[dot] com · C USTOMIZED GREEN PROGRAMS S UMMER 2012 May 16th – May 27th May 23rd – Jun 3rd May 30th – Jun 10th Jun 6th – Jun 17th Aug 8th – Aug 19th Aug 15th – Aug 26th

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The Global Renewable Energy Education Network serves as an experiential learning program for students and faculty interested in the fields of alternative energy, sustainability, business, policy and the environment.

Each year the GREEN Program welcomes top students from leading universities across the nation. The students are selected to participate on a 12-day educational adventure program in Costa Rica where they explore the topics of renewable energy and sustainability. Through an intensive program itinerary students bridge the gap between traditional textbook learning and accelerated career advancement. The program has served as an exceptional career growth platform for students preparing to enter the industry, and has even brought research, innovative projects and grants back to their universities.

The Curriculum is complemented by experiential site visits to functioning energy plants, and intensified by memorable adventure excursions through which students develop leadership skills. The program is an all-inclusive educational adventure encompassing four pillars: Education, Adventure, Culture, and Experiential Service Learning.

The program is designed for ambitious students, creating a milestone in their academics and launching their professional career. Each student builds global awareness through immersion with the Spanish-speaking culture and participates in exciting adventure excursions and local community development projects. Upon completion of the program students gain access to the exclusive GREEN Alumni Network where they can easily connect with other successful students, employers and industry leaders.

Aside from world-class education and exclusive opportunities to learn from leading industry professionals, each student receives a GREEN Certification and personalized letters of recommendation from distinguished industry professionals, boosting their marketability in a thriving industry.

As the Epicenter of Renewable Energy, Costa Rica is the only location in the world where wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, biomass, and solar energy facilities converge to produce a remarkable educational platform. The country is also a popular destination for adventure travel and is the leader in Eco Tourism. Additionally, the GREEN Program offers students the ability to submerge themselves into a unique culture while encouraging open-mindedness, language immersion and global awareness.

Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America with a heartwarming culture and mesmerizing environmental features. It is a favored travel destination and the perfect atmosphere for experiential learning, personal development, extracurricular enrichment and social impact.

C U S T O M I Z E D G R E E N P R O G R A M S

S U M M E R 2 0 1 2

May 16th – May 27th

May 23rd – Jun 3rd May 30th – Jun 10th

Jun 6th – Jun 17th

Aug 8th – Aug 19th Aug 15th – Aug 26th

Aug 22nd – Sep 2nd

F A C U L T Y P R E V I E W P R O G R A M A special preview of the GREEN Program for faculty members interested in learning more about our program. All in-country expenses are paid by our organization. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to learn more about participating or are a faculty member interested in leading a customized program this summer.

PSU CEMS: June 20th – July 1st

Latino Institute: July 25th – Aug 5th

Cal Poly: Dec 11th – Dec 22nd

Rutgers Business: Jan 11th – Jan 20th

Stony Brook: Jan 9th – Jan 20th

Univ. of Florida: Mar 1st – Mar 11th

W I N T E R 2 0 1 3

Dec 12th – Jan 23rd Dec 27th – Jan 7th Jan 3rd – Jan 14th

S P R I N G 2 0 1 3

9-Day Programs March – April

The following presents a sample schedule of the academic components of the GREEN 12-day Program. Please keep in mind that each day is packed from sunrise to sunset with a mix of activities which blend education, adventure, culture and community service to create a unique and transformational global experience for each student.

Total Contact Hours: 49.5!

D A Y 1

1 HR

1 HR

!  Arrive in Liberia Airport !  Traditional Tico Lunch !  Registration & Check In !  Energy in Transition Class –

Jean Paul Cazedessus, Chief Engineer, B-green Homes

!  Current Industry Issues Discussion – Student driven debate focused on the first set of articles assigned

!  Welcome Dinner !  Staff Introductions

D A Y 3

D A Y 2 D A Y 4

D A Y 5

1.5 HR 0.5 HR

2 HR

1 HR

!  Wind Energy Class !  Costa Rica Climate Talk,

Cultural & Historical Backdrop of the Arenal Guanacaste Region – Luis Diego Murillo, Vice President, Tilaran Cattle Association

