How old are the students who participate in the program?
The average age for students participating in DWC in the Wild: Costa Rica is 16.5 years.
How do I register?
To participate in DWC in Wild: Costa Rica program, complete the Registration form located online in the Register section, or call us at 202-885-2098 and we will be happy to mail you a brochure and registration forms. Students are accepted on a first come-first served basis, so register early.
When do I need to register by?
Space is limited. Students must register by March 15, 2011.
How do I pay for the program?
The full cost for DWC in the Wild: Costa Rica is $5,500 ($4,000 if you do not wish to live on campus while in D.C.). You must send two separate checks to pay for the program. One made payable to American University: DWC in the Wild for $3,500 ($2,000 if not living on campus) and one made payable to the Costa Rican Cultural Center for $2,000. You may make arrangements to extend your payments, but all payments must be made, in full, prior to the start of the program.
How are the students supervised?
A Resident Assistant from American University's School of Communication lives in a room on the same floor with the students in Hughes Hall. Additional Discover the World of Communication Teaching Assistants attend the after hours and weekend activities with the students. While in Costa Rica, students will be chaperoned by Professor Larry Engel, Teaching Assistants and members of the Costa Rican Cultural Center.
Are scholarships available for this program?
Unfortunately we do not offer any scholarships for the DWC in the Wild program at this time.
What if students are flying into Washington, D.C.?
Teaching Assistants are available to escort students to and from Washington Reagan National Airport on the check-in date (Sunday, June 24) and check-out date (Friday, July 13). Students and the Teaching Assistants will use the Washington Metro System to go to and from the Airport and American University. Flight information must be communicated to us at least two weeks in advance.
What do I pack?
Click here for some suggestions on what to pack for the trip.
What happens with my final product?
The films produced will be premiered at the Costa Rican embassy here in Washington, D.C. on July 15, 2011. Films will also be screened at Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica through 2012. See the student work section of the website for examples.
Do I need any shots or medication before I go to Costa Rica?
Check with your primary care physician.
What happens in case of an emergency in Costa Rica?
Individual Issue: If an individual in our travels to Costa Rica has an emergency he/she will be taken to the appropriate medical authority. We will take each student’s emergency forms with us at all times in Costa Rica. Parent or secondary emergency contact will be notified in the US. Sarah Menke-Fish, AU Director of Discover the World of Communication will be notified. Sarah will notify an associate dean in the School of Communication and anyone else at American University that wishes to be notified.
Group Issue (ie. earthquake or other disaster): The group is registered with the U.S. State Department. The group will communicate via cell, internet, or phone to Sarah Menke-Fish as soon as possible. Costa Rican Cultural Center will communicate with Sarah Menke-Fish as soon as possible. Sarah will communicate with each of the parents/emergency contacts for the students, faculty and teaching assistant. Sarah will contact an associate dean in the School of Communication and anyone else at American University that wishes to be notified.
Who can I contact with additional questions?
For additional questions, contact Program Director Sarah Menke-Fish. Email: audiscover@gmail.com Office number: 202-885-2098.
