Description

API offers a comprehensive study abroad program in the Costa Rican capital city of San Jose. API students in San Jose will study Spanish language and liberal arts at the Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR).

Recognized internationally for its academic achievements, UCR is the oldest and best-known university in the country. Spanish language courses are taught at all levels, and liberal arts courses are taught in English in a variety of subjects such as business, ecology, literature, history, and more. Students typically receive 12 credits per semester; 6 per summer term.

Students also have numerous volunteer and service opportunities through API.

Highlights

San Jose is located in the central valley, a fertile upland basin 3,773 ft. above sea level, and is surrounded by three towering volcanoes. Nested in the hillsides of these volcanoes there lie quaint villages, small farms, and coffee plantations. The San Jose metropolitan area is home to 36 percent of Costa Rica's population. It has a distinctive charm and warm feel to it. At the same time, in contrast to the serenity and vibrant natural beauty of the rest of the country, the small scale of the central area (326,000 inhabitants) creates a very vibrant core - full of sights, sounds and life defined by a bustling urban center.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications

Please visit our website

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• English

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please visit our website

Program Fees Include:

PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES
Advising, @api Online Resources, Orientation Materials and Support, Mobile Phone, Peer Mentors, Social Networking, and Scholarships.

ON-SITE SERVICES
Airport Reception, Resident Directors and Staff, On-Site Orientation, Housing (Including Meals and Laundry with Some Options), Tuition, Tutoring, Language and Culture Tools, Medical and Life Insurance, Excursions (Overnight, Day and International in some locations), Social and Cultural Activities, Welcome and Farewell Group Meals, and Volunteer Opportunities.

RE-ENTRY SERVICES
Re-Entry Materials and Support, Post-Program Evaluation, Transcript, Alumni-Network, and Development Opportunities.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Animal Welfare
• Conservation
• Environment
• Sea Turtle Protection
• Volunteering

Typical Volunteer

ASVO Volunteer Program The ideal volunteer is an individual who is prepared to work in tropical conditions and can easily adapt to new cultures. Volunteers must be in good physical condition and have few to no allergies. They must also have an interest in protecting the environment and be willing to work independently for long hours in natural environments offering few luxuries.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

American and Canadian Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Scholarships are Available

USD250 - USD1,000 per term; application on website.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Academic Programs International (API)'s Mission Statement

Academic Programs International, API, is an educational organization dedicated to providing challenging and enriching study abroad programs for our students. The experience of living, interacting and learning in an international environment presents invaluable opportunities for each student's academic and personal development. All of our academic and extracurricular offerings are selected with the goal of helping students to grow more self-aware and culturally sensitive. We envision each student evolving from a tourist to a resident to a global citizen, and API is dedicated to supporting this lifelong process. API is committed to providing the best comprehensive study abroad experience possible with personal attention available to our students throughout his or her program, and to working closely with home universities to offer support before, during and after the education abroad experience.

Year Founded

1997