UCB1: The Summer Peace Institute

Deepen your understanding of the changing landscape of contemporary international relations and sharpen your critical thinking and communication skills by participating in the Summer Peace Institute at the United Nations-mandated University for Peace (UPEACE) in Ciudad Colon, Costa Rica!

The Summer Peace Institute will bring together a diverse international group of students with the purposes of inquiry and dialogue on current world issues related to peacebuilding and human security – “problems without passports” in the phrase coined by Kofi Annan during his tenure as Secretary General of the United Nations. As a leader in the progress toward the human security/basic needs standards encompassed in the UN Millennium Development Goals, Costa Rica offers an ideal setting for the study of sustainable peace and peacebuilding practice.

Through lectures and interactive seminars you will be exposed to and have the chance to discuss foundational concepts, current controversies and case studies. You will also have the opportunity to more deeply explore what you learn in the classroom through the undertaking of a research assignment and in-class presentation of your findings. An intensive three-week field study assignment will provide you with the opportunity to interact with a variety of both governmental and non-governmental institutions and actors working in the areas of environment, health, food security, education, development, gender equity, conflict resolution and other human security issues.

Lectures will introduce foundational concepts, current controversies, and case study materials. They will also map the terrain of the debate surrounding human security, and introduce students to the different actors, both state and non-state, frameworks and perspectives, both regional and local. Topics to be addressed include terrorism and the war on terror; globalization, poverty and inequality; international migration and human rights. Students will also have the opportunity to more deeply explore these questions through research and presentation of additional topics of their choosing.

The classroom experience will be further enriched by field study opportunities in Costa Rica. Students will have the chance to interact with a variety of both governmental and non-governmental institutions and actors working-- “in real time and on the ground”—on environmental, health, education, and other human security issues at the local and community level.

A day trip on a Saturday to a local volcano, which program fees cover.

The Summer Peace Institute is open to upper-division or equivalent undergraduate and graduate students. Students must be prepared to fully and equally participate in collaborative research and writing of group projects.

Learning Outcomes

Through lectures, interactive seminars, and field assignments students will 1) deepen their understanding of the changing landscape of international relations; 2) sharpen critical thinking skills; 3) improve cross-cultural awareness and communication abilities; and 4) develop ethical sensibilities commensurate with the citizenship demands of the 21st century.

Assessment

Contact hours: Problems Without Passports (60 hours); Peacebuilding Practice (45 hours)

Credit equivalent: 4+3=7 units total

Exams: oral presentations and writing assignments

Students must arrive by 2 June 2013.

Students will be able to check in from 2 June 2013.

Check-out date 13 July, 2013

Students will be living in comfortable homestays (wireless Internet included) with local families who are used to having international guest who attend the United Nations-mandated University for Peace. The families will provide breakfast every day and dinner on weekdays (12 meals a week).

Ciudad Colon is a small town situated west of Santa Ana, Costa Rica. It is famous for its warm climate, proximity to nature and its surrounding mountains, folkloric traditions, horse riding, and multiculturalism. Located some 6 km out into the scenic rainforest is the United Nations-mandated University for Peace. The vast majority of students reside in Ciudad Colon which provides the town with distinctive feel. Demographically, Ciudad Colon can be considered as cosmopolitan as Santa Ana or the capital San Jose (some 40 minutes away), but in terms of amenities and services available, it is considered a typical small Costa Rican town. There is one major supermarket that meets the needs and requirements of expatriates and dozens of other small stores, banks and pharmacies. There are no upscale bars or restaurants but there are many local venues catering to food and entertainment. Ciudad Colon is particularly suitable for outdoor activities such as horseback riding, biking, running and hiking.

Tuition fees	:	USD$ 3,010
Accommodation including any deposits	:	USD$ 1,765 Includes student housing, some meals, as described above, required texts, and field trips. International airfare, visa fees (if applicable), and any additional meals are not included in the fees charged to students.
Other deposits	:	N/A
Field Trip	:	Included in accommodation fee
Textbook Fees	:	Included in accommodation fee
Miscellaneous Fees	:	N/A
Living Expenses	:	USD$ 600 est.

1. Can I participate in more than one GSP course at your University, concurrently?
   No. Here at Berkeley we only have two classes and they cannot be taken concurrently.
2. If I am accepted, when will I receive more course details, such as course content, reading lists, timetables, payment schedule & cancellation policies, campus maps and other logistics details?
   We will send you general and detailed program information in April.
3. Will I have access to student facilities such as computer labs, libraries and health services at the hosting university?
   Yes, you will have access to the UPEACE computer lab, library, and bus.
4. Will I need a visa to attend this GSP course?
   Information about visas is available from (http://www.state.gov/).
   
   The host GSP coordinator can provide supporting letters and other relevant information for your visa application. Please consult your local US Embassy or Consulate to find out whether you need to obtain a visa.
5. How can we interact with other participants and GSP alumni before the course?
   You will be invited to join the GSP Facebook group after being accepted into the program.

You can direct your questions about course credits and scholarships to your home institutions. More details about the application process and deadlines will be available in the "How to Apply" page.

Upon acceptance into the program, students will be required to register through the Berkeley Summer Abroad online system. They will need to submit another copy of their essay and transcript (for record-keeping purposes only) and a program deposit of USD$ 400 by credit card. They will also need to submit a student agreement, register for our free health insurance, and provide a copy of their passport and travel itinerary. Students will also be responsible for obtaining a visa for Costa Rica, if needed. The balance of the program fees and tuition will be billed to the students after they are enrolled in their courses. Students will receive further instructions about payment options at that time.

Contact person:

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