If you have questions or would like more information information, please email cibed@ohio.edu.
GCP Location: Costa Rica
Applications for Next Spring are Closed.
Global Consulting Program Location: Costa Rica
In this interdisciplinary spring break program, students participating in OHIO's Global Consulting Program (GCP) learn about Costa Rica’s highly successful sustainability practices and how they can make an impact on business practices around the world through effective eco-consulting. The project takes place amid the pristine wilderness of the Costa Rican Rain Forest — one of the world's most complex eco-systems. Students also have the opportunity to enjoy the rich, vibrant culture and beauty of the Costa Rican coast.
Program Dates
March 8 - 15, 2025
March 7 - 14, 2026
Travel to Costa Rica will require participants to depart the U.S. 1-2 days prior to program's start date to ensure they arrive on time. Participants should allow for at least one full travel day when returning to the U.S.
Note: Program dates may be adjusted slightly. Students will book flights when instructed to do so by program directors.
Academics
Students participating the in OHIO's GCP will complete 6 credits of undergraduate course work:
- BA 2290 Cultural Explorations through Global Consulting (3 OHIO credits) is taken the semester before travel
- BA 4920 International Business Experience (3 OHIO credits) is earned during travel, and includes:
- College of Business internship credit
- Two OHIO Bricks requirements: Experiential Learning and Cultural Perspectives
Program Information
- 2025 Site Directors: Dr. Adam Hepworth and Dr. Jessica Weeks
- 2026 Site Directors: Dr. Adam Hepworth and Dr. Jessica Weeks
Living Arrangements
Hotel accommodations are paid for by the program general fee and arranged after registration.
Application Deadline
Applications for spring trips open the year before in spring semester.
Program Type
OHIO Credit
Academic Focus
Business consulting, with a specialty in eco consulting
Country/Region
Costa Rica
Program Term
Spring Break (1 week only)
Program Features
- Live Client
- COB Internship Credit
- OHIO Undergrad BRICKS – Cultural Perspective and Experiential Learning
Location Spotlight: Costa Rica
Through OHIO's GCP, you can spend your time living and learning in Costa Rica. Curious to learn about more GCP locations? Watch the playlist to explore all your options.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Open to all OHIO Athens Campus Undergraduate Students.
- Admission to this program is selective and based on a multitude of factors including but not limited to GPA, interview, class rank, Cluster experience.
- All participants are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of $500 (to be credited to student’s program fees) as part of the acceptance process.
- Students who will be on probation at any point during the travel portion of program for a conduct offense that took place less than a calendar year from the program start date are ineligible for the GCP.
Entry and Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport when traveling to Costa Rica. Students planning to study or travel abroad in the next year, apply for your passport (opens in a new window)now. Costa Rica does not require a visa if a person’s stay is under 180 days, but a return ticket is required. Additional entry and exit requirements can be found through Costa Rica travel requirements (opens in a new window).
U.S. citizens will not need a visa or other special document to enter the country for the length of this program. Please also note that visa requirements may vary if you plan to stay in the country longer than the program dates or travel to other countries during or after the program. Students must familiarize themselves with these recommendations and requirements prior to applying to this program. For more specific visa related information, please visit Visa Information Page and Information for Non-U.S. citizens (opens in a new window) .
Important Notices
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, participation in study away and abroad involves real and potential personal, financial and academic risk.
Cost
If you are nominated to this program, you will be required to pay a deposit to confirm your participation or sign a waiver. The deposit is a down payment on the total costs to be billed by OHIO and is determined by the total cost of the program.
Non-resident surcharge is offset for the credit hours associated with the travel portion of the program.
Funding Opportunities
Scholarships awarded by the Center for International Business Education and Development (CIBED) are contingent upon participation in the GCP, applied to the student account the semester of travel and cannot be used as the program deposit or transferred to another program. Students who have accepted a position on the GCP will receive an application for scholarship consideration. There is no guarantee that a student accepted into the GCP will receive a scholarship.
Students may also apply for additional scholarships offered at OHIO:
External Scholarship Opportunities
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