Dr. Maurice Shirley, Assistant Professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs in the IU School of Education, traveled to the cities of Tamarindo, San Jose, and San Ramon in Costa Rica during the Spring 2023 academic term to convene with scholars, administrators, and current students regarding the current state of higher education within Costa Rica. As part of a federally funded grant, Dr. Shirley is currently developing a study abroad opportunity for graduate students to explore the unique challenges and opportunities for Costa Rican higher education and collaborate with scholars and professionals to develop strategic solutions for the years to come. With support from CLACS, Dr. Shirley was able to broaden his capacity to explore multiple regions of the country to set a foundation for a robust international experience for IU students and scholars. In preparation for the study abroad trip planned for Spring 2024, Dr. Shirley stated, “I’m very excited and honored to be entrusted with planning and leading a study abroad trip for our students. This is an amazing opportunity to learn more about education within international contexts that will facilitate dynamic conversations between two countries that face similar challenges in their systems of higher education.”
To learn more about the trip and the upcoming study abroad opportunity, you may contact Dr. Shirley at maushirl@indiana.edu.