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Study Abroad | San Jose

Costa Rica | Veritas University | Summer 2024
Three students sitting on a roof in Costa Rica.
Two students walking outside in Costa Rica.

Select Your Program Option:

  • Summer 2024

Overview

Spend a summer in the mellow and breathtaking city of San José, Costa Rica with AIFS! Study a variety of academic program options at Veritas University, one of the most highly regarded private universities in Latin America. The university’s urban campus is just a short drive from lush rainforests, volcanoes, endearing sloths and stunning coastlines. 

Stay Longer in San José!

This summer session in San José can be combined with the new San José May Term program for a longer study abroad experience:

  • Spanish Language and Latin American Culture May Term + Session 1

What’s Included

The AIFS inclusive program fee includes all of the great features below in addition to many pre-departure, on-site and upon-return services to help students make the most of their time abroad.

Review Our Policies
  • Tuition

    Up to 9 semester credits (subject to session and course selection)

  • Courses

    Courses offered in architecture, art, business, communications, economics, environmental sciences, health, history, linguistics, literature, photography, physical therapy, politics, psychology, social science, Spanish language, Spanish language for business, health and law enforcement professionals

  • Housing

    Homestay

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast and dinner in your homestay

  • Excursions & Day Trips

    Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs Spa, and Monteverde Cloud Forest (3 days)

  • Cultural & Social Activities

    in and around San José including orientation and city tour, dance lesson, cooking class and visits to local markets

  • On-Site Program Director

    to help with any questions or advice you may need throughout the program

  • Health & Safety

    24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance
  • Personal/Professional Development

    Access to the renowned Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and alumni network
  • Green Initiative

Additional Options & Opportunities

Program Details: Study Abroad | San Jose Spanish Language and Latin American Culture May Term + Session 1

Dates

May 4, 2024June 29, 2024

Term

Summer

Institution

Veritas University

Application Deadline

April 1, 2024

Inclusive Fees

$7,990

Eligibility

Open to High School Graduate, First Year, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Non-Student

Minimum of 2.5 GPA

Additional requirements may vary by course selection. See Academic section below.

Visa Requirements

A visa may be required for this program. Please contact your advisor or log into your portal for more information.

Areas of Interest

  • Foreign Language
  • Health Sciences
  • Spanish Language

Academics

AIFS Abroad offers a unique global educational experience for students on this program, with the following academic options available:

Veritas University has grown to become one of the most highly regarded private universities in Latin America. It specializes in creative industries and sustainability. The university’s programs reflect their training and dedication to best practices. 

Veritas has an urban campus, equipped with modern facilities, including both MAC & PC labs, a Digital Fabrication Lab, a wood and metal lab, a Bio-molecular laboratory, library, a materials store and a student cafeteria. 

  • Foreign Language
  • Health Sciences
  • Spanish Language

Students on the 4-week programs (Sessions 1, 2 and 3) take an intensive Spanish language course, available at all levels. Standard Veritas language courses are 60 contact hours and are recommended for 4 semester credits. For students from institutions requiring 5-credit language courses there may be the option of doing additional language hours for extra credit for a supplemental fee. This is only available during Session 2. Please discuss with your Admissions Officer upon application. 

Each Spanish course is taught for 15 hours per week from Monday through Friday, from 9am-12pm over 4 weeks. Students will be placed into the appropriate level determined by a written and oral test taken online prior to departure from the U.S. All courses are subject to a minimum enrollment of 5 students. There is a maximum of 12 students per language class. 

Session 2 students can either take a regular Spanish language course or a specialized Spanish for Health or Law Enforcement Professionals course. Advanced level students have the option of taking Business Spanish, Cultural Heritage in Latin America or Advanced Composition. 

Choose Session 1, Session 2 or Session 3, or combine sessions 1 and 2 and stay for 8 weeks and earn up to 8 credits. Although not guaranteed, students can expect to advance to the next language level for the second session. 

Students on this program (Session 4 or 5) take a Spanish language course for 4 credits from those listed and one elective course taught in English, for 3 or 4 credits for a total of up to 8 credits. 

