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USAC Costa Rica: Heredia - Latin American Studies & Ecology

by: University Studies Abroad Consortium

8.98 (52)VerifiedSince 1982

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...

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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.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Heredia, Costa Rica
Availability
Year(s) Offered: 2026Terms Available:
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Academic Year
Age Requirement: 18-30
Types & Subjects
Subjects & Courses:
  • Anthropology
  • Art & Fine Arts
  • Art History
  • See more
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Awards

GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2025 - Study Abroad2025 Finalist - People’s Choice2025 Finalist - Innovation in Sustainability2025 Finalist - Innovation in Marketing & Digital MediaGoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Study AbroadGoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Winner - Intern Abroad ProgramTop Rated Provider 2023 - Study AbroadInnovation in Marketing & Digital Media 2023 WinnerTop Rated Study Abroad Organization 2022Innovative Technology Finalist 2022Innovation in Marketing & Digital Media Finalist 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

8.98

Total Reviews

52

it was a great time

May 16, 2026by: kayden bryan - United States

Program: USAC Costa Rica: Heredia - Latin American Studies & Ecology

8

i learned so much while studying abroad and living in costa rica and made many friends from all over the states while there. it was definitely something that i would recommend to anyone interested in studying abroad or thinking about it! there was definitely an adjustment that had to be made and it definitely was not easy at first but i grew so much as a person and as a student and gained confidence in my spanish speaking skills that i would not have gained otherwise.

fishing with my dad in Quepos

Amazing experience

May 01, 2026by: Rowan Haeger - United States

Program: USAC Costa Rica: Heredia - Latin American Studies & Ecology

10

I was lucky learn so much about Latin America and Costa Rican culture during my time abroad. I made great friends and the program gave me the opportunity to go on really fun trips. I never would have had this experience if not USAC.

Life changing

May 01, 2026by: Nicole Vaughn - United States

Program: USAC Costa Rica: Heredia - Latin American Studies & Ecology

10

My experience in Costa Rica was truly life changing and I now have a second home! I would love to go back and maybe move there for good. Such a beautiful place and an amazing program that I am forever grateful for.

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

Terms Available:
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Summer

Age Requirement

18-30

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Group

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

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • University Junior (3rd Year)
  • University Senior (4th Year)

Application Procedures

  • Transcript
  • Online Application
  • Essay

Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Sarah Merrifield

Sarah Merrifield

Participated in 2017

Alumni

My love for the Spanish language, desire to connect with other cultures, and passion for travel.

Show Full Interview
University Studies Abroad Consortium

University Studies Abroad Consortium

8.98Verified

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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