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ISA Study Abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica
San José – or Chepe, as it is lovingly called by locals – is the political, economic, and cultural hub of Costa Rica. It is where most Costa Ricans live, study, and work. The city allows you to experience a bustling and cosmopolitan Latin American metropolis while also having the rest of the country's pristine wonders at your fingertips. Sign up for our ISA program in San José and study at Veri...
San José – or Chepe, as it is lovingly called by locals – is the political, economic, and cultural hub of Costa Rica. It is where most Costa Ricans live, study, and work. The city allows you to experience a bustling and cosmopolitan Latin American metropolis while also having the rest of the country's pristine wonders at your fingertips. Sign up for our ISA program in San José and study at Veritas University, a well-respected institution in Costa Rica. This is open to all Spanish proficiency levels - beginning, intermediate, and advanced. Depending on your language skills, you can choose to take classes in Spanish together with Costa Rican students or in English with international students. While in Costa Rica, take the time to visit our office situated one block away from the Univer...
Program Highlights
Take courses depending on your Spanish proficiency level.
Create a social network with Spanish and international students.
Take advantage of the services, facilities, amenities, and resources at our ISA office.
Escape the bustling city by going on a trip to tranquil destinations, such as rivers, mountains, and rainforests in Costa Rica.
Explore the country’s diverse landscapes, which range from a vibrant Latin American metropolis to pristine natural wonders.
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Quick Details
- San Jose, Costa Rica
- Fall
- Spring
- Summer
- Winter
- Biology
- Business
- Culture
- Ecology
- Economics
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- American
- Canadian
Awards






Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
From Flyers to Fulfillment: My Transformative Summer in Costa Rica
by: Estrella Rivera - United StatesProgram: ISA Study Abroad in San Jose, Costa RicaThis summer, I had the privilege of studying abroad and participating in a service-learning program through International Studies Abroad by WorldStrides. As a first-generation student, studying abroad was never something I had seriously considered, nor did I see it as an option in my academic career. However, after stumbling across a flyer on my university campus, I knew I wanted to explore the opportunity. I had the chance to study in San José, Costa Rica, from June to July. As a civil engineering and Spanish major, I wanted to enhance my professional skills and expand my network, which is why I chose Costa Rica. I enrolled in a Spanish course at Universidad Veritas, which was unlike any course I had taken back in the U.S. Instead of traditional exams, the course focused on research presentations, essays, and discussions. The knowledge we gained in class was reflected in our essays and presentations, which replaced the need for exams. I would definitely encourage any prospective student who is uncertain about studying abroad to take the leap. The staff and students at Universidad Veritas were welcoming and supportive, creating a positive atmosphere throughout the campus. ISA offered amazing excursions that deepened my understanding of Costa Rica's culture and geographical landscape. The ISA guides and tour leaders were incredible, teaching us about the history, traditional dishes, plants, animals, and more. Every excursion was a fun learning experience and a chance to capture hundreds of beautiful photos. My host family truly made me feel at home. They were the kindest, sweetest people I have ever met and ensured that my roommates and I felt comfortable and safe every single day. They were thoughtful about our meals, often asking for our breakfast and dinner preferences, and even bought us our favorite seasonal fruits. My host mom exceeded all my expectations, and she became an important part of my experience. Not only did I meet amazing people, visit beautiful places, and try delicious food, but I also experienced significant personal growth. By the end of the trip, I realized I had become more independent and confident, even planning solo trips without feeling like an outsider. Self-discovery was an unexpected but valuable aspect of my study abroad experience. If you're considering studying abroad but are unsure, this is your sign to go for it. The program coordinators in Costa Rica were some of the sweetest and most supportive people I have ever encountered.


Best Adventure of my Life!
by: Miranda Gormley - United StatesProgram: ISA Study Abroad in San Jose, Costa RicaI absolutely loved my study abroad experience with ISA in San Jose, Costa Rica. I went on amazing snorkeling and whale-watching trips for my marine biology courses, got to explore many volcanoes and waterfalls, and was immersed in the Latin American culture through Spanish courses, my homestay, and lots of cultural activities. I learned how to cook traditional dishes, got to participate in tropical dance classes, and learned about the history of Costa Rica while traveling with ISA. Wouldn't change a minute of my journey!

Bad trip
by: Melanie Schille - United StatesProgram: ISA Study Abroad in San Jose, Costa RicaThis was one of the worst experiences I had abroad. Everything was a poor experience. Academics were bad, living situation was even worse, food was bad, and I got VERY sick multiple times. Don’t recommend San Jose for study abroad
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- San Jose, Costa Rica
Types and Subjects
- Subjects & Courses
- Biology
- Business
- Culture
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
Age Requirement
Age Requirement Varies
Guidelines
- American
- Canadian
- This Program is also open to Solo, Group
Cost per week
Program Cost Includes
- Tuition & Fees
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Accommodation Options
- Home-stays
- Independent living
Qualifications & Experience
- English
- Spanish
Language Skills Required
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Physical Exam/Health Records
- Transcript
- Online Application
- Disciplinary Clearance Form
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff

Allison Kielhold
Participated in 2012
Kielhold graduated in 2013 from CSU Long Beach with a major in International Studies and a minor in Spanish. She participated in ISA’s program in San ...

Allison Kielhold
Participated in 2012
I chose ISA because they offered the language classes and academic courses that I needed for my degree. They also offered a home stay option, onsite support and tutoring, and included excursions to different parts of Costa Rica.

Danielle Lockard
Participated in 2011
Danielle is a recent graduate of the University of Kentucky with B.A.’s in both Spanish and International Studies. She has a passion for travel and wo...

Danielle Lockard
Participated in 2011
Choosing which study abroad program was the best fit for me didn’t happen overnight. It took a lot of research and comparing to finally reach a decision. The Education Abroad office at the University of Kentucky was such a great tool in helping me decide. I wanted to choose a program outside of my school so I would have the opportunity to meet other students from different parts of the United States.
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