Advanced level students have the further option of taking a Spanish for Business course. Electives for 4 credits comprise 48 hours of classes plus mandatory field trips; totaling 60 hours. Field trips provide on-site examples of some of the topics learned through class work and readings. 

Electives for 3 credits total 48 contact hours. All courses are subject to a minimum enrollment of 5 students. Electives are taught in English unless otherwise stated. A limited number of courses are available in Spanish for students at an advanced level. 

Students on the 4-week programs (Sessions 1,  2) take an intensive Spanish language course, available at all levels. Standard Veritas language courses are 60 contact hours and are recommended for 4 semester credits. For students from institutions requiring 5-credit language courses there may be the option of doing additional language hours for extra credit for a supplemental fee. This is only available during Session 1. Please discuss with AIFS upon application. 

Each Spanish course is taught for 15 hours per week from Monday through Friday, from 9am-12pm over 4 weeks. Students will be placed into the appropriate level determined by a written and oral test taken online prior to departure from the U.S. All courses are subject to a minimum enrollment of 5 students. There is a maximum of 12 students per language class. 

Session 1 students can either take a regular Spanish language course or a specialized Spanish for Health or Law Enforcement Professionals course. Advanced level students have the option of taking Business Spanish, Cultural Heritage in Latin America or Advanced Composition. 

Choose Session 1 or Session 2,  or combine the May Term and Session 1 and stay for 8 weeks and earn up to 8 credits. Although not guaranteed, students can expect to advance to the next language level for the second session. 

Students on this program (Session 3 or 4) take a Spanish language course for 4 credits from those listed and one elective course taught in English or Spanish, for 3 or 4 credits for a total of up to 8 credits. 

Advanced level students have the further option of taking a Spanish for Business language course. Electives for 4 credits comprise 48 hours of classes plus mandatory field trips; totaling 60 hours. Field trips provide on-site examples of some of the topics learned through class work and readings. 

Electives for 3 credits total 48 contact hours. All courses are subject to a minimum enrollment of 5 students. Electives are taught in English unless otherwise stated. A limited number of courses are available in Spanish for students at an advanced level. 

View All Courses For Spanish Language and Latin American Culture - May Term + Session 1
Sierra Instagram Takeover

A DAY IN THE LIFE
San José

Say “hola” to Sierra, a college student from Grand Valley State University (GVSU)! Sierra took over the AIFS Abroad Instagram story to answer questions about what it’s like to study abroad in Costa Rica this summer and highlight what a typical day in her life looks like there.

A student sitting on a tree branch.

Living Abroad

Homestay

Living in a homestay is the best way to learn Spanish, understand the culture and integrate into the local community.

  • Single bedroom
  • Weekly laundry wash
  • Within walking distance of the campus
  • Daily breakfast and dinner (lunch can be purchased on the university campus)

Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in San José.

Geography

In the heart of Central America, Costa Rica is a gem of a destination, with San José, the capital, the beating heart of this unique country. Tremendous biodiversity, stunning landscapes, clean energy production and an engaging and friendly culture are prevalent both in the street and in the workplace.

AIFS in Costa Rica Director, Summer Programs

Karla Carballo headshot.

Karla Carballo

Hola! My name is Karla Carballo and I am excited to show you my beautiful country and introduce you to our “pura vida” lifestyle. As a 16-year-old study abroad student in France, I understood first-hand the value of living and studying in a different country and what a unique experience it is to truly get to know another culture. International education has become a passion in my life, and being part of the students’ personal and academic growth is a real honor; and for this reason I strive every day to ensure you have a wonderful and enriching experience.

My professional training in psychology has been very useful in providing the support that international students need to successfully meet the challenges of living abroad and embrace all their program has to offer. You can always count on us for support, guidance, and of course ideas to enjoy your adventure in Costa Rica.

I hope you all have an unforgettable life changing experience with us. ¡Bienvenidos!

The Program Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.

Learning does not begin or end in the classroom. To help you get a true taste of Central American culture, a wealth of cultural activities and excursions are included in your program fee.

