Overview
Spend your fall semester in San José, Costa Rica, gaining real-world experience in veterinary science, wildlife management, and conservation biology on our Pre-Veterinary Science study abroad program. Hosted at Universidad LCI Veritas, one of the most highly respected universities in Latin America, this semester program combines 16 academic credits with 200+ hours of hands-on fieldwork in clinical veterinary and wildlife settings.
Throughout the 13-week pre-vet program in San José, you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with small animals, marine species, and Costa Rica’s iconic wildlife. You’ll spend a few days at a local wildlife rescue center, participate in marine conservation projects, and gain practical training in world-class facilities at veterinary hospitals, field stations, and natural laboratories.
All courses are taught in English by seasoned veterinary professionals and wildlife management experts. This program is ideal for college students pursuing degrees in wildlife management, environmental science, biology, conservation, or veterinary medicine and animal care who want hands-on, career-focused experience in a country renowned for its biodiversity and wildlife conservation efforts.
Transform your passion for animals into immersive learning with this fall semester Pre-Veterinary Science study abroad program in San José, Costa Rica.
What’s Included
The AIFS Abroad 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
16 semester credits
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Courses
Veterinary, Wildlife Management, Environmental Science and Biology related courses are offered on this program
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Housing
Homestay with a local family
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Meals
Breakfast and dinner every day in the homestay
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Excursions & Day Trips
3-day excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park, a 3-day excursion to Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs and Monteverde Cloud Forest and a day trip to Poás Volcano, Doka Coffee Tour, Grecia & Sarchí Artisan towns
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Cultural & Social Activities
A wide range of AIFS Abroad-organized cultural activities and social events to enrich your experience
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On-Site Program Director
to help with any questions or advice you may need throughout the program
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Health & Safety
24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance
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Personal/Professional Development
Access to the renowned Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and alumni network
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Green Initiative
Additional Options & Opportunities
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AIFS Abroad Travel Package
Round-trip flights from 25 U.S. gateways
Airport transfers to and from campus
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Optional Excursions
Sarapiquí hiking and rafting (2 days)
A DAY IN THE LIFE
San José
Meet Marie, a college student from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, who took over the AIFS Abroad Instagram story recently to answer questions about what it’s like to study abroad and do an international internship in San José, Costa Rica during her fall semester! Watch as Marie highlights what a typical day in the life looks like there.
Living Abroad
Housing
Homestay
For many students this is the most rewarding part of their time abroad. Living in a homestay is the best way to learn Spanish, gain a unique and personal insight into Costa Rican culture and integrate into the local community.
- Single room
- Shared bathroom
- Weekly laundry service
- Located close to campus
- Breakfast and dinner every day
Internet access is included in all AIFS Abroad housing in San José.
City Facts
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.
Site Staff
AIFS Abroad in Costa Rica Director, Academic Year and Semester Programs
Karla Carballo
¡Hola! My name is Karla Carballo and I am very glad for your interest in being part of AIFS Abroad and our “pura vida” lifestyle in Costa Rica. As a study abroad student by the age of 15 while in France, I understood from first-hand the value of this experience, the importance of the quality and uniqueness of the program. 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, we pursue excellence.
My professional training in Psychology has been a wonderful complement to provide support to international students when facing the challenges of living abroad. 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.
The Program Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.
Cultural Activities
In addition to excursions a cultural calendar of weekly activities and social events is included in your program fee. These activities will include both typical tourist sites and attractions and lesser known visits which take advantage of the expert knowledge of our local AIFS Abroad staff and give you a more authentic and insightful view of Costa Rican life. Typical activities, tours and visits may include:
- Walking tours of San José
- Costa Rican cooking class
- Indigenous reserve
- Local museums and markets
- Teatro Nacional visits
- Welcome and farewell dinner
- Latino dance lessons
- Organic farm visit
- Hiking
- Participation in a language exchange program with Costa Rican students
You may be asked to pay a small additional fee for some of the activities above.
Volunteering Opportunities
You can give back to the local community by undertaking volunteer work with children and elderly people and on other social projects within San José. Placements are made after arrival in Costa Rica and in discussion with the AIFS Abroad Program Director. For more information speak to the AIFS Abroad Program Advisor.
Cultural Resources
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 the General Cultural Resources and Site Specific Cultural Resources for you to review. Your program staff will also provide you with more details during pre-departure and orientation.
Learn moreImportant Dates & Deadlines
Request InfoOpen
Dates & Deadlines
Details
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Early Application Deadline*
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Application DeadlineJune 1, 2026
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Deposit DeadlineJune 20, 2026
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Scholarship DeadlineApril 15, 2026
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Visa Deadline****
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Balance of Fees Payment DeadlineJuly 1, 2026
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Optional Departure Flight from US***September 19, 2026
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Program BeginsSeptember 19, 2026
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Program EndsDecember 19, 2026
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Optional Return Flight to US***December 19, 2026
- *** Included for students on AIFS Abroad travel 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 Travel Package
Participants can select an optional transportation package for all AIFS Abroad programs that includes a round-trip flight from 25 U.S gateways and airport transfers to and from campus. Participants who choose to book their own flights will be responsible for connecting with the group at the program location and will need to make their own ground transportation arrangements from the airport.
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 travel package price will be confirmed approximately one month prior to departure. Your program fee is guaranteed, and the optional travel package is an additional fee. Please note that once we have finalized the pricing for your flights the cost may change, and you will be responsible for making the additional payment if you want to participate in the travel package. Your program advisor will be in touch should there be any changes in the price of your flights.
Departure City
Fee
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Atlanta$1,360
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Boston$1,320
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Buffalo$1,320
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Charlotte$1,560
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Chicago$1,380
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Cincinnati$1,520
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Columbus$1,340
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Dallas$1,560
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Denver$1,660
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Des Moines$1,600
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Detroit$1,500
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Houston$1,440
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Los Angeles$1,440
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Miami$1,260
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Minneapolis$1,540
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New York$1,340
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Newark$1,340
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Orlando$1,200
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Philadelphia$1,180
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Phoenix$1,540
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Pittsburgh$1,280
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Raleigh/Durham$1,380
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San Francisco$1,440
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Seattle$1,540
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St. Louis$1,360
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Washington/Dulles$1,220
- View more
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Ready to Study Abroad in San Jose?
For more dates or questions, contact your program consultant:
(203) 399-5163 or email: aifsabroad@aifs.com