!  Waterfalls Adventure Excursion !  Wind Power Site Visit – led by

Chief Operator at AeroEnergia Wind Power Facility

!  Capstone Project Launch Event !  Merengue Dance Lessons

1.5 HR 1 HR

1 HR

!  Geothermal Class !  Experiential Site Visit – Frank

Boyd, Managing Director, Miravalles III 27MW

!  Volcanic geothermal field and extraction wells at Miravalles Volcano

!  Thermo Mania Hot Springs !  Optional Spa Treatment !  Cultural Karaoke Night

1 HR 1 HR

1 HR 1 HR

1 HR

!  Jungle Water Source Exploration !  Sustainable Methane Gas Farm

– Don Bovillo, President of Parceles Water Committee

!  Organic Farming Module !  Solar Power and Industry

Overview !  Capstone Project Milestone –

must have partner and idea selected

!  Night-time Jungle Fiesta

2 HR

0.5 HR

1 HR

1.5 HR 2 HR 1 HR

!  Biological Reforestation Visit – Roberta Ward Smiley, Founder, La Reserva Foundation

!  Plant Trees to build Biological Corridor

!  Sustainable Housing Design – exclusive tour of the B-green homes development led by Chief Architect and Engineer

!  Biomass Energy Overview !  Community Service Project !  Reflection Session !  In house entertainment

D A Y 6

3 HR

2 HR

!  Nature Animal Rafting Excursion

!  Rehabilitation Observatory for Exotic Animals

!  Exclusive Site Visit of Ingenio Taboga, Costa Rica’s largest producer of sugar, hydrous and anhydrous alcohol and sustainable energy. Led by Plant Director Don Giovanny

!  Capstone collaborative work session

!  Bonfire

D A Y 1 0

D A Y 9

D A Y 8

2 HR

1 HR 2 HR

!  Lake Kayaking Excursion !  Exploration of Town Culture !  Low Pressure Hydroelectric

Plant Visit – John Gomez, Lead Civil Engineer, Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad, Planta Sandillal

!  Solar Energy Class !  Finalize Capstone Project !  Lakeside BBQ at Puerto San

Luis Lodge & Yacht Club

2 HR 2 HR

!  Local Souvenir Shopping !  Final Capstone work session !  Capstone Presentations !  Cultural Fiesta

1 HR

2 HR

!  Plasma Rocket and innovative energy solutions overview

!  Ad Astra Plasma Rocket and innovative sustainable energy solutions facility visit - presented by Ronald Chang-Diaz, Educational Director Ad Astra Rocket Company and Earth University

!  Zip-Line Canopy Adventure Tour !  Free day at Tamarindo Beach !  Reggae Fiesta

D A Y 1 2

D A Y 1 1 1 HR !  Free day at Tamarindo Beach,

optional small-scale residential biomass facility visit at Witch’s Rock Surf Camp – presented by Joe Walsh, Founder of Zephyr Eco Tours

!  Team Building and Exploration at Conchal Beach

!  Brasilito Beach Sunset Dinner !  Farewell Celebration !  Transition to GREEN Session &

Alumni Induction Ceremony

!  Countryside Bus Tour !  Departure for Liberia Airport !  Group Reflection Session &

Keeping in Touch

*Sample Itinerary for Traditional GREEN Program

D A Y 7 2 HR 1 HR

2 HR

2 HR

1 HR

!  Visit Off the Grid Modern Home !  Hydroelectric Power Overview &

Industry Article Discussion !  High Pressure Hydroelectric

Plant Visit – Don Claudio, Plant Manager, Compania Nacional de Fuerza y Luz

!  Capstone Project Mid-Review collaborative work session

!  Nuclear Power Debate led by Nuclear Engineering Consultant

!  Cultural Entertainment

-  Gain a comprehensive understanding along with a personal familiarity of the science and technology behind renewable energy systems: hydroelectric, geothermal, solar, wind power, biomass, and bio fuels.

-  Attain a clear grasp of cost analyses and environmental impact of renewable energy production facilities in historical, present and future context.

-  Develop skills to evaluate energy sources and projects in terms of feasibility within the matrix of technical, economic, environmental, and political implementation.

