4-week Spanish Intensive
Session I: June 1 - June 29, 2024
Session II: July 6 - August 3, 2024
5-week Academic Electives
Session I: May 25 - June 29, 2024
Session II: July 6 - August 10, 2024
Program Overview
Our partnership with Veritas University in Costa Rica's capital, San Jose, allows students to enroll directly in courses taught in both Spanish and English and earn transferable academic credit at their home institution. During this four or five week program, students will live with host families around the city and have the unique opportunity of immersing themselves in the tico lifestyle, while sharing their love of sport with local athletes. During their summer abroad students will get to travel to some of Costa Rica's most famous sites and possibly complete an internship with one of our partner organizations.
Our Costa Rica Academic Program is open to both athletes and non-athletes of ALL majors!
Highlights
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Extremely customizable program in one of the happiest countries in the world
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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 the Pacific coast and cloud rainforest!
SPANISH INTENSIVE
COURSES
MOST POPULAR
ELECTIVE COURSES
MORE ENGLISH ELECTIVES
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Basic I & II
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Intermediate I & II
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Advanced I & II
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Business Spanish
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Health in Spanish
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Tropical Marine Biology
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Holistic Health Approaches
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Health Psychology
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Contemporary LA History
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Physical Therapy (Session I)
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Cultural Photography (Session I)
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Human Rights in LA (Session II)
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CR Environmental Policy (Session II)
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Select Courses Taught in Spanish!
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Art
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Business & Economics
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Sustainability
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Environmental Studies
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Health
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Humanities
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Social sciences
*This is just a sample of courses available. Inquire about the full course catalog!
Program Description
I'M AN ORIGINAL CATCHPHRASE
Our Summer Academic Program removes barriers that prevent student-athletes from studying abroad. We use 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, there are a wide variety of courses offered in English, as well as Spanish courses for all levels.
Students will have access to weekly cultural activities organized by the University as well as opportunities to participate in regular group service projects alongside other SAA interns with our local partners. Additionally, we can help coordinate opportunities for students to play their sport alongside local athletes and their teams
Housing & Meals
Athletics Abroad
Over the past thirteen years, we have established an amazing network of host families. Following enrollment, students will complete a homestay questionnaire so our local staff can learn more about their preferences. Each homestay will have at least one member of the family who speaks some English, although it is a remarkable opportunity to practice with locals. All homestays include a private bedroom with a bed, linens, bath towels, closet, nightstand, and private or shared bathroom. Laundry is available once per week.
Breakfast and dinner are provided daily. Any dietary restrictions and needs will be taken into consideration. For lunch, students can explore San Jose's local restaurants or pack a picnic.
You will be provided access to a centrally located gym, so you can maintain your training with 4-5 workouts per week. There will also be opportunities to play your sport abroad and train with other U.S. athletes.
Excursions
Two weekends include pre-planned excursions led by the SAA staff. One weekend you will visit the spectacular beaches of the Pacific Coast and explore Manuel Antonio National Park -- known for its array of Costa Rican wildlife -- as well as take surf lessons at renowned surf hotspots! The second excursion is a trip to the town of La Fortuna where you'll zipline through the rainforest, hike Volcano Arenal, and soak tired muscles in the world's largest naturally heated hot springs! All meals and transportation provided.
Program Structure
Due to the depth of our Costa Rica programing, our summer sessions are highly customizable. The options below are examples of ways that students can extend a 4-week program to earn more academic or internship credit. Please contact us with any questions - we want to help you achieve your goals!
TYPICAL PROGRAM
1 Session
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A 4-5 week program taking 1 course at Veritas University
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Optional service-learning opportunities available
ADDITIONAL PROGRAM OPTIONS
Example A: 1 Session + 1 Additional Course
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5 week program taking 2 courses simultaneously at Veritas University
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Take a Spanish Intensive course (Basic I-Advanced II) and an Academic Elective course (taught in English or Spanish)
Example B: 2 Sessions
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8-10 week program taking 2 courses consecutively at Veritas University
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Combine two Spanish intensive courses, two elective courses, or one of each to earn more academic credit
Example C: Academic Program-Internship Combo
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7-8 week program
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Choose an academic course and attend Veritas University for 1 session
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Spend 3 weeks as a SAA Intern with our Internship Program (possibility to accrue enough hours for internship credit)
Please click here to read more about our available internships.
Program Rates
4-week session (Spanish Intensive): $4,995
5-week session (Academic Electives): $5,495*
Included:
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Tuition and fees for one course at Veritas University
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Homestay with local family
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Breakfast and dinner, daily
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Two weekend adventure excursions
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Airport transfers on arrival and departure day
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Gym membership
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All service-learning activities
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Practice opportunities with local teams (depending on sport)
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International Health Insurance
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SAA Program T-Shirt
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Local Support Staff 24/7
Not Included:
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Roundtrip airfare to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO)
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
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Additional weekend excursions
*Price reflects enrollment in one academic course. Program price will change depending on how many Veritas courses you're enrolled in. Contact us for more information.
Enrollment Process
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!