Both inside and outside the classroom students will have the opportunity to participate in a rich program of cultural activities organized by the university and the AIFS Program Director. There is always something going on and something to do. Activities may include:

  • Welcome lunch
  • Tours in and around San José
  • Tropical dance lessons
  • Tour of the Teatro Nacional
  • Visits to museums
  • Tours of local markets
  • Participation in a language exchange program with Costa Rican students
  • Visit to the indigenous reserve of Quitirrisi
  • Costa Rican cooking class
  • Farewell dinner

Please note that students may need to pay a small additional fee for some of the activities above.

Excursions

This program offers a range of day trips and excursions that will take you outside San José and deepen your social, historical and cultural understanding of Costa Rica. Previous excursions have included:

Arenal Volcano.

Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs Spa, and Monteverde Cloud Forest

Go sightseeing, hike to La Fortuna Waterfall, take a boat ride across Arenal Lake to Monteverde, zip-line in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and more. Includes round-trip transportation, hotel accommodations, daily breakfasts and dinner on the first night.
  • Costa Rica
  • 3 Days
  • Included in Program Fee
A footbridge in Sarapiquí.

Sarapiquí

Rafting, guided hikes (including a night hike with a local naturalist) and chocolate making demonstration. Includes round-trip transportation, accommodations, dinner (night one) and breakfast and lunch (day two).
  • Costa Rica
  • 2 Days
  • $315
Barcelona,Spain
A group of happy students at a carnival.
A view of Prague.

Social identity & access

One of the best things you can do before departure is enter into the journey knowing that your time abroad will be unique to this experience. The resources, community, and support available to you when abroad will likely be different as well. In order to help you prepare for your experience, we have compiled many resources about social identity and access in specific locations abroad. Your program staff will also provide you with more details pre-departure and during orientation.

Learn more

Important Dates & Deadlines

Request Info

Open

Dates & Deadlines

Details

  • Early Application Deadline*
  • Application Deadline
    April 1, 2024
  • Deposit Deadline
    March 20, 2024
  • Scholarship Deadline
    March 1, 2024
  • Visa Deadline****
  • Optional Departure Flight from US***
    May 4, 2024
  • Program Begins
    May 4, 2024
  • Program Ends
    June 29, 2024
  • Optional Return Flight to US***
    June 29, 2024
  • *** Included for students on AIFS flight package.
  • **** AIFS Abroad offers visa processing services to applicants who enroll into the program by this date. All other applicants who enroll after this date will be responsible for securing their own visa with guidance from AIFS Abroad.

Optional Flight Package

Students can select an optional transportation package for all AIFS programs. Students who choose to book their own flights should meet up with group at the program location and will need to make their own ground transportation arrangements.

Below are fees by departure city based on average historical costs and subject to change. If you select this option on your application, the total flight package price will be confirmed in your account 6 months prior to departure. (Program fee is guaranteed.)

Depature City

Fee

  • Atlanta
    $1,260
  • Boston
    $1,220
  • Buffalo
    $1,220
  • Charlotte
    $1,520
  • Chicago
    $1,180
  • Cincinnati
    $1,400
  • Columbus
    $1,300
  • Dallas
    $1,460
  • Denver
    $1,560
  • Des Moines
    $1,500
  • Detroit
    $1,400
  • Houston
    $1,340
  • Los Angeles
    $1,340
  • Miami
    $1,160
  • Minneapolis
    $1,440
  • New York
    $1,240
  • Newark
    $1,140
  • Orlando
    $1,100
  • Philadelphia
    $1,080
  • Phoenix
    $1,440
  • Pittsburgh
    $1,180
  • Raleigh/Durham
    $1,280
  • San Francisco
    $1,340
  • Seattle
    $1,440
  • St. Louis
    $1,160
  • Washington/Dulles
    $1,020
  • View more View less

See what others are saying

Two students walking in a field.

Ready to Study Abroad in San Jose?

For more dates or questions, contact your program consultant:
(203) 399-5163 or email: aifsabroad@aifs.com