-  Observe Costa Rica’s energy policies, natural resource legislation and other legislative controls impacting the production and sale of electricity in the nation and across Latin America.

-  Advance on the vocabulary and concepts essential to commercial energy production, transmission, management and legislation.

-  Develop leadership, teamwork, and networking skills through adventure excursions and exposure to professional industry relationships.

-  Excel within a network of like-minded students who aspire to work and innovate in the field of renewable energy and sustainability

-  Gain a critical global perspective demanded by corporate recruiters today to prepare for accelerated career opportunities.

E X P E C T E D C O U R S E O U T C O M E S

GREEN provides a 12-day comprehensive overview of the commercial renewable energy industry using Costa Rica and its infrastructure as our classroom. For many of our students, the course work, site visits, and cultural exposure to the people and practices of Costa Rica will spark a lifelong passion for renewable energy and sustainable living practices. The educational approach is a blend of individual study on provided materials and corresponding classes, interactive discussion, site visits, hands on endeavors, community service initiatives, interactive lectures with industry professionals and our professional instructors. The academic curriculum culminates in our popular Capstone Project presentations, which are attended by industry experts, advisors and even investors.

C O U R S E O V E R V I E W

Students must be 18+ years old Brief statement of recommendation from faculty, colleague or advisor Students must submit an official application for the GREEN Program

P R E R E Q U I S I T E S

S C H O L A R S H I P O P P O R T U N I T I E S Scholarships ranging between $200 and $500 are offered to potential GREEN students to help subsidize the cost of the Program. Students may fill out a Scholarship Application upon being accepted for one of the GREEN Program Sessions.

A P P L I C A T I O N & A C C E P T A N C E The applications for the GREEN Program are accepted on a rolling basis. Spaces are limited since only 20 students are accepted to each program, thus we encourage early applications. Once accepted, each student is paired with a GREEN personal representative to guide them through their registration process.

E N E R D Y N A M I C S O N L I N E M O D U L E S Each student is required to complete an online course module through Enerdynamics prior to their participation in the GREEN Program. The Enerdynamics Renewable Energy Overview course provides a big picture overview of renewable power. The modules educate GREEN students on the primary renewable resources used to generate electricity, the technologies used for each resource, and how each technology actually works. Key attributes discussed determine the benefits, costs and challenges associated with each renewable generation technology and the future potential for each resource. The course is comprised of six modules over approximately 4 hours; an introduction as well as Wind Power, Solar Power, Geothermal Power, Biopower, and Hydro and Hydrokinetic Power.

F A C I L I T Y S I T E V I S I T S Over the course of the program, GREEN students visit a commercial renewable energy plant in each of the following categories: Biomass, Hydroelectric (both high and low pressure), Wind, Geothermal, and solar electric grid to be added for the 2012 course. Please note that the physical proximity of these commercial plants in Costa Rica combined with exclusive access to industry professional guided tours make this educational experience possible here like nowhere else in the world.

In addition, our group visits a biogas methane production farm, sustainable organic gardens, a series of natural potable water springs, a biological reforestation project along with a green housing development project.

S C H E D U L E D C L A S S S E S S I O N S

The class sessions are designed to provide a platform for understanding the specific topics explored on the program. They are not designed as in-depth studies of one specific subject, rather a comprehensive overview of the topic followed up with the most recent and up to date developments in the industry and related to the hands-on experiences of the Program. The classes serve as a launching point for rigorous discussions and classroom debates on related articles. Each student is required to complete an online course module through Enerdynamics prior to their participation in the GREEN Program. The classes in Costa Rica take place in several academic environments and last approximately 1.5 hours with an additional hour allotted for discussion and review.

The following classes are required on the GREEN Program:

Class sessions are designed as interactive workshops for students to explore each topic with guidance from an industry expert, faculty member, or lead engineer. Topics are covered from three perspectives: engineering, business and policy.

A series of related articles and case studies serve as a guide for interdisciplinary debate related to each topic while bringing students up to speed on the latest developments in each field.

Energy in Transition Introductory Session: Overview of energy production& electrical

systems

Solar: Mechanics, policy implications,

manufacturing &distribution

Biomass: Profitable by-products, co-generation process and global economic trade

Geothermal: Surveying techniques, technological

background and cost analysis of commercial systems

Hydroelectric Power: High Pressure vs. Low Pressure Systems

Wind Power: Prospecting, appraisal and implementation

Sustainable Housing Design: Modern implementation of sustainable

technology

Bio methane and Bio diesel: Running a sustainable shop

Ad Astra: Plasma rocket engineering, innovative

sustainable energy solutions

As part of the GREEN Program, each student is required to choose and develop an independent project dealing with topics related to Renewable Energy, Public Policy, Business, Ecology, Environmental Science and others. Each student will work in groups to collaborate on this Capstone Project in an interdisciplinary manner. The project must address a current issue, which can be solved or improved through the application of renewable energy policy, technology, business, sustainable ecology, and environmental policy.

The Capstone Project inspires and motivates students to think outside the box and implement their newfound knowledge, while creating innovations of tomorrow. A number of student projects have been presented as proposals and are currently in their beginning stages of implementation. Several projects gained University funding and grants upon return to the student’s home institution. Furthermore, two capstone projects were developed into real scalable businesses over the course of the past year. Historically each capstone presentation has had the presence of one or more of the commercial energy plant managers or employees, and is taken very seriously by our students, faculty, staff and guests.

David Brynes Rutgers University

USDA - Brazil Internship to continue research on Duckweed Biofuel Capstone

Matt Ceasar Pennsylvania State University

Granted funding to continue Fiberoptics Capstone research

Lekan Andrews Pennsylvania State University

Working with Penn State's Office of Sustainability & Facultyto change USA CATA Bus systems to biofuel based transportation

Ernesto Daset Rutgers University

Innovative Solar Power Car incorporation brought to environmental asset firm

(GreenerByDesign); Internship with Energy Master Plan Incubator System with Mayor of

Woodbridge, NJ

Adam Phoebe Pennsylvania State University &

Zack Tamble, St.Thomas Finalists for business plan competition

Robert Shintani & Anthony Hornbeck University of Illinois

Started a business generating biofuel from left over restaurant oil &Founders of Clean

City Coalition

Vania Smittchieva New York University

Working in Kenya, Africa implementing one of the largest wind projects in Africa

Kevin Fernandes Purdue University

Process of implementing applied VOE to bring downstream activities of O&M to the

forefront of investment in India

C A P S T O N E P R O J E C T

As a part of the Capstone Project, each group is required to submit an Executive Summary highlighting an identified problem and solution. This summary will allow the reader to become acquainted with the capstone project before entrenching into the full details. The Executive Summary is meant to be the first page in a business proposal for an innovation or sustainable initiative, inspired by the educational experience on the GREEN Program. Many Alumni have gone on to develop these full proposals for credit opportunities, grants, and personal passions for the work at hand.

Our idea deals with biomass, particularly syngas (wood gas). In the past (WWII times), it substituted oil based fuels in internal combustion engines, but fell into disuse because of its technical and economical disadvantages, like relatively inexpensive imported fuel. Our idea, along with probably half the green enthusiasts, is to bring syngas back into the transportation and power generation sector for developing countries and rural interiors. There have been economic analysis on the feasibility of such a move, and a simple study showed the non-feasibility in developed economies (Sweden in this particular study), and the feasibility in developing economies with lower labour costs. Though there are limitations in the Automotive sector, syngas can be definitely used for decentralized power generation with the use of agricultural waste.

Excerpt from Chandrakant Kulkami & Eugene Chow’s Executive Summary

E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

The Pitch Deck is a 10-15 minute in depth proposal of the Capstone Project. Students are required to present the project in detail as well as cover the financial and political implications incurred. By using an interdisciplinary approach to the Capstone Project, students are forced to look at their projects from a full-bodied perspective. Whilst going through this process of research and development the students ultimately have to denote whether their project is feasible and if not, what could be done to make it feasible to accomplish.

After developing a strong Capstone Project proposal, Alumni are encouraged to take part in the GREEN Campus Ambassador Program to implement their ideas at their respective universities or local communities. GREEN Ambassadors are encouraged to work closely with university organizations, faculty and staff to create awareness and continue being a true leader in sustainability at their university.

