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Universidad de Costa Rica
Founded in 1940, the University of Costa Rica (UCR) is the oldest and most prestigious university in Costa Rica. It is located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, in the midst of lush and green mountains, just a few minutes ride outside of San José. UCR enrolls over 30,000 students, and awards undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 100 different subject areas. Students who participate in the Spanish as a Foreign Language program (SFL), take courses through the School of Philology, Linguistic and Literature. UCR offers modern athletic facilities, cultural events, special interest organizations, and a variety of bookstores and small restaurants. The main bus lines are located nearby, offering service to the city at large.

Students receive on-site support from Asuntos Internacionales at the Universidad de Costa Rica. The staff and WISE Abroad country director are available to help you with academic and personal concerns that arise while you are on our program. They are responsible for orientation and housing arrangements; they can advise you on extracurricular activities, health care, and travel opportunities and help with the adjustment to daily life in Costa Rica.

Universidad Veritas
Originally founded in 1975 as a college of the "Universidad Autonoma de Centro America" (UACA)- the first university in Costa Rica, Universidad Veritas is now an independent university, with an excellent recognition within the Latin American academic community. Located in the eastern part of San Jose, ten minutes away from downtown, enrolls over 1500 students in many Art and Design Degrees. Students who wish to study Spanish as a Second Language, take courses through the Department of International programs which offers intensive Spanish courses, humanities, international business, Latin American and Costa Rican literature, multicultural studies, international relