San Jose
Costa Rica
A Closer Look
Costa Rica
IFSA, Butler: Universidad Nacional Autónoma
Universidad de Costa Rica
In cooperation with the Institute for Study Abroad- Butler University, the COPA program, students can study at either of the country’s largest universities. Politically, Costa Rica is one of the most stable nations in Latin America and boasts one of the highest literacy rates in the region.
- Location
- Universidad Nacional Autonoma is located in Heredia (pop. 74,000), located only 7 miles from San José . Its historic colonial buildings are surrounded by coffee plantations. Universidad de Costa Rica is located in the capital, San José (325,000), which offers many museums, galleries and nightclubs. Both universities provide excellent locations from which to explore Costa Rica. The country is proud of its conservation efforts and has set aside nearly a quarter of the country to protected land. Mountains, beaches, volcanoes, and rainforests make up this diverse country.
- Areas of Study
- At either program you are required to take an intensive language course. The remaining courses are taught with other degree-seeking students. UNA offers a wide range of courses, but is particularly known for its Latin American Studies, Business, Economics, Sociology, and Environmental Studies programs. UCR is very competitive academically and also offers courses in many fields; specialties include Literature and Social Sciences. All courses at both universities are taught in Spanish.
- Activities
- The conservation efforts of the country make this an ideal location for students interested in exploring the beaches, rainforests, and mountains of the country. For the urbanites, San José offers a modern setting with most amenities.
- Accommodations
- You will live with a Costa Rican family. The homestay family can offer a cross-generational perspective of the culture. Three meals a day are included.
- Academic Calendar
- Semester 1: January-July (UNA) / February-July (UCR)
Semester 2: July-December (UCR and UNA) - Eligibility
- 3.0 GPA and two years of university-level Spanish.
- Language of Instruction
- Spanish.
- Web site
- www.ifsa-butler.org/programs/costa-rica/
- Additional information
- Flyer
ISA: Veritas University - San Jose
In cooperation with International Studies Abroad, students can participate in the Spanish Language and Electives program at San Jose’s Veritas University. There are no Spanish language prerequisites for this program, as all levels of Spanish instruction are offered. Roughly 1,500 Costa Rican and 150 international students study at Veritas each term.
- Location
- Veritas University is located in the capital, San José. Offering many museums, galleries, restaurants and nightclubs, San Jose has a population of 325,000. San José is an excellent location from which to explore the rest of Costa Rica, one of the most politically stable nations in Latin America. The country boasts one of the highest literacy rates in the region. Celebrated for its mountains, beaches and rainforests, Costa Rica is proud of its conservation efforts and has designated nearly a quarter of its diverse terrain as protected land.
- Areas of Study
- In the Spanish Language and Electives program, students take
a total of four classes, including at least two courses of intensive Spanish language. Electives are offered in Spanish or English.
Students who have two or more years of university-level Spanish and who plan to take classes with Costa Rican students should apply for the COPA programs at the Universidad de Costa Rica or the Universidad Nacional Autonoma, two other University of Denver study abroad programs.
- Activities
- Costa Rica’s conservation efforts make this an ideal location for students interested in exploring beaches, rainforests and volcanoes. For urbanites, San José offers a modern setting with most amenities.
- Accommodations
- You will live with a Costa Rican family. The homestay family may offer a cross-generational perspective on the culture in addition to the opportunity to practice your Spanish skills. Three meals a day are included.
- Academic Calendar
- Fall quarter: September–December
Winter quarter: January–April
Spring quarter: April–June - Eligibility
- 2.5 GPA (Cherrington: 3.0)
- Language of Instruction
- Spanish, English
- Web site
- www.studiesabroad.com/programs/country/costa_rica/
- Additional information
- Flyer
The School for Field Studies (SFS)
The University of Denver offers this program in cooperation with The School for Field Studies (SFS). Founded in 1980, SFS was established as an environmental study abroad program. SFS programs are hands-on, interdisciplinary, experiential, and emphasize working with community partners to examine environmental issues and identify conservation solutions.
- Location
- Costa Rica is well-known for its environmental efforts, but continues to struggle with sustainable development and land use issues. The SFS Field Station is located west of San José in La Presa, on the outskirts of Atenas in the Central Valley. Four rivers converge in this area; the Field Station is surrounded by orange and mango orchards. La Presa has approximately 200 residents. Atenas, while still considered a small town, offers good public transportation, supermarkets, internet cafés, and banks.
- Areas of Study
- The semester program in Sustainable Development Studies examines tropical ecology, globalization, economics, and the socio-cultural issues related to natural resource management in Costa Rica’s protected areas. This program has a set curriculum; students take courses in Tropical Ecology and Sustainable Development, Economic and Ethical Issues in Sustainable Development, Principles of Resource Management, Directed Research, and Language, Culture, and Society of Costa Rica.
- Activities
- SFS participants are encouraged to become involved in community service projects and social activities. Students will participate in program-sponsored field trips, which typically include visits to cloud forests, volcanic parks, rainforests, plantations, and an expedition to Nicaragua.
- Accommodations
- Students live in dormitories at the SFS Center for Sustainable Development Studies field station. Meals are included.
- Academic Calendar
- Fall Semester: September – December
Spring Semester: February – May - Eligibility
- 2.7 GPA (Cherrington: 3.0)
Must have completed one university-level course in either ecology or environmental studies.
Must have completed at least one university level course in Spanish. - Language of Instruction
- English, Spanish
- Web site
- http://www.fieldstudies.org/pages/46_costa_rica.cfm
- Additional information
- Flyer
At a Glance
Cherrington Scholars Eligible
- After nearly three centuries under Spanish rule, Costa Rica joined other Central American provinces in a joint declaration of independence in 1821, and became a state in the United States of Central America in 1823. Costa Rica proclaimed itself sovereign in 1838.
- More than 25 percent of Costa Rica is comprised of protected forests and reserves. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve alone boasts 2,000 plant species, more than 400 types of birds and more than 100 species of mammals.
- President José Figueres Ferrer abolished the Costa Rican army in 1949. Today, Costa Rica is one of only a few countries to operate within the democratic system without the assistance of a military.
- When greeting friends and acquaintances, Costa Rican locals frequently use the phrase “pura vida,” which means “pure life.” The phrase embodies the population’s appreciation of life’s simple pleasures.
- Because of its political stability, Costa Rico is sometimes referred to as the Switzerland of Latin America.
- On a clear day, it is possible to see the Caribbean and the Pacific from the summit of Cerro Chirripo, a volcanic mountain and Costa Rica’s highest point.