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Costa Rica
Summer Program

4-week Spanish Intensive
May 4 - June 1, 2024
June 1 - June 29, 2024
July 6 - August 3, 2024

5-week Academic Electives
May 25 - June 29, 2024
July 6 - August 10, 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 and earn transferable academic credit at your school. 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.

Highlights

  • Extremely customizable program in one of the happiest countries in the world

  • Study at a top ranked international university in Latin America

  • Choose from a full catalog of elective courses (over 60 taught in English)

  • Daily workout opportunities with included gym membership

  • Sport-specific training with Costa Rican athletes

  • Provide sports clinics for local youth

  • Weekend excursions to Manuel Antonio Beach and National Park and Arenal Volcano

SPANISH INTENSIVE

COURSES

SPANISH TAUGHT

ELECTIVES

ENGLISH ELECTIVES BY DISCIPLINE

  • Basic I & II

  • Intermediate I & II

  • Advanced I & II

  • Business Spanish

  • Health in Spanish

  • Topics in Latin American Lit

  • Contemporary Costa Rican Works

  • Latin American Dialects

  • Central American Stories

  • Art

  • Business & Economics

  • Sustainability

  • Environmental Studies

  • Health

  • Humanities

  • Social sciences

*This is just a sample of courses available. Inquire about the full course catalog!

Overview
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Program Description

I'M AN ORIGINAL CATCHPHRASE

Our Summer Academic Program removes barriers that prevent 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.

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.

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.

Excursions

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 excursions to (1) Manuel Antonio Beach and National Park and (2) Arenal Volcano.

There will also be opportunities for regular group service projects.

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!

Description
Structure

TYPICAL PROGRAM

1 Session

  • A 4-5 week program taking 1 course at Veritas University

  • Service-learning and internship opportunities available

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM OPTIONS

Example A: 1 Session + 1 Additional Course

  • 4-5 week program taking 2 courses simultaneously at Veritas University

  • Spanish Course (beginner 1- advanced 2) and an elective (taught in English or Spanish)

Example B: 2 Sessions

  • 8-10 week program taking 2 courses consecutively at Veritas University

  • Service-learning and internship hours available (possibility to accrue enough hours for internship credit)

Example C: Academic Program-Internship Combo

  • 7-8week program

  • Choose an academic session/course and attend Veritas University for 1 session

  • Spend 3 weeks as a SAA Intern with our Costa Rica Internship Program in San Jose

Please click here to read more about our available internships.

Program Rates

4-week session (Spanish Intensive): $3,995

5-week session (Academic Electives): $4,495*

Included:

  • Homestay with local family

  • Breakfast and dinner daily

  • Two weekend adventure excursions: Manuel Antonio and Volcano Arenal including national park entrance, ziplining, and hot springs

  • Tuition and fees for 1 university course at Veritas

  • Strength and conditioning workouts

  • Membership at local gym in San Jose

  • All service-learning activities

  • International Health Insurance through GeoBlue

  • SAA Program T-Shirt

Not Included:

  • Roundtrip airfare to San Jose

  • Passport/associated fees if you do not already have one

  • Lunch (daily)

  • Snacks, souvenirs, optional entertainment expenses

*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

Rates
Enrollment

APPLICATION

Complete and submit an online application.

INTERVIEW

Schedule a phone call with one of our staff members.

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

Contact Us

Interested in more information? Have a question? Fill out our contact form and we'll be in touch shortly!

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