Costa Rica slideshow transcription

MIUSA is excited to offer a 16-day exchange program to Costa Rica on June 27 -July 12, 2008 with a focus on youth leadership and cross-cultural perspectives on disability rights.

Generous scholarships available!

Thirteen emerging leaders will be exploring Costa Rica and participating in an exciting cross-cultural and cross-disability exchange program! They will become ambassadors of disability pride by sharing cross-cultural disability perspectives with members of the local the community! Delegates will be developing leadership skills, building self-confidence, making friends, and learning Spanish! Delegates will experience Costa Rican culture, food and customs by living with a host family!

MIUSA strives to organize programs that include people with and without disabilities and people from diverse cultural backgrounds. First time travelers with disabilities who are from a cultural minority and of low socioeconomic status are included every year. MIUSA exchange programs are inclusive of people who are Deaf and hard of hearing, or have cognitive, visual, physical, psychiatric, systemic, non-apparent, or other types of disabilities.

• ASL staff interpreters will be provided by MIUSA for the duration of the program.
• Materials in alternative formats will be provided for all scheduled program activities.
• Personal assistant funding may be available to assist participants who need personal assistance during the program.
  

ELIGIBILITY 

Participants must be:

• U.S. Citizens
• Ages 18 - 24 by June 27, 2008

HOW TO APPLY

1. Download application:     pdf format    rtf format

2. Pay $20 non-refundable application fee

3. Send all application materials to:
132 E. Broadway Suite 343
Eugene, OR 97401
fax: (541) 343-6812
email: apply@miusa.org

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Applications are still being accepted as space permits. If you missed the deadline, contact us at exchange@miusa.org to let us know if you are still hoping to apply.

Related Information and Resources

Costa Rica 2008 Recruitment Flyer

Article about MIUSA's Costa Rica Program

• See how one Deaf delegate learned LESCO and connected with the deaf community.

Learn about Cost Rica!

• Cultural, geographical, historical and general travel information as well as disability organizations and international exchange programs in this gem of Central America.

Success Stories

• Read stories from individuals and professional staff about disability and exchange joys, challenges, and tips!

Scholarship Resource Links

• SYTA Youth Foundation
• NCDE Funding Lists

• Air Travel Tips
• Medications
• Mobility Disabilities
• Personal Assistant
• Power Wheelchair 
• Travel Equipment Tipsheet

The 2008 US/Costa Rica: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Disability Rights Leadership Exchange Program is funded by the New York Community Trust DeWitt Wallace/Youth Travel Enrichment Fund, established in Community Funds by the co-founder of The Reader's Digest Association. For the past fourteen years, MIUSA has received the generous support of the DeWitt Wallace/Youth Travel Enrichment Fund, established by the founder of The Reader's Digest Association, to provide an educational travel opportunity to young adults with disabilities from diverse communities.