The Institute for Central American Development Studies (ICADS) is a center for study, research, and analysis of Central American social and environmental issues. Since 1986, we focus on economic development, politics, environmental studies, sustainable development, public health, women’s issues, education, human rights, and conservation.
Our programs aim to increase understanding of the region within a historical perspective; to develop a theoretical framework for the analysis of root causes, forms and dimensions of underdevelopment and injustice; to stimulate critical evaluation of current development strategies, analyzing their effects on women, children, the poor, and the environment; and to search for alternative methods, policies, and strategies.
ICADS mission is to educate participants about Central America by teaching Spanish and by offering academic programs that utilize a theoretically critical perspective as well as hands-on experience to help students deepen insights into current social, political and economic realities and their effects on the environment and society, especially the poor and marginalized.
ICADS educates participants about Central America through Spanish classes and hands-on academic programs that help students deepen their insights of social, political and economic realities while valuing their effects on the local environment and society.
ICADS supports local organizations and communities by demonstrating a commitment to learning about local social justice issues. Through volunteer work and financial support, we support local education, healthcare, human rights, anti-hunger and environmental issues.
ICADS strives to increase the understanding of Central America learning through historical perspectives, analyzing root causes, studying inequality and injustice, evaluating current development strategies, studying issues on women, children, poverty, the poor, and the environment.
Our team is made up of experts committed to your academic success, health, and safety. Many of us have spent decades working with US students in Central America, and in topics related to our academic work. Many of us, both North and Central Americans, are bilingual, and we all love working cross culturally with students like you in our tropical context.
Don Antonio (as he is known in Costa Rica) has been working in Costa Rican study abroad for over 30 years. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Economy and Third World Development and a master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Maryland in College Park. Prior to his work in Central America, Dr. Chamberlain was a Graduate Fellow/Instructor at the University of Maryland, a Foreign Expert at Beijing University, P.R. China and worked in both Venezuela and Colombia, South America.
Javier Arguedas has worked in international education programs for over ten years. He has a Master’s Degree in Political Science and a Licenciatura (professional license) in Law from the University of Costa Rica. He is also certified as a Mediator by the Supreme Court of Costa Rica. His professional experience covers several areas such as working in the justice system and as national and international consultant on issues related to conflict resolution.
Rosa is in charge of Spanish programs and relations with local Costa Rican host families. She finds a home for each student and helps those students get to know their Costa Rican families and see the world from a different perspective. She has been a Spanish teacher at ICADS for 12 years, and now oversees the Spanish department at ICADS. Rosa also assists with the process of internship placement and coordination. She has a degree in Psychology.
David is a Costa Rican resident and has been working in Latin America for over 30 years. He received his master’s degree from the Latin American Studies department at Tulane University. He wrote his thesis research on the effects of hunting Paraguayan reptiles and then came to Costa Rica in the late 1980’s to help set up the region’s first wildlife management master’s program.
David helps teach and coordinate the variety of programs offered at ICADS. He grew up in Costa Rica and then went on to receive his undergraduate degree in Physics and a Master's of Education in Massachusetts.
Lis, as ICADS staff calls her, is in charge of ICADS financial department.
Abi manages the communications at ICADS, from admissions to social media. She also provides support to the students and programs throughout the year. Originally from Massachusetts, she graduated from Gordon College with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts. She also studied art in Italy and completed photography and design courses at Rhode Island School of Design.
Cindy runs ICADS’ front desk and supports administrative processes at the office.
Yorleny is in charge of keeping the ICADS facilities tidy and cozy for staff and students.