Spelman College News December 2011 Students Expand Global Horizons in Costa Rica While most students are making plans to spend time with family and friends this winter break, a group of 16 Spelman students will explore the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica, Dec. 10-18, as part of the Student Affairs Global Experience program. Students will gain an insider's perspective on the life and experiences of Costa Rica, including exploration of Tortuguero via Braulio Carrilo National Park, named for Costa Rica's third president. They will also explore the Sarapiqui Region, which features one of the planet's most fascinating ecological systems from the tops of the trees. All students traveling with SAGE will be required to turn in a reflective essay based on their experiences and observations while touring in Costa Rica. Students will also create a blog of their journey as they explore the rain forests, ecological systems, volcanoes, hot water springs and other aspects of the Costa Rican culture. About SAGE The Division of Student Affairs developed the Student Affairs Global Experience program to provide a global immersion experience for our students. SAGE annually provides opportunities for students to gain exposure to world travel experiences as we live and work in an increasingly interdependent world. The program is designed to provide students with the tools and leadership skills necessary to becoming a global citizen. Students, faculty and staff have traveled to Rome, Paris, Egypt, and Japan. The Office of Student Life and Engagement works with the Student Government to identify the trip location. The Student Affairs Global Experience is an outstanding learning experience that provides meaningful connections with Spelman students studying abroad in addition to connecting to the educational, political and social climate which significantly enhances the overall student growth and development. Our students learned a lot about themselves and other cultures as they are able to successfully immerse themselves into various world cultures. The SAGE program fees range from $1900 to $3300, and includes round trip airfare, bus transfers, internal flights, overnight stays in private hotel bathrooms, lunch/dinners, full-time guide, sightseeing tours and special attractions. Students are supported by faculty and staff chaperone. The Student Government Association also provides scholarship opportunities for students in need of financial assistance. For more information, please contact the Office of Student Life and Engagement at (404) 270-5136 or e-mail studentactivities@spelman.edu. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org www.hbculibraries.org 404.592.4820 Skype:sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org Honor the ancestors, honor the children.