We have adopted the Forum on Education Abroad’s Code of Ethics for Education Abroad. Below is a summary of the Code of Ethics and information on how it applies to this program.

1. Truthfulness and Transparency

Program decision-making processes and practices should be appropriately disclosed, periodically reviewed, and effectively revised as needed.

• Accurate and up-to-date information should be provided through the program website
• Selection criteria should be clearly disclosed during the application process
• The Program should be developed in accordance with the established Memorandum of Understanding
• All policies, fees, and practices should be disclosed in an appropriate and timely manner

2. Responsibility to Students

This program should prioritize students’ best interests, including their academic objectives, exposure to cross-cultural learning and experiences, professional goals, personal safety and security, individual growth, and financial welfare.

• Pre-departure orientation should cover essential information, including, but not limited to:
  • Program details
  • Costa Rica cultural and societal norms
  • Costa Rica’s laws and regulations
  • Student Code of Conduct
• While on-site, MIIS students should act as second language teachers and be held responsible to the students in their care

3. Relationships with Host Societies

MIIS should endeavor to create sustainable, mutually beneficial local relationships that are respectful of economic, social, and environmental concerns.

• The Memorandum of Understanding should guide all program development and management.
• Local laws, cultural norms, and program impacts on the community should be covered during pre-departure orientation.
• The faculty leader should establish and maintain a professional relationship with host institution community.

4. Observance of Best Practices

Program coordinators and participants should endeavor to identify and follow best professional practices, exhibit sensitivity and respect for cultural differences, and ensure compliance with applicable guest and host country law.

• Foreign/second language teachers are held responsible to:
  • The students in their care
  • Their colleagues and the teaching profession
  • The wider community
• Legal obligations, including visa regulations, must be met
• The website should be kept up-to-date
• Program cost and fees should be clearly communicated
• There should be a plan in place for assessing the program mission, goals, and ethics

5. Conflict of Interest

Program coordinators should identify and appropriately handle potential conflicts of interest, or the appearance thereof, based on the best interests of the students.

• Personal or institutional interests, whether financial or non-financial, should not compete with the best interests of the MIIS and UCR students
• Conflicts of interest should be taken into consideration when selecting the faculty leader and creating selection criteria