Still dreaming about travel plans, study abroad opportunities, and the specialized courses that you would have been taking abroad? We at ICDS are dreaming of those same opportunities, too. And that’s why we’ve adapted all of our Summer II and Fall 2020 programs and courses to give you an opportunity to study with us online!! Below, we’re sharing eight benefits of studying online with ICDS for upcoming programs. Just so you know, by taking any of these online courses or programs, you’ll have the opportunity to complement the virtual academic work with an optional one or two-week long experiential visit to Costa Rica when conditions are safe again for international travel. 😉 Ok! here’s the deal: 

BENEFITS OF STUDYING ONLINE WITH ICDS

1. Create your comfy learning environment!: No more uncomfortable chairs, or stiff, impractical desks.  With online course options, all educational content, resources, and materials are provided via online platforms, so you’ll easily access them from the comfort of your home (or wherever you choose to be). No public transport to get to campus, no walking from class to class–across campus–in the pouring rain, no stress about what clothes to wear.. the list goes on.  So, whether you’re at your apartment or back home with your parents, you can create your own space to complete coursework.
2. More channels of communication with your profe: a plus to taking online classes is the flexibility you have to communicate with your professor. It can be challenging to connect with your professors face to face, on campus, during set office hours, or after class. Our online course, whether it be via email, live chat, telephone conversations, or virtual whiteboards, you should have more opportunities to get feedback or have a great Q& A session with your ICDS course professor.
3. Increase your e-connections:  It’s possible to form study groups online using free online software like Google Hangout or Join Me to link-up, collaborate or study remotely with others. All you need is your computer, a headset to listen and talk in, and the time to join others virtually to swap ideas about classroom assignments, get questions answered about things you’re stuck on. You can share screens, present documents, use virtual whiteboards to brainstorm ideas, and organize your study projects. Cheers to creating more lasting connections!
4. It’s eco-friendly: There’s doubt that eliminating a daily commute and in some cases, international flights :), will ease the carbon-footprint you’re leaving behind on our planet. By going the online route, you’re probably cutting out a bit of paper waste, by completing all assignments, projects, and other communications virtually. Not only are you helping out the environment by opting with online university programs, but you’ll also save money on gas, bus fares, and other fees that come along with transportation. Also… did we mention that online courses save you the time of those commutes that you can use to study, write papers, collaborate on group projects, or maybe dig into a completely different hobby?
5. Self-discipline and motivation–Skills for Life: The flexibility that comes with online learning also means you’ll be *heavily encouraged* to learn self-discipline by managing your time and tasks. In most cases, it’ll be up to you to proactively reach out to your professor, complete assignments on time, and plan ahead. One of the things we know employers expect is that we manage our time effectively. Online classes keep you on a regular schedule of making and meeting deadlines, allowing you to practice managing your time and staying productive week-to-week. Your future employer will appreciate, if not require time management skills and self-motivation that it takes to meet set goals. 
6. Improve your technical skills: All online courses require the learner (and professor) to navigate different learning management systems and TechEd resources. Even if you’re already technologically inclined, online learning can serve as a catalyst for the development and mastery of tech skills. That said, we say “technical skills” both literally and figuratively.  Via our online courses, the participation skills students learn to translate to your Major and or future career, no matter the field.
7. Gaining Global Perspectives: By joining ICDS for an online course or program, you have the chance to connect with students from across the U.S. and other parts of the world. Students in our online programs may come from across the U.S. or other parts of the world, providing students the opportunity to network with individuals from around the globe, broadening horizons, and developing more cultural competency. Not to mention, the content you’ll be delving into covers a variety of topics regarding Latin America and its cultural diversity. By exposing ourselves to new ideas and connections, we may also spark personal creativity.
8. Have a lot on your plate?: Online course options provide students with the opportunity to continue their learning process while still balancing other responsibilities. With ICDS online course options, you can learn on a flexible schedule and set your own pace. Rather than waking up at the crack of dawn to get to your 8 am class, or skipping family dinner to commute to campus, you’re logging on when it’s convenient for you—at a time that doesn’t interfere with other commitments. That flexibility allows you to more easily balance school, social, and sleep. Additionally, when learning online, if you didn’t catch something your professor said, you can revisit past material or easily let the professor know of your questions, via multiple online platforms. Working through lessons, reading and other assignments at your own pace ensure you’re really mastering the material before moving on. This added flexibility allows online learners to maximize the online course.