Costa Rica: San Jose Semester

CCIS Study Abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica

Program Overview

A small, democratic country in Central America nestled between the Caribbean and the Pacific ocean, Costa Rica is exceptional in that many environments can be visited within a short time. Rain forests, cloud forests, unspoiled beaches, coral reefs, white water rivers and volcanoes can be reached within a couple of hours by car from San José. Costa Rica is one of the few stable, democratic republics in Latin America. It has the highest standard of living of the Central American countries. The health record is excellent, and illiteracy is very low. Peaceful by nature, the Costa Ricans have no army, as it was abolished in 1948.

Universidad Veritas is located in the capital city of San José. At 4000 feet above sea level, it boasts a springtime climate all year round. The city surprises visitors by its vitality. Despite its cosmopolitan atmosphere with Central, South and North Americans as well as Europeans on busy downtown streets, its residents display an unmatched friendliness and warmth. Tourists as well as visiting businessmen happily testify to this. Every year the country attracts a large number of persons who, having visited Costa Rica once, decide to return to settle there. Students have easy access to the city's museums, restaurants, bustling markets, and the National Theater. The surrounding areas, including beaches on both the Pacific and the Caribbean coasts, are all within a few hours' drive from the city.

 


Academic Profile

Universidad Veritas in San Jose

Universidad Veritas is one of Costa Rica's new private universities. It is located in a residential section of town and has a local student population of approximately 3,500. The Veritas Instituto Espanol (Intensive Spanish for Foreign students) is part of the university, and offers students from around the world the opportunity to advance their Spanish language skills while taking other courses in English taught by bilingual faculty from the university. Students should not expect all of the facilities and accoutrements available on a U.S. campus. The classrooms and administrative offices of Universidad Veritas are located in the Edificio ITAN, Carretera a Zapote, San José. Universidad Veritas is recognized for its excellent programs in Art and Graphic Design.

 


Activities and Opportunities

Student Life

Students are placed with host families in a Costa Rican homestay in San José, usually one student per family. Students are given private rooms with laundry service, and breakfast and dinner on class days. For students who do not opt for the homestay, Universidad Veritas will arrange accommodations at an additional cost. The Student Affairs staff coordinates all housing arrangements and social, cultural, and sports activities.

 


San José, Costa Rica Semester Program Details

Duration

Fall: Sept 30 - Dec 20
Spring: Jan 6 - March 29

Application Deadline(s)

Fall - September 1
Spring - November 30

Eligibility Requirements

At least 2nd semester freshman standing and a 2.5 GPA

Costs

$6,403 (CCIS member)
$6,703 (non-member)

Costs Included

instructional costs abroad, administrative fees, room and half board, insurance.

Costs Not Included

Airfare, personal expenses ($1,800), textbooks ($100).

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.

Related Links

 


Your Adventure in Costa Rica Begins Here

Submit Application Materials To:

Alci Arias, Assistant Director

Center for International Education Abroad Truman State University
Kirk Building 114
Kirksville, MO 63501
(660) 785-4076
(660) 785-7473 (Fax)
aclidean@truman.edu

- or -

Eva Fernandez

Office of International Education
Miami Dade College
300 NE Second Avenue
Suite 1450
Miami, FL 33132
efernan1@mdc.edu
(305) 237-3580
(305) 237-7439 (Fax)

How do I apply?

 

Start the CCIS Study Abroad application process by downloading and printing the following forms. These PDF documents are viewed using Adobe's Acrobat Reader plug-in, which is available free. If you don't have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, click here.

CCIS APPLICATION PACKAGE AND INSTRUCTIONS

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.