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.
2021 Dates - Coming Soon!
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 Manuel Antonio Beach and National Park and Arenal Volcano
Spanish Intensive Courses
Available all 3 sessions
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Basic I & II
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Intermediate I & II
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Advanced I & II
Spanish Taught Electives
Available June & July Sessions
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Topics in Latin American Lit
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Latin American Lit & Film
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Contemporary Costa Rican Works
Sample English Electives
Available June & July sessions
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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
Contact us for a full list of courses!
Program Description
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.
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.
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
Our staff will take you on two weekend excursions outside of the city to the famous beaches and national parks of Costa Rica-- ziplining and hot springs included!
There will also be opportunities for regular group service projects. Depending on your sport, you will be able to practice with a local team.
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Program Options
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 the Universidad de Veritas
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Service-learning and internship opportunities available
Additional Program Options:
Example A: 1 Session + 1 Additional Course
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4-5 week program taking 2 courses simultaneously at the Universidad de Veritas
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Spanish Course (beginner 1-advanced 2) and an elective (taught in English or Spanish)
(possibility to accrue enough hours for internship credit)
Example B: 2 Sessions
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8-10 week program taking 2 courses consecutively at the Universidad de Veritas
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Service-learning and internship hours available
(possibility to accrue enough hours for internship credit)
Example C: Academic Program/ Internship Combo
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8-9 week program
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Choose an academic session/course and attend the Universidad de Veritas for 1 session
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Spend 3 weeks as a SAA Intern with our San Jose Internship Program
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 and/or Course Placement
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?
4 week session (Spanish Intensive): $3,995
5 week session (English Taught Electives): *$4,495
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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Tuition and fees for 1 university course at Veritas
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Transportation to/from SJO airport
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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
*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.
