Costa Rica Summer Program in Ciudad Colón
About the Program
Environmental and Human Rights Law Program
Costa Rica’s rich tropical environment along with its long history of respect make it an ideal setting to study international environmental and human rights law. Students will examine case studies and pay particular attention to indigenous peoples’ rights, cultural rights, protection of the environment, and right to development.
Location
Ciudad Colón is located 15 miles southwest of San Jose, Costa Rica's capital. The small city is known for its tropical region, volcanic soil, exotic wildlife, and rich culture. Costa Rica has a reputation for peace (abolished its army in 1948), democracy (once a region marred by political unrest, it has been politically stable since WW II), commitment to human rights (home of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights), and environmental protection and sustainable development (1/3 of the country is set aside as natural reserve and has one of the highest bio diversity densities in the world) making it a perfect setting for law students interested in environmental and human rights law.
Highlights
- University for Peace is the only degree granting institution of the United Nations.
- The university campus is located within a natural reserve composed of a secondary forest and the last remnant of primary forest – which shelters monkeys, deer, reptiles, over 300 species of birds, as well as approximately 100 varieties of trees.
- Students can participate in visits to local cultural sites and legal institutions such as the Inter-American Court of Human Right and La Paz Waterfalls. (If time and weather permit, an additional trip may be taken to a point of interest relating to international environmental law).
- Lectures by local attorneys and judges experienced in international environmental and human rights law.
View Professor Romano's 2011 presentation on the Costa Rica Program!