Food and Agroforestry Systems in Costa Rica

Course Name

Food and Agroforestry Systems in Costa Rica

Must be enrolled in the 3 credit FOR 418 plus 1 credit of FOR 499 OR the 3 credit INTAF 511 course to participate. 

• Spring 2026 Course at University Park
• Dates of Travel: March 6 - 14, 2026

About the Course

This interdisciplinary program requires enrollment in either: FOR 418 Agroforestry: Science, Design and Practice or INTAF 511: Ethical Dimensions in Food and Agricultural Governance.

This spring break experience is embedded as optional travel into the 3 credit FOR 418 course as 1 additional credit (FOR 499), or as part of INTAF 511, meeting in the spring semester at University Park campus. Students will explore topics in agroforestry, food security, biodiversity, food systems, sustainable development, and more. This program is hosted by CATIE, an academic center for innovations and sustainable development in topics related to agriculture, management, conservation, and sustainable use of natural resources. Students will participate in experiential learning activities throughout this trip and collaborate around small group projects. Participation in all planned activities during travel, and attendance in meetings before and after travel are required. 

FOR 418: This 1 credit spring break experience is embedded as optional travel into the 3 credit FOR 418 course, meeting in spring semester at University Park campus.

INTAF 511: This section of the 3 credit course will focus assignments around this optional travel for  INTAF 511 02, meeting in spring semester at University Park campus.

The overall learning objectives of the embedded program include:

1. Design of agroforestry systems.
2. Socio-economic dimensions of agroforestry systems.
3. Food systems, food security, and food sovereignty.
4. Adoption challenges and opportunities.
5. Biodiversity conservation in Costa Rica.

Itinerary Highlights

Costa Rica is located in Central America, situated between Panama and Nicaragua. The country consists of vast environments including tropical rainforests, dry regions, and coastal ecosystems. Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. Our itinerary will tentatively include:

• Stay at CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center), an academic center for innovation and sustainable development in topics related to agriculture, management, conservation, and sustainable use of natural resources.
• Visits to agricultural and agroforestry research and production farms
• Visits to culturally and ecologically interesting sites
• Participation in discussions and activities involving food systems, agroforestry, and policy.

Cost and Payment Deadlines

Estimated Cost (currently tentative):

• Tuition: College of Ag Sciences students: FOR 418, 4 cr spring 2026 credits (3 cr for FOR 418+1 cr. for FOR 499)
  • School for International Affairs students: INTAF 511, section 02 (3 cr spring 2026 credits)
• Program fee: estimated $2600 per student based on at least 18 enrolled. Higher if less than 18 enrolled.
  • Includes flights, lodging, some meals, and transportation
• Additional costs: passport, visa, some meals, tips, etc.

Payment Deadlines:

• $1000 deposit due December 1
• Remaining balance due mid-January
• Scholarships available, scan QR code for more information.
• Study abroad scholarships are available for CoAS undergraduate students enrolled in FOR 418: https://agsci.psu.edu/global/study-abroad/funding. Limited scholarships are available to graduate students enrolled in either FOR 418 or INTAF 511 through Penn State Study Abroad office (see: https://global.psu.edu/page/embedded-programs-scholarship)

Eligibility

• Enrollment in FOR 418 or INTAF 511 is required
• GPA at least 2.5
• Good academic standing and no conduct record

More Information and Application

• Application is due OCTOBER 31, 2025
• Eric Burkhart, epb6@psu.edu (FOR 418 professor)
• Elizabeth Ransom, exr497@psu.edu (INTAF 511 professor)
• Ketja Lingenfelter, ketja@psu.edu

Sustainable Development Goals

This course is most closely aligned with SDGs 10: Reduced Inequalities and 12: Responsible Consumption and Production