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USAC Costa Rica: Heredia - Latin American Studies & Ecology
The Heredia program in Latin American Studies and Ecology is an ideal path if you are committed to learning about diverse Latin American cultures and the Spanish language. For a semester or full year, your language proficiency and insight into Costa Rican society will greatly improve through formal coursework and interaction with locals. This program places emphasis on diverse academic areas: L...
The Heredia program in Latin American Studies and Ecology is an ideal path if you are committed to learning about diverse Latin American cultures and the Spanish language. For a semester or full year, your language proficiency and insight into Costa Rican society will greatly improve through formal coursework and interaction with locals. This program places emphasis on diverse academic areas: Latin American Studies, Ecological Studies, and Spanish Language. The latter follows an intensive approach, which involves completing up to two years of university foreign language coursework within a semester. Upon completion, you will meet Spanish minor or major requirements. You will complement the Spanish Language curriculum with courses in Biology, History, Literature, Economics, Political Sci...
Program Highlights
Explore the cultural, historic, and urban highlights of the capital city, San José; visit the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean, and Bocas del Toro, Panama; and participate in a field study to Cuba.
Join clubs, organizations, and volunteer activities within the university community, all of which will help you practice your Spanish by spending time with Costa Rican students.
Enrich your cross-cultural experience through internships, field studies, and volunteer opportunities in the local community.
Participate in your host university’s organizations and clubs.
Practice your Spanish through constant interaction with locals, including the students in your host university.
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Quick Details
- Heredia, Costa Rica
- Fall
- Spring
- Summer
- Academic Year
- Anthropology
- Art & Fine Arts
- Art History See more
- All Nationalities
Awards
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Life Changing Experience
July 16, 2026by: Emily Thompson - United StatesI decided to study abroad to better my Spanish skills while also immersing myself in Latin American culture. Costa Rica has done just that! My Spanish has improved so much, and I have been able to immerse myself firsthand in what I have learned in my Latin American Cultures classes back at my home university. I would totally recommend this immersion program!
Life changing experience!
July 16, 2026by: Anna Rabe - United StatesStudying abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica was truly life changing. The program did a great job helping us fully immerse and experience life there. The host families are amazing and the country is beautiful.
Costa Rica in the Spring
June 06, 2026by: Megan Heldf - United StatesDuring my time in Costa Rica, I took Spanish coursework and completed an English Language Assistantship Intern at the Universidad Nacional. I assisted two classes across 3 different days, helping give writing feedback and develop their oral communication skills. In my Spanish coursework, we focused on complex grammar skills and refining our own writing styles. The home stay was farther from the University and downtown area than I would have preferred, but the taxi/uber availability was helpful.
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Heredia, Costa Rica
Types and Subjects
- Subjects & Courses
- Anthropology
- Art & Fine Arts
- Art History
Availability
Years Offered: 2026
- Fall
- Spring
- Summer
Age Requirement
18-30
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Solo, Group
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Tuition & Fees
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- Some Program Activity Costs
- Medical / Accident Insurance
Accommodation Options
- Apartment/Flat
- Home-stays
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Senior (4th Year)
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Transcript
- Online Application
- Essay
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff
Sarah Merrifield
Participated in 2017
Sarah Merrifield is an animal rights activist from Sterling Heights, Michigan who works doing outreach with PETA, and also as a yoga instructor at Cen...
Sarah Merrifield
Participated in 2017
My love for the Spanish language, desire to connect with other cultures, and passion for travel.
Ready to Learn More?
The Heredia program in Latin American Studies and Ecology is an ideal path if you are committed to learning about diverse Latin American cultures and the Spanish language. For a semester or full year, your language proficiency and insight into Costa Rican society will greatly improve through formal coursework and interaction with locals. This program places emphasis on diverse academic areas: Latin American Studies, Ecological Studies, and Spanish Language. The latter follows an intensive approach, which involves completing up to two years of university foreign language coursework within a semester. Upon completion, you will meet Spanish minor or major requirements. You will complement the Spanish Language curriculum with courses in Biology, History, Literature, Economics, Political Sci...
University Studies Abroad Consortium
University Studies Abroad Consortium
Ready to Learn More?
The Heredia program in Latin American Studies and Ecology is an ideal path if you are committed to learning about diverse Latin American cultures and the Spanish language. For a semester or full year, your language proficiency and insight into Costa Rican society will greatly improve through formal coursework and interaction with locals. This program places emphasis on diverse academic areas: Latin American Studies, Ecological Studies, and Spanish Language. The latter follows an intensive approach, which involves completing up to two years of university foreign language coursework within a semester. Upon completion, you will meet Spanish minor or major requirements. You will complement the Spanish Language curriculum with courses in Biology, History, Literature, Economics, Political Sci...
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