Costa Rica: CCAPS Pura Vida Tour

The College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS) is a family of unique applied programs and students, ranging from construction management, several healthcare administration-related, information technology, and various applied Master’s degrees. We gather approximately 15–25 students into an interdisciplinary group to explore every corner of San Ramon and Palmares, a blue-collar regional center in Alejuela province. By day, you will pursue your academic interests, and by night, you will share your learning with your classmates. Take in the cultural immersion that is uniquely Costa Rica: the rain forest, salsa dancing, coffee and Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast. Pura vida!

Originally started as the Construction and Facility Management Pura Vida tour in 2013, this program has evolved into a college-wide program of CCAPS, integrating varied disciplines into a unique cultural immersion. The program is open to all University students in non-CCAPS programs, provided their academic interests can be met on location. All undergraduate students will likely work on a common project, typically a non-profit agency or organization of need, that is selected to impact all academic disciplines in some way. Graduate students will generally develop their own site visit programs with help from our local program hosts. The program will include at least two program leaders, selected depending on total enrollment from each of the study areas.

This program is administered by College of Continuing & Professional Studies. Applications are processed by the Learning Abroad Center.

Accommodation: Hostel Sabana,  a private accommodation administered by Costa Rika Frika, our host organization.

Meals are "all-inclusive" featuring local cooking. There will be one night out on the town per week where you will be responsible for your own dinner, and a mid-weekend ocean retreat when you will be on your own for all meals. Note: the Hostel stay is "dry" (no alcohol).

The application deadline is October 30, 2026.

Late applications can be accepted on a space-available basis, provided all logistical paperwork can be arranged in a timely manner. If the program has reached capacity, you must contact Peter Hilger at [email protected] before applying.

Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 18 students. Student counts exceeding 18 are only permitted on a space-available basis at our local hostel. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Some programs may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.

Departing: January 2, 2027

Returning: January 17, 2027

CMGT 4193

Construction Management Directed Study: For students not enrolled in CMGT 4861 Capstone, this course content will support the project-based coursework described in CMGT 4861, but will not enable credit as a Capstone project.

CMGT 4861

Construction Project Management Capstone: Using a local project for a community group in need, you and your CM classmates will organize yourselves as a company, preparing a schematic design (in metric), a cost estimate in colones, a construction schedule, a construction work plan, a comprehensive written proposal in English and Spanish, and an oral presentation to the Board of the client site, preferably in Spanish.

HSM 4193

Healthcare Management Directed Study: Project developed around the study abroad location. Topic arranged with and supervised by a Healthcare Management faculty member. You must be admitted to an HSM major, minor, or certificate, and have department consent.

INET 4193

Information Technology Infrastructure directed study: Project developed around the study-abroad location. Topic arranged with and supervised by an INET faculty member. You must be admitted to an INET major, minor, or certificate, and have department consent.

IBH 6910

This is a directed study program that encourages cultural exploration and offers a number of immersion opportunities. This is also a community engagement experience, pending availability. Community engagement opportunities will be available at local human service agencies.

NOTE: Students from other University programs, undergraduate or graduate, are welcome to register for any of the above 1-credit Directed Study offerings (X193), or can make separate course arrangements through your own programs. We have routinely had students from a variety of disparate programs and have been able to make excellent academic accommodations. If interested, contact Peter Hilger at [email protected] before applying

Peter Hilger is an Architect by training, a builder by passion, and a teacher at heart. Mr. Hilger is a Morse Distinguished Teacher and Faculty Director in the Construction Management program, and has developed and led this study abroad opportunity since 2013. He mentors and engages students across all disciplines to gain a solid cultural experience, especially on his notorious morning walks around town.

Frances Fernandez, is the Faculty Director in the Healthcare Management (HSM) program. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Frances brings a multi-cultural perspective and professional experience from her over 30-year career in healthcare. Frances lived in Miami, Florida for over 20 years, where she served in executive leadership positions in HIV/AIDS services, home health, and outpatient services, as well as research and education for veterans. After moving to Minnesota over 8 years ago, Frances served as executive director at long-term care and at pediatric home health organizations before joining the University of Minnesota. As faculty director for the HSM program at CCAPS, she supports a people-centered cultural approach for improving diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging to effect change and create a positive impact in the communities served. She is also an advocate for mental health awareness and education, particularly for youth. Frances has served on several boards focused on health care delivery and funding, including quality initiatives to improve access and delivery of health care, particularly for the HIV/AIDS population.. Being particularly interested in minority empowerment, she works fearlessly to "bring care back to healthcare". Frances holds a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Business Administration from Interamerican University of Puerto Rico and a Master's degree in Health Services Administration from Florida International University.

In addition to working in San Ramon, trips to communities within the San Ramon/Palmares/Alejuela region to visit sites, to observe, and ask questions of local practitioners are expected. Additional excursions may include:

• A weekend break to the famed Costa Rican beach of Manuel Antonio National Park
• A local zip line forest canopy tour
• Rafting excursion on the Rio Balsa
• Visit to a working farm with a traditional lunch, a tour of a traditional sugar processing facility, and a tour of an artisanal coffee processing facility. 
• Visit to the famed Palmares Horse Festival
• Tour the city and surrounding valleys before breakfast with Peter Hilger on the daily morning Walking Club (optional)

Program Leader Contact: A. Peter Hilger, AIA, Program Co-Leader at [email protected].

Program Alumni:

• Faduma Abdulkadir—Winter Break 2026 
• Elijah Gavin—Winter Break 2026

The cost of participation is approximately $4,000 (including estimated non-billable costs such as passport, additional meals, and spending money). This fee may go slightly up or down depending on final group airline bookings and the availability of CCAPS-dedicated fundraising to offset each registered student's costs.

The program fee includes tuition, international group coach class airfare, in-country program-related transportation, housing, some meals, entrance fees to course-related excursions and site visits, program administration, and international health insurance.

Refunds are generally not available except under unusual circumstances, subject to review and approval of College administration.

Application Deadline: October 30, 2026

Note: Preference is given to juniors and seniors first who expect to graduate within one year from the program. Sophomores and juniors are still encouraged to apply, but may be placed on a waitlist and fill spots from cancellations. Historically, almost all applicants have been accepted into the program.

Late applications may be considered, but you must contact Peter Hilger at [email protected].