Using a combination of geothermal, wind and hydro energy sources, the nation of Costa Rica was able to produce 98% of its electric power last year without using oil. The city of San Jose will be the backdrop for learning the fundamentals of thermodynamics and converting heat and energy to mechanical work. The course will include a field trip to a sustainable energy power plant and to local cultural points of interest. Home stay accommodations provided by local family and language courses at Veritas University provide the perfect opportunity to develop your Spanish language skills whatever your current level. 

You will be introduced to the properties, characteristics and fundamental equations of state of materials, and the processes of work and heat transfer. First and second laws of thermodynamics, thermodynamic power and refrigeration cycles, gas/vapor mixtures and psychrometrics will also be discussed. The course will emphasize in class activities that are motivated by sustainable energy production and environmentally friendly practices. 

Information Sheet:

Areas of study: Mechanical Engineering, Spanish

Program type: UMBC Faculty-led Program

Housing options: Homestay

GPA requirements: 2.5

Faculty Leaders: Dr. Charles Eggleton, Dr. Maria Sanchez

Details and application are available here.