UALR is accepting applications for a new, unique first-year experience class for freshmen that includes an opportunity for international travel&#151a 10-day study abroad program to Costa Rica.

Like traditional first-year-experience classes, the course is designed to help increase student success in college. A semester-long class on campus will precede the faculty-led program in Costa Rica from Dec. 11 to 19.

Aimee M. Jones, programs abroad coordinator in the Office of International Services, said the new program will accept 15 full-time and two alternate students enrolled as freshmen for the fall 2011 semester. Deadline for early bird applications is June 15. Application and details are available on the OIS website.

“Study abroad experiences are a powerful and important way for students to gain needed academic, professional, and personal skills in today’s world,” Jones said.

“Students will not only gain valuable tools to be successful in college, but will also take the steps to get a passport, learn about safety and health issues abroad, prepare through pre-departure orientation, explore the concept of culture shock, and make comparisons between the Costa Rican culture and their own.”

No extra fees will be charged to the students other than the tuition and fees for the three undergraduate credit hours. The cost of passports and the travel abroad abroad will be covered. Students selected will be asked to participate in evaluations and surveys for research purposes at the end of each semester until graduation.

Funding for the program comes from a student success grant Jones received to measure retention and the impact of studying abroad on graduation rates.

Students taking the course will complete a variety of personal assessments, including:

• Learn to identify and use appropriate campus and community resources
• Develop skills needed to promote study skills, goal-setting, effective communication, time management and stress management
• Participate in a service-learning experience outside the classroom which will develop leadership skills and give students an opportunity to learn the value of giving back to the community
• Take part in a faculty-led program abroad designed to facilitate cultural understanding, promote reflections on personal and cultural identity, encourage building and maintaining relationships
• Develop skills to travel abroad safely and successfully

“The students will gain critical thinking skills, positive educational values, and cultural understanding,” Jones said.

“Follow-through surveys as the students continue their college education will provide valuable insights on how effective the course has been in the success of the participating students.”