Students interested in international careers that offer hands-on experience in addition to learning about languages and customs can participate in the International Career Development Program in Costa Rica.

This eight-week program which starts June, 1992 is designed to give Americans the chance to internationalize their careers, learn a second language in international fields and to give the students a cross-cultural experience and hands-on experience, said Marielos Calvo, president and co-owner of Asesoria Generencial.

The program, which is worth nine credit hours, costs $2,700 without international airfare, Calvo said.

On the average, eight to nine people attend the program. However last year, 15 people attended the program and they hope to keep this trend going, Calvo said, adding that the program has been in existence for eight years.

“Anyone who wants to have valuable experience in a Latin American country and learn a second language is encouraged to become part of the program,” she said.

There are no prerequisites for the international career program, but two years of college Spanish is suggested.

Cristina Kieckhefer, a junior Spanish major, spent last summer in the program. “I highly recommend the program because it improves your second language tremendously,” she said.

“You gain international work experience, you make really good friends, and (you) get to visit a beautiful country.”

Franklin Van Buer, director of the Office of International Training and Consultation agreed. “You can meet so many outstanding, bright young people through this program—it is a good way to build a network of friends overseas.”

“It is very valuable and unique in the sense that there is the chance for work experience and cultural understanding in addition to learning the language,” he said.

The program is also very individualized, Keickhefer added.