P I T C H D E C K

R A I N R E C O V E R Y S Y S T E M S During the course of the program each group design sand installs a clean energy innovation on an impoverished home. The students learn by serving the community and helping families in need. This aspect of the program and their accomplishments stay with the students for a life time and cultivate a valuable perspective of service and philanthropy.

One of the popular projects is a rainwater collection system which allows families to gain access to useable water. When the municipal water was shut down for a month in the small village of Parceles only the families who had the system retained access to water which allowed them to continue productive lives and keep their children in school.

In addition to exclusive hands-on education, GREEN exposes students to the exciting adventure excursions and rich culture that Costa Rica has to offer. While maintaining prudent consideration for safety and comfort, students experience action-packed days throughout their travel. With an adventure always around the corner, each day will be a memorable journey for every student.

The adventure component empowers our students to grasp creative leadership, teamwork, and to step outside their comfort zone. Adventure activities include:

The cultural component encourages open-mindedness, language awareness, and respect for diversity. Opportunities include:

Canopy Tours Kayaking

River Rafting Beach Trip Hot Springs

Jungle Hiking Mud Baths

Waterfall Excursions Jungle Cat

Observatory

Karaoke Night Salsa Dance Lessons Exploration of Local

Cuisine

Local University Collaboration

Spanish Lesson Native Jungle Fiesta

The GREEN Program is often cited by students as one of the best experiences of their lives. Aside from the superb renewable energy education, the program offers students additional long-term benefits including:

•  GREEN Certification to Boost Marketability

•  Personalized Letters of Recommendation from our Partners

•  GREEN Letter of Participation

•  Opportunity to Earn College or University Credit

•  Comprehensive Understanding of 5 Types of Renewable Energy

•  Exclusive Eco Energy Tours & Sustainability Projects

•  Cultural Experience coupled with Spanish Language Immersion

•  Exciting World Class Adventure Excursions

•  Exclusive membership in the GREEN Alumni Network

•  Access to Top Level Directors of Renewable Energy Companies

•  Potential for Mentorship, Internships, and Jobs

•  GREEN Alumni received jobs with the listed companies and credited the GREEN Program

Roy Anderson, RU – Field Engineer, Bechtel Corporation

Dan Conner, PSU & Elizabeth Krall, UFL – Engineering Intern, General Electric

Neha Gautum, RU – Intern, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2

David Byrnes, RU – United States Department of Agriculture – Brazil

Sam Dorbor, RU – Solar Internship,B-Green Homes; Designing Solar Panels for LA Solar

Bernadette Brogden, PSU & Brenna Aliment, SUNY - La Reserva Forest Foundation, CR

John Fraga, RU & Seth Dagen, UFL – La Reserva Forest Foundation &taught local children Englsh

Dan Tauriello, PSU – United States Senate in Washington, DC

Deja Chavarria,PSU – In the process of starting her own Environment and Energy consulting firm

Sam Saadeh, RU – Defense Logistics Agency

Anatoliy Kholad, NJIT – United States Patent Office

Jared Manks, RU – Analyst at Bank of America, working to be a Carbon Credit Analyst

Long Hoang, Saint Louis University – Cost Analyst, Electrical Components International

Kishan Patel, Wayne State University - Structural Engineer, Tucker Young Jackson Tull, Inc.

Kory McDonald, Carnegie Mellon – Field Engineer at Schlumberger

Adam Kowalski, Ohio State – The Dow Chemical Company

Brady Halligan & Joelle Zerillo, RU – Global Renewable Energy Education Network

Zach Hamber, San Diego State - GroupEcoEnergia Certification Program (Wind Turbine Technician) AeroEnergia Plant, CR

VOLCANO ECO LODGE- TILARAN, GUANACASTE This sustainable hotel was built using some of the world’s most unique sustainability principles. Volcano Eco Lodge exemplifies the ideal of a “Green Hotel”, using only low-impact lighting, renewable sources of electricity and carbon emission reducing technologies. Volcano Eco Lodge is the home of tourists, students, researchers, energy policy makers as well as monkeys, birds and other forms of wildlife unique to this region. With breathtaking views of Lake Arenal and inspiring construction and design, Volcano Eco Lodge will accommodate, entertain and inspire students on the GREEN Program to develop their interests in Alternative Energy and Sustainable Development.

