Study Abroad in San José: Academics

Course load Students on the 12 week program take 4 courses; students on the 16/17 week program take 5 courses.

Please note that the extra week in the 17-week spring semester option is a mid-semester break; therefore, courses are held for the same duration as the 16-week program.

Spanish language is required. Intensive Spanish language courses are held in the morning, with elective courses taught in English or advanced literature and linguistic courses taught in Spanish offered in the afternoon.

The AIFS program fee includes the following options:

Course Credits
12 week program:
1 x Intensive Spanish Language course 5
2 x (48hr) electives* 6
1 x (60hr) elective* 4
Total 15
 
16/17 week program:
2 x Intensive Spanish Language courses 10
2 x (48hr) electives* 6
1 x (60hr) elective* 4
Total 20

*Please note that 1x 60hr elective and 2x 48hr electives are included in the program fee. Alternative combinations of electives may incur additional charges. Electives in environmental studies can be selected for an additional fee.

Intensive Spanish language courses run Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. Each course lasts 4 weeks; 80 contact hours (5 credits).

If a student passes the course, he/she may register for the next level (additional fees may apply). Students in the 16-week/17- week program will have only Intensive Spanish language classes during the first month (fall semester) or last month (spring semester) of the program. The AIFS program fee includes one Intensive Spanish language course (12-week program) and two Intensive Spanish language courses (16/17-week program). Students may take an extra Intensive Spanish language course for approximately $600, payable directly to Veritas University.

Electives and advanced literature and linguistic courses meet in the afternoon. These courses meet twice a week for a 12- week period and complete either 48 or 60 contact hours depending on the course. Students may take one of their electives in Environmental Studies for a $150 supplement. Students wishing to take more than one of their electives in Environmental Studies should contact the AIFS Admissions Officer.

University courses with Costa Rican students Students on the 16/17-week program with a minimum of 2 years of college-level Spanish and who pass a placement test for the advanced level can enroll in Veritas University courses with Costa Rican students. The total course load is 5 courses: students can take a combination of elective courses in the study abroad department and courses with Costa Rican students in any department. More details are available on request from the AIFS Admissions Officer.

Attendance is mandatory. Students are only allowed to have one excused absence. If a student is absent more than one day, he/she will automatically fail the course and lose the academic credits.

Computer facilities Computer access is available at the University library computer lab. Wireless is available on campus, and all homestays have internet facilities.

Course Materials Students can expect to spend around $50 per semester for course materials and supplies.

Grading/Assessment Grades are based on tests taken at the end of the semester depending on course selection. No student is permitted to take a course without receiving a letter grade. Pass/Fail grade options are not allowed.

Student advising The Resident Director provides academic advice and serves as a liaison between students and the University.

Transcripts are issued by Veritas University.