The Summer 2025 CCJS/MLAW Study Abroad Program in Costa Rica Is Underway

From June 25 to July 7, twenty University of Maryland students are participating in the Human Trafficking in Context: Corruption and Social Justice study abroad program in Costa Rica. The course focuses on understanding human trafficking in an international context, with Costa Rica serving as a source, transit, and destination country for trafficking.

The program includes lectures, site visits, guest speakers, and meetings with local NGOs and service providers. These activities give students direct insight into the types of trafficking occurring in Costa Rica and the social, legal, and policy efforts to combat it and support victims.

The course is led by Dr. Wendy Stickle, director of the CCJS undergraduate program at Shady Grove and chair of the Montgomery County Human Trafficking Task Force, and Dr. Christine White, senior lecturer in the Law and Society Program at College Park and former chair of the Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force. This is the first time the course is offered in Costa Rica. Dr. Cortney Fisher is also joining the faculty team this year.

Students will share daily reflections through blog posts starting June 27 through July 7. Two to three posts will be published each day, describing the group’s activities and experiences. Follow their insights and observations on the student blog here: