Description

Costa Rica is well known for its peaceful lifestyle, egalitarian society and extraordinary natural beauty. USAC students study intensive elementary, intermediate and advanced Spanish and elective subjects such as art history, biology, ecology, political science, business and anthropology in Heredia, a colonial city nestled in the foothills above San Jose. Elective subjects are taught in English or in Spanish. The USAC programs are located at the National University of Costa Rica. Field trips are included on which you can hike in the jungle or to a volcano, swim off beautiful beaches or ride in an aerial tram across the canopy of a jungle. For an even more in-depth view, you can elect to participate in the optional six day tours offered to the north and south of Costa Rica and Nicaragua and not only sightsee but also take part in such activities as kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling or soaking in thermal hot springs as you watch an active volcano erupt. You are encouraged to opt for the appropriate language track which will fulfill foreign language requirements and enhance your ability to communicate during your stay in Costa Rica.

Highlights

Heredia is a colonial city nestled in the foothills above San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, where USAC courses are held, is situated only a few blocks from downtown Heredia. The city is surrounded by coffee plantations and ranches and is one of the gateways to the majestic Poás Volcano. The climate is temperate, with average temperatures of 70°-80°F year-round. Only 25 minutes by bus from downtown San José and its one million inhabitants, Heredia offers the peace and rural beauty of a smaller city, while providing easy access to the activities of the capital.

Internships, field trips to both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the rain forest, nature reserves and visits to folkloric events and village festivals and home stays form an integral part of the program. Numerous levels of Spanish language courses and no language requirement.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Semester: USD 4,980 Year: USD 9,460 Summer: USD 2,980-5,860

Program Fees Include:

* Summer:
- tuition and fees
- housing placement
- homestay housing fee
- personalized pre-departure advising
- immigration visa assistance
- parental support and advisement
- financial aid/scholarship advising and assistance
- transcript assistance
- student health insurance
- airport pick-up
- USAC mandatory orientation in Heredia
- host university student ID card
- 24-hour local staff support
- free medical assistance on campus
- program-organized field trips
- local travel resources, tips, and suggestions
- volunteer opportunities

* Semester/Year:
- tuition and fees
- housing placement
- personalized pre-departure advising
- immigration visa assistance
- parental support and advisement
- financial aid/scholarship advising and assistance
- transcript assistance
- student health insurance
- airport pick-up
- USAC mandatory orientation in Heredia
- host university student ID card
- 24-hour local staff support
- free onsite medical assistance
- program-organized field trips
- local travel resources, tips, suggestions
- volunteer opportunities

Experience Required

no

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available

Requirements vary. Please contact USAC.

Typically The Application Process Time is

One week

University Studies Abroad Consortium's Mission Statement

We are a nonprofit consortium of 33 U.S. universities offering quality study abroad programs for the past 30 years. USAC helps arrange everything for students like housing, internships, field study courses and more; from the point you apply, to your arrival and stay, to your transcript upon return, USAC will be there for you. The mission of the University Studies Abroad Consortium is to provide students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, experiences and attitudes to prepare them for the global society of the 21st century. We believe study abroad is the most effective way to accomplish these goals.

Year Founded

1982