PUERTO SAN LUIS - SAN LUIS, GUANACASTE Puerto San Luis is the only hotel located right on the shore of the famous Lake Arenal. Providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience, this resort and yacht club gives our students a great atmosphere to dive into their capstone projects while enjoying the entertaining hotel amenities. State of the art technology and conference settings allow students to develop thorough Program Capstone Projects as well as collaborate with faculty and advisors. This hotel provides a soothing atmosphere, excited by program sponsored watersport excursions, team building exercises and unforgettable cultural events.

THERMO MANIA - GUAYABO DE BAGACES Thermo Mania is a one of a kind thermal springs resort. With breathtaking views of the Miravalles Volcano, the resort offers geothermal hot springs, tours and entertainment activities. This resort is contracted by the GREEN Program to give students a chance to see geothermal energy in action. Upon completing an educational hands-on site visit to a leading geothermal plant, students will return to Thermo Mania for an evening of relaxation, entertainment and discovery. Also known for its abundance of wildlife and unmatched cultural cuisine, Thermo Mania is a comforting change of pace to the otherwise fast-paced and positively challenging GREEN Program itinerary.

LUNA LLENA- TAMARINDO BEACH Luna Llena is a beautiful hotel located on the world-renowned Tamarindo Beach. A popular tourist destination, Luna Llena will give students a safe and comfortable opportunity to explore the beach community of Costa Rica. From laying out in the sun to surf lessons and engaging nightlife, Tamarindo beach will surely become one of the most memorable experiences for any GREEN student. Located in the center of a popular beach town, Hotel Tropicana is a safely gated resort which offers students easy access to the beach and surrounding souvenir markets.

Students will arrive in Costa Rica via the Liberia Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Costa Rica. They will be greeted by several GREEN Counselors and Staff. Photos of the greeting staff members will be emailed to the students a week prior to traveling so they can easily recognize our Counselors (wearing bright green program shirts) when they arrive.

The Students will embark on a scenic drive from the airport to the town of Tilaran in the province of Guanacaste. This portion of the trip will be in the form of a comfortable tour bus and the students will get a chance to interact with one another or relax and enjoy the scenic views of one of the most topographically breathtaking countries on our planet.

Throughout the 12-day program, the student group will be transported via shuttle vans, for short trips and larger tour bus for overnight trips. All vehicles are contracted from a reliable tourism and transportation company with 20+ years of experience in tourism transportation. The Program Fee covers! transportation to all site visits, excursions, cultural experiences, overnight trips and journey to and from the airport. Students may want to bring $10-15 for discretionary transportation spending as there will be an opportunity to take a taxi to a popular souvenier market one of the program days.

Part of getting a wholesome "abroad" experience involves travel throughout the country to see different communities and points of interests. The program is based in the town of Tilaran in the province of Guanacaste. In addition, the students will be visiting notable places such as San Luis, Miravalles, Tamarindo and Flamingo. These trips will be conducted under the supervision of Program Counselors and experienced Tour Guides. !

A R R I V A L

T R A N S P O R T A T I O N

S A F E T Y

The country of Costa Rica houses the best infrastructure in Latin America, which means their irrigation, sewage, and disease control government agencies work equivalently to, if not better than, the United States. Furthermore, the most developed state in Costa Rica is the state of Guanacaste.! This state has historically been developed from the boom era of American and European tourism and retirement.! The entire GREEN program takes place in Guanacaste. This means that the general health of each student is not typically at risk from studying abroad.! All the water provided is potable and all meals are prepared with nutrition and local antibodies in mind to maintain stamina and energy throughout the program as to limit the risk of becoming infected

Your in-country medical coverage will be covered by Instituto Nacional de Seguros and HSBC – Seguros Costa Rica. Your insurance covers $110,000 total liability. It covers accidental death, medical expenses for accidents, and/or immediate emergency hospitalization at any time in the country during the program. For more information, please call internationally at: 011-506-2287-1600 or call GREEN at: 888-558-0579.

All water at GREEN hotels is potable, naturally filtered, and often better quality than American bottled water.! We do recommend and provide the opportunity to purchase bottled water at a local shop and refill at the student’s discretion.

Malaria has almost become obsolete in Costa Rica, with very few cases each year, none of which are in the state of Guanacaste where the GREEN program takes place.! Therefore, it is not recommended to get malaria pills, but rather to invest in bug spray.! Other rumored diseases like Cholera and Leptospirosis are no longer found in Costa Rica. The one infection that is found in Costa Rica, but not in the United States, is dengue fever.! Dengue is transmitted by mosquito bites and while you may find a few cases of it in Guanacaste, it is usually only found in densely populated, poorer cities.!! GREEN never settles in, nor even travels through these potential danger areas.! Costa Rica does an extraordinary job of fumigating and keeping dengue at bay.! Therefore, if there ever is a breakout, it is usually squelched within a couple weeks.

Crime in Costa Rica is very low per capita especially when compared to the United States.! The Latin America country has been rated the “Happiest Country in the World” by a variety of sources.! Many believe the “Pura Vida!” care-free attitude is due to the excessive magnesium found in many of the staple foods of the traditional tico diet.!This creates a comfortable and safe atmosphere for students to interact with locals.! Regardless, GREEN staff maintains prudent supervision at all times to ensure full attendance at every checkpoint along the 12-day adventure. Unfortunately, petty crime such as unarmed robbery is abundant in Costa Rica, therefore GREEN takes secure precautions to protect the possessions of it students.! We stress the importance of vigilance when bringing valuable assets into and around the country.

I N F E C T I O N

W A T E R

I N S U R A N C E

G E N E R A L H E A L T H

For additional student testimonials please visit theGREENprogram.com

Summer 2010 GREEN gave me the confidence to send my resume to as many companies as I could find that I was interested in. I made finding a summer internship a priority. Partly because of GREEN I got interviews with 4 companies and every single one of them asked about GREEN. I had plenty to talk about, and I have no doubt that GREEN played a large role in the 3 job offers I got. I chose to take a co-op with General Electric Energy. I am currently working on an advanced combustion team working to make gas turbines more efficient. The skills I am gaining here are invaluable and I am learning more everyday than I ever thought possible. GREEN gave me an edge in the interview process because when I said I was very interested in a career in alternative energy and sustainability, I wasn’t just talking. I had something to show for it.

Dan Conner Penn State University Energy Engineering

Winter 2011 I got a sweet job at a giant company called Bechtel. I'm going to be a field engineer while we retrofit a nuclear power plant for four months and then I'll be a design engineer in the company's power sector with multiple opportunities to travel to work on major projects all around the world. Having no previous engineering-related work experience or an internship, I feel like having the GREEN program on my resume not only showed my interest in energy systems but also my willingness to travel and my ability to produce in unfamiliar environments. I wish the program continued success!

Roy Anderson Rutgers University Mechanical Engineering

Summer 2011 One of the most educational and memorable trips of my life.! The organization of the entire trip was excellent and the counselors are more than helpful and are willing to give you the best experience for the entire program. The capstone project really brings out the best of the students and really motivates them to come up with extraordinary ideas while the plant visits provide practical knowledge of the subjects.

HimadeepNallavadla Pennsylvania State University

Energy Business & Finance

Summer 2011 The GREEN Program exceeded all of my expectations.! Being surrounded by new people and learning about renewable energy has helped me find my passions.! As a chemical engineer, there are so many career paths I could take.! By visiting different renewable energy plants, I feel passionate about taking a career path in renewable energy.!

Ashley Accad University of Florida

Chemical Engineering

The negative environmental impact of these printed materials has been offset by the planting of trees in the tropical

rainforest of Costa Rica.

+ Hotel Transfer from Liberia Airport if arriving within the designated time frame

+ All in-country transportation for the duration of the Program

+ Lodging at Volcano EcoLodge, Puerto San Luis Yacht Club at Lake Arenal, Miravalles Hot Springs Resort and Luna Llena

+ All Organic Costa Rican Meals, except for 4 dining opportunities to explore local cuisine on your own

+ Exclusive access to preview functioning alternative energy facilities

+ Adventure Excursions

+ Guided tour of Costa Rican nature and culture

+ Friends and memories for a lifetime

I N C L U D E D