The document summarizes a program that took education majors from North Carolina State University's College of Education on cultural immersion trips to Costa Rica in 2008 and 2010. The trips involved visits to locations important to Costa Rica's economic, educational, and social culture, as well as recreational activities. Students gained cultural experience outside of North Carolina and the US, along with increased self-awareness, confidence, and understanding of diversity that will help them create inclusive classrooms. The program director discusses challenges and plans to expand the program in the future.

1. Tropical Studies for Education Majors: An emersion experience into the Costa Rican culture Michael J. Clinkscales, MS Director, NC State Teaching Fellows Program Council of Education Deans and University Council in International Programs Internationalizing Teacher Education Forum 2010

2. NC State Teaching Fellows Junior Enrichment experience Program requirement to travel NCSU College of Education commitment to grow global awareness

3. Costa Rica 2008 San Vito – Las Cruces Biological Station 36 students, 6 staff 8 campuses participated

4. Costa Rica 2008 Economic Culture – coffee farms, markets, co-op Educational – Boruca Village, rain forest Social Culture – basilica, Boruca, San Vito FUN – zip line, volcano

5. Costa Rica 2010 Monteverde – UGA Research Station 12 students, 2 staff 4 campuses participated

6. Costa Rica 2010 Economic Culture – coffee farms, CASEM co-op Educational – Atenas schools, cloud forest, hot springs Social – home stays, market, basilica FUN – hot springs, zip line, white water

7. RESULTS Cultural experience outside of NC & USA Self-awareness Confidence Inclusive classroom Diversity

8. CHALLENGES Future interest in program Cost Offering course credit

9. FUTURE 10 + 5 student teaching model Additional field experience time Home stays Course credit

10. Questions