January 8th - April 5th, 2024
Program Overview
I'M AN ORIGINAL CATCHPHRASE
Our partnership with Veritas University in San Jose allows you to enroll directly in courses taught both in Spanish and English. While living with host families around the city, you'll have the opportunity to travel to some of Costa Rica's most famous sites, play your sport with local athletes, continue your training at a local gym, and complete an internship with one of our partner organizations.
Optional month-long internships or 4-week Spanish intensive courses available!
Highlights
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Study at a top ranked international university in Latin America
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Choose from a full catalog of elective courses (over 60 taught in English)
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Daily workout opportunities with included gym membership
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Sport-specific training with Costa Rican athletes
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Provide sports clinics for local youth
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Weekend excursions to Manuel Antonio Beach and National Park and Arenal Volcano
EXAMPLE ACADEMIC COURSES
INTERNSHIPS
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International Business
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Tropical Marine Biology
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Environmental Awareness
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Sustainable Development
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Latin American History
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Cultural Photography
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Education
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Social Work
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Special Education
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Athletic Training
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Physical Therapy
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Coaching
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Nutrition
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Health Care/Health Education
Program Description
I'M AN ORIGINAL CATCHPHRASE
Our Semester Program removes the barriers that prevent athletes from studying abroad while using sports as a vehicle to increase cultural immersion and language acquisition. Students live in San Jose and take classes at Veritas University, one of the top-ranked institutions in Central America. Their academic specializations draw from Costa Rica's distinct geography, biology, politics, international business, environmental protection, human rights record, and healthcare system ensuring that students receive a truly global education. As a leading international university in Costa Rica, over 50 elective courses are offered in English each semester, and Spanish courses are available for all levels. Students will also have access to the university's extracurricular activities and classes such as Yoga, Tropical Dance, Self Defense, Costa Rican Cooking, Bible Study, and Conversation Club.
Internships
Athletics Abroad
Fall semester students have the option to complete a part-time internship from October to December in conjunction with their courses. Spring semester students have the option to complete a full-time internship in the final month of the program. Our longstanding partner organizations host interns every year in the following fields: Education, Social Work, Athletic Training/Physical Therapy, Coaching, Special Education, Health Care/Health Education, Nutrition.
All SAA programs include a gym membership so you can continue to train while abroad. Additionally, depending on the sport, we help coordinate opportunities for students to play their sport alongside local athletes.
Excursions
Housing
Students will live with host families in the city of San Jose. They will also be supported by our full-time local Costa Rican staff members, all of whom are former collegiate athletes.
Throughout the program, our staff in Costa Rica will organize weekend excursions to local attractions and help you plan trips on your own. Your study abroad package includes a weekend trip to Panama halfway through the semester plus two excursions to (1) Manuel Antonio Beach and National Park and (2) Arenal Volcano.
Program Structure
The academic calendar in Costa Rica is slightly different from the U.S. semester calendar. Students can choose one of the following schedules:
FALL
September: 4-week intensive Spanish class
SPRING
January - April: Courses at Veritas University
October - December: Courses at Veritas University + optional internship credit
April: 4-week internship in San Jose with one of our partner organizations
Program Rates
Program Cost: $11,995
Included:
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Homestay with local family
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Breakfast and dinner daily
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Two weekend adventure excursions: Manuel Antonio and Volcano Arenal including national park entrance, ziplining, and hot springs
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Weekend trip to Panama
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Tuition and fees for university enrollment at Veritas University
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Strength and conditioning workouts
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Membership at local gym in San Jose
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All service-learning activities
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International Health Insurance through GeoBlue
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SAA Program T-Shirt
Not Included:
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Roundtrip airfare to San Jose
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Passport/associated fees if you do not already have one
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Lunch (daily)
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Snacks, souvenirs, optional entertainment expenses
Enrollment Process
Please click here to read more about our available internships.
REGISTRATION
Accepted students will be prompted to register through our online platform & make their initial deposit to reserve their spot.
PLACEMENT
Students will connect with their site coordinator to ask questions and learn more about the internship & course placement process.
Contact Us
Interested in more information? Have a question? Fill out our contact form and we'll be in touch shortly!
