Global Media Adventures:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Global Media Adventures?
Global Media Adventures (“GMA”) is an educational services organization headquartered in the State of Ohio. GMA offers international documentary filmmaking and journalism training from experienced journalists and filmmakers - all of whom have overseas experience. Our instructors have worked for entities as diverse as: "60 Minutes", CBS News, CNN, TIME Magazine, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Miami Herald, National Geographic, and more. Our goal is to train qualified students in the fundamentals of broadcast journalism and documentary filmmaking. GMA is unlike any other organization out there because it gives students training, career opportunities and practical experience in the field at a level far beyond any other program.

How Much Does It Cost?

Both programs cost $4800 in 2007. Please see the topics below for cost breakdowns.

Who can participate?
Any qualified student age 18-22 who is open to challenges and has a desire to learn reporting from professional journalists. Each participant will create a short documentary during the program that will serve as a solid addition to journalism portfolio. GMA looks for students who are bright, motivated and eager to learn and explore new cultures. For the Advanced Internship, significant and demonstrable prior experience in filmmaking or journalism is mandatory. Applications are reviewed on a periodic basis throughout the spring -- the sooner that you get your application in, the better your chances of acceptance. All GMA programs are highly competitive for admissions. The final admissions deadline is May 15, 2007.

Can I Apply If I have Recently Graduated From College?

Yes. Recent college graduates can apply for GMA. Many past students have found GMA to be a useful source of contacts and skills that have helped them to find jobs and internships in documentary filmmaking and broadcast journalism.

Where does the GMA program take place?
The Global Media Adventures Program is based in Sámara, Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a diverse and exotic country that the students love. It is a safe and beautiful place and the people are open and hospitable to visitors. Sámara is located on the Pacific Coast of the Nicoya Peninsula – approximately a four-hour drive from San Jose. It is a fantastic, tropical town with a wonderful beach and friendly people. Options for activities include: surfing school, sea kayaking, horseback riding, trips up the Tempisque river, and more.

What will the students learn?
In preparation for their documentary projects, students will receive instruction in writing for television, news reporting, the basics of journalism and ethics, professional camera work and editing, and production of broadcast journalism. All sessions will be conducted by experienced instructors and foreign correspondents. Instruction time will be divided between classroom instruction and fieldwork. Field work will be supervised by GMA staff.

Where will the students stay?
Global Media Adventures has partnered with the Tico Adventure Lodge and C&C Surf Shop. The Tico Adventure Lodge is a new hotel located just steps from the center of town and the beach. The hotel is run by an American/Canadian couple who live in Sámara with their son. It is a beautiful spot in an incredible location and makes a great base camp for our projects. For more information about where we will live, please click here.

How safe is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is commonly regarded as the safest country in Central America. The government is stable, the people welcome visitors, and medical care is readily available. Costa Rica disbanded their military decades ago and “Ticos” (as Costa Ricans refer to themselves) take pride in their diverse and beautiful country. While millions of visitors travel to Costa Rica each year, there are many unspoiled and less visited areas of the country. The personal safety, health and security of all participants is of primary concern to GMA.

What kind of equipment do you use?
GMA trains students to use the latest generation of digital video cameras and editing equipment – the same equipment used by foreign correspondents from the major networks and documentary filmmakers worldwide. The program will primarily use Canon and Sony professional grade cameras. Film editing will take place on Macintosh computers using the industry-standard Final Cut Pro.

How many instructors are there?
GMA prides itself on maintaining the an incredible ratio of instructors to students. Aside from the full time staff, additional instructors will visit from the United States and foreign locations on a rotating basis. With participation limited to approximately 12 students per session (8 for the Advanced session), our ratio is far better than any other comparable summer travel or educational program on the market.

What about health care?
Costa Rica has a decent health care system and there is a doctor in Sámara as well as a small pharmacy. GMA has a great relationship with the local doctor, who did some of his training in the United States and speaks excellent English. GMA consults with top U.S. doctors to stay current with possible medical challenges. All participants will be responsible for maintaining their own health insurance.

What does the program tuition cover?
Meals for the program (Monday -Saturday) are included as is transportation, lodging and weekend adventure activities for the Digital Journalism Workshop (costs, activities and spending money for the Advanced workshop vary). Spending money, money for souvenirs and other personal items are the responsibility of the student. Most Sundays, students will have the day off and are free to head into town for meals. Our acceptance packet will include a breakdown of your trip expenses and suggested spending money. All students are responsible for their own airfare to and from Liberia, Costa Rica. For 2006, the cost of the Digital Journalism Workshop is $4800 and the Advanced Digital Journalism Internship is $4800 (the Internship does not include dinners or as many adventure activities but is several days longer). Special pricing is available for the combined session.

Are there scholarships or financial aid available?
Yes. GMA does have a few scholarships available each year though they tend to get awarded early. Please contact the GMA director, Justin Oppmann (justin@globalmediaadventures.com) for more information and eligability requirements.

Can I get academic credit for this program?
Yes. We have had students get credit in the past. The work that we do is considerably more advanced than you will find in most college programs. As a result, many professors and universities recognize the value of what the students learn and are willing to award credit. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange for credit and ensure that all forms or other benchmarks are met. Schools do vary in their requirements so students should check on what requirements are necessary for credit prior to applying for the program. GMA is more than willing to do whatever we can to help students get credit for their work.

Do I need to speak Spanish?
No. While it helps to have at least a little Spanish it is certainly not necessary. Past GMA students have included native Spanish speakers as well as people who do not speak a word. All classes are in English and even a couple of words of Spanish will help you get around town without difficulty.

How do I get there?
Costa Rica is remarkably easy to get to. There are direct flights from a number of U.S. cities. (Flight time from Miami, for example, is just 2.5 hours). The new international airport in Liberia, Costa Rica has daily flights from Delta, American Airlines and Continental. Airfare to Costa Rica is typically $500-600. GMA will send out further travel and trip information if you are accepted.

If I'm Not Quite Sure About Whether I Can Participate, Should I Still Apply?

No. Please do not apply unless you are 100% certain that you will attend. All students should carefully read the GMA terms & conditions before they apply.

More questions?
E-mail info@globalmediaadventures.com and we will be happy to answer any other questions that you might have. Our staff is available to help you at any time.