1. Exploring Sustainable Economic Development in Nicaragua and Costa Rica
Mid-Semester Module 2013

2. ¡Bienvenidos a Nicaragua y Costa Rica!
We visit:
Nicaragua: Jinotega (Los Robles), Managua, San Juan del Sur, Granada
Costa Rica: Arenal, Sarapiqui, San Jose
We focus on:
Sustainability
Economics of coffee industry
Women’s cooperatives
We connect:
Several community engagement projects
Visit numerous businesses, farms, restaurants, infinity pools, beaches, (rivers and hot springs)
Required preparation:
4 hours of meetings (plus readings)

3. Sarapiqui
Our Stops …

4. Partners on the Ground
Our long-time hosts in Nicaragua (Jon, Mara and Dariel)
Work with Nicaraguan communities to facilitate sustainable community development
Our new hosts in Costa Rica
Promote corporate responsibility and strategic social investment in Costa Rica

5. Learning Opportunities
Visit coffee farms, businesses and communities
Meet several women’s cooperatives
Visit (nonprofit and for-profit) social enterprises
Work/play with local kids in schools

6. Cultural and Social Finca Las Nubes BBQ
Sailing, fishing, surfing, canopy tours?
Day trip to Granada
Rafting (Rio Sarapiqui) or hot springs (Ecotermales) in Costa Rica

7. Our Impacts Economic (spending our $$ with locals)
Cultural (homestays and community service projects)
projects (health clinic in Los Robles and Farmers to 40)
This year, we are piloting a model that will return 40% of the retail price for coffee to the farmers that grow the beans.
In early 2012, we initiated a project to develop and support a community health clinic in Los Robles.
In 2011, we donated several new roofs to residents in Los Robles.

8. Trip Details Wednesday, February 27 to Tuesday, March 12
Estimated Cost
Ground costs, including all meals (~$2,800)
Airfare (~$ )
Personal spending (~$300)
Lodging
Eco-lodge (in Los Robles)
Hotels (in Managua, Granada, Arenal, Sarapiqui and San Jose)
Homestays (in SJdS and TBD in Costa Rica)
Language Requirements (Spanish desirable but none required)
Space is limited to 16 students

9. For another perspective on the “look and feel” of the trip (compiled by an EvMBA student on a January trip):