15, 2025 |
| Summer Abroad | April 1, 2025 |
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 Nubes EcoCampus | ||||
| 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 ($1,500 each, 4 per year), or 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] | N/A Keep your Student Financial Profile updated |
| York International | ||||
| York International Mobility Award(YIMA) | 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 | A minimum of $500 (in 2024) | Application form and update your Student Financial Profile |
- Payment Structure:
- 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.
| ENVS 4120 | January 24, 2025 | 1-2 PM | Zoom | |
| AP/ADMS 4971 | March 18, 2025 | 1-4 PM | 280N York Lanes | |
| GL/SP/COMS 4608 | April 21, 2025 | 12-2:30 PM | Zoom | |
| EDUC 3700 | April 21, 2025 | 4:30 PM | Zoom | |
| ENVS4810A | April 22, 2025 | 11 AM | Zoom | |
| AP/SOSC 4051 | April 22, 2025 | 1 PM | Zoom | |
| PANF3030/5030 | April 30, 2025 | 1 PM | Zoom | |
| ENVS4402 | April 23, 2025 | 1 PM | Zoom | |
| ENVS4810B | April 24, 2025 | TBA | TBA | |
| HH/GH4920 | April 25, 2025 | 12-2:30 PM | In Person – Room TBA |
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.
