Program Overview
Dates
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!
2021 Dates - Coming Soon!
Custom Dates Available for Partner Universities
No Spanish language requirement
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
Academic Disciplines
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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
Internships Available
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Education
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Social Work
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Athletic Training/Physical Therapy
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Healthcare
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Nutrition
Program Description
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.
Housing
Students will live with host families in the city of San Jose. They will also be supported by our five full-time local Costa Rican staff members, all of whom are former collegiate athletes.
Internships
Fall semester students have the option to complete a part-time internship from October- 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, Healthcare, Nutrition.
Athletics Abroad
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
Weekend trip to Panama halfway through the semester. Plus two Adventure Excursions to Manuel Antonio Beach and National Park (1) and Arenal Volcano (2).
Program Schedule
The academic calendar in Costa Rica is slightly different from the U.S. semester calendar, so you will have to one of the following schedules:
Fall:
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September: 4 week intensive Spanish classes
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October- December: Courses at Veritas University + optional internship for credit
Spring:
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January- April: Courses at Veritas University
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April: 4 week internship in San Jose with one of our partner organizations
Throughout the program, our staff in Costa Rica will organize weekend excursions to local attractions and help you plan trips on your own. There will also be opportunities for regular group service projects. And depending on your sport, you will be able to practice with a local team.
Admissions Process
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Submit completed Online Application Form
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Interview with SAA staff member
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Approval from university if from a non-affiliate partner school
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Submit Supplemental item(s): Current resume
We offer partial scholarships based on merit and financial need. Learn more by connecting with someone from our team at info@saabroad.com.
What's Included?
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 @ Veritas
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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 SJO
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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