***** PROGRAM CLOSED. DETAILS ON WINTER TERM 2017 AVAILABLE IN MARCH 2016******

Geography of Surfing represents a unique course for introducing students to contemporary methods of geographical study and analysis through lectures, readings, and activities centered on the theme of surfing – and in an international setting, in Costa Rica. Topics include the cultural origins and meaning of surfing; the global diffusion of surfing; surfing as leisure and professional sport; the natural and human environment of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast; and an exploration of economic and political geographies of surfing. The course is taught in the Pacific coast town of Nosara, Costa Rica. Nosara is a popular surfing destination known for its tropical beauty and year-round waves, and is ideal for surfers of all skill levels, from advanced to beginners. Indeed, no surfing experience is required or presumed.

CLASS:
IDIS 280: Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies: Geography of Surfing (3 credits) - Students earn credits for three credits of interdisciplinary seminar. If students have already taken IDIS 280 for credit, it may be repeated under different titles for a maximum of six credits. The course includes 1.5 hours of lecture/discussion time each day at the Nosara Beach Hostel in close proximity to Safari Surf. Additional field hours are earned both through surf lessons and excursions. Please see the mandatory reading list above. Open to all majors. No prerequisites required.

EXCURSIONS:
In addition to daily lectures and readings, the course includes opportunities each day to surf at beautiful Nosara beach. Additional excursions include a SUP paddling tour of an area mangrove forest, a visit to Ostional Turtle Reserve, hikes and lectures by local ecologists and environmental entrepreneurs.

GLOBAL PARTNER
Groundswell Educational Travel offers courses through university faculty throughout the USA based on immersion experiences combined with college content. We leverage student’s interest in travel and surfing (or learning to surf) to provide a powerful learning experience centered on cross-cultural understanding and sustainability. Because travel and tourism is the leading industry in the world it is essential to be aware of the environmental, economic, and social implications. Surf tourism offers a focused look into the broad issues of tourism on local coastal populations. For more information see Groundswell's website above.

HOUSING:
During the time in Costa Rica, students will be sharing rooms with two double beds. Two rooms are for the men and two rooms are for the women. Located a stones throw from the consistently perfect surf of Playa Guiones the Nosara Beach Hostel Hostel combines a jungle ambience with beachfront tranquility. With the soothing sounds of the breaking waves or the howler monkeys in the trees overhead being the only distraction, the breezy wrap around patio is the perfect place to sink into one of the many hammocks after a long day of surf and adventure.

COST:
Estimated costs are $3600. A final cost will be determined in fall 2015. The cost of the Global Seminar includes 3 credits SU tuition and fees, international airfare, lodging, transportation, scheduled excursions, and some meals.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
The application deadline is May 15, 2015. Students will be admitted on a rolling basis. Once the maximum number of students have been admitted and have submitted the Confirmation of Participation form, additional students may be added to a waiting list. Students will create an online account profile and then submit their application online by selecting "Apply to this Program" below.

Students will submit the following through their online application:

- An unofficial transcript demonstrating overall Grade Point Average of 2.5
- A 300 word typed essay answering the question: "How will my participation in the Salisbury Abroad: Costa Rica - Geography of Surfing program contribute significantly to my academic career and influence my future plans? "
- An online academic recommendation form completed by a faculty member who knows the student