This course is structured as an immersive experience situated in Costa Rica, specifically focusing on the Nicoya Peninsula renowned for its distinct Blue Zone lifestyle. The primary objective of this course is to expose students to the profound and multifaceted elements underpinning the exceptional longevity and well-being observed within the Nicoya population.

Emphasizing Costa Rican community dynamics, culinary traditions, and cultural nuances, this program integrates daily yoga and meditation sessions to facilitate students' self-guided exploration. Through a comprehensive examination of Costa Rica's environmental, political, economic, and social systems, both at local and global scales, students will cultivate a nuanced understanding of the mechanisms driving the country's societal resilience and prosperity.

Daily yoga classes focused on asana practice, breathing techniques and mediation will prepare students physically and mentally to be present and open to new experiences, as well as serve as a basis for self-reflection. Field trips to local farmers markets, organic farms, and hiking in nature will be integral to the students’ experience when learning about Costa Rican culture.

As a culminating expression of their learning journey, students will manifest their acquired knowledge and insights in the form of a cookbook. This cookbook will serve as a platform to chronicle their experiences by selecting a specific recipe and intricately detailing the sourcing of ingredients, cultural significance attached to specific culinary elements, and the communal practices entwined with food preparation and consumption.

The overarching mission and goals of this January Term course encompass fostering a holistic understanding of Costa Rica's socio-cultural fabric, promoting intercultural exchange and experiential learning, and empowering students to critically engage with global issues while honoring local traditions and practices.

Preparation

• Watch Live to be 100: Secret of the Blue Zones: Episode 1-4 Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/watch/81474958?trackId=255824129

• Review Our Story, the history of the Blue Zone study: https://www.bluezones.com/about/history/

• Review the Power 9: https://www.bluezones.com/2016/11/power-9/

• Spanish:

  •  Review common Spanish phrases and download the Google Translate app to your device.

• Costa Rica:

  •  Explore information about Costa Rica, common facts, regions, industry, health care, government, politics, environment, flora, & fauna etc.

    • Lonely Planet Costa Rica

    • Britannica Costa Rica

• Textbooks/Reading:

  • The Blue Zones Secrets for Living Longer: Lessons from the Healthiest Places on Earth by Dan Buettner

  • The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V Desikachar

  • The Path of the Yoga Sutras by Nicolai Bachman

Assignments/grading

• Participation - 25%

• Daily journal entries - 25%

• Cookbook project - 25%

• Final reflection paper - 25% 

Sample Day

 7:00 am morning yoga & meditation, intention setting, daily briefing

 8:30 am breakfast

 10:00 am planned excursions/presentations

 12:30 pm lunch

 1:30 group activities/projects

 4:00 pm hatha yoga

 6:00 pm dinner

 7:30 pm share circle - journaling

Participation (100 points)

You are expected to participate in all scheduled classes, field trips and group activities. If you are unwell and cannot attend class then accommodations will be made for make-up assignments at the discretion of the instructor.

Daily journal entries (100 points)

You are expected to maintain a personal journal daily. Journaling entries will include (but are not limited to) reflections on daily activities, presentations, field trips, group work, interviews with local community members, personal self-assessment and/or reflections.

Cookbook (100 points)

Assignment: Culinary Traditions of the Nicoya Blue Zone: A Cookbook Project

Objective: The Nicoya Blue Zone offers a unique opportunity to study the intersection of diet, culture, and longevity. This cookbook project seeks to document and celebrate the culinary heritage of the Nicoyan people, shedding light on the ingredients, cooking techniques, and cultural significance of their traditional cuisine.

Instructions:

• Select one authentic Nicoyan recipe to research

• Identify its key ingredients and nutritional properties

• Recognize the cultural and social aspects of the selected recipe (example: How/where is it grown and harvested? When is it prepared/consumed?)

• Compile research into a single recipe card - complete with photograph of your choice

Final Reflection Paper (100 points)

Written Assignment: Exploring Blue Zone Principles: Unveiling the Secrets to Longevity and Well-being

Objective: To deepen students' understanding of the principles underlying longevity and well-being in the Costa Rican Blue Zone through research and reflection.

Instructions:

• Read: The Blue Zones Secrets for Living Longer: Lessons from the Healthiest Places on Earth by Dan Buettner.

• Essay 2000 words

• By researching and reflecting on your own experiences over the past three weeks living in the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone, what principles have you learned and/or integrated based on the following:

  • Healthy Diets: traditional diets of Blue Zone inhabitants, emphasizing plant-based foods, whole grains, and minimal processed foods.

  • Active Lifestyles: daily physical activities and exercise routines practiced by Blue Zone residents, highlighting the importance of movement in their lives.

  • Strong Social Connections: social networks and community bonds within the Blue Zone, emphasizing the role of relationships in promoting health and well-being.

  • Sense of Purpose: Blue Zone inhabitants find purpose and meaning in their daily lives, whether through work, family, or other activities.

The paper should include:

• citations from the required textbooks

• interviews/conversations/presentations from teachers/guides/local community members

• reflection on your own lifestyle in comparison to the principles observed in the Blue Zone

• identifying areas where you can incorporate Blue Zone practices into your life

• summarization of the key findings from your research and reflection, emphasizing the significance of Blue Zone principles in promoting longevity and well-being.

During the 4-week course, students will be able to recognize:

• Blue Zone Principles: Students will gain a deep understanding of the principles that contribute to longevity and well-being in the Costa Rican Blue Zone, such as healthy diets, active lifestyles, strong social connections, and a sense of purpose.

• Cultural Appreciation and Awareness: They will learn about the history, language, healing traditions and cuisine of the Nicoya region, as well as the indigenous cultures that have influenced its development.

• Health and Wellness Education: Students will learn about the importance of adopting healthy habits and lifestyles for promoting longevity and well-being. They will explore topics such as nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and mindfulness, and how these factors contribute to overall health and longevity.

• Environmental Awareness and Sustainability: Students will gain an understanding of the environmental factors that contribute to the well-being of Blue Zones, such as clean air, water, and natural landscapes. They will learn about sustainable practices for preserving the environment, including conservation efforts, renewable energy initiatives, and organic farming practices.

• Community Engagement and Social Responsibility: Students will have the opportunity to engage with local community members and learn about the importance of social connections, support networks, and community cohesion for promoting health.

• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Through experiential learning activities, discussions, and reflection exercises, students will learn to analyze complex issues related to health, culture, and sustainability.

• Global Citizenship and Intercultural Competence: By interacting with people from different cultural backgrounds and perspectives, students will learn about diversity, effective communication across cultures, and work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds.

• Personal Growth and Reflection: Students will step out of their comfort zones, challenge their assumptions, and gain new insights about themselves and the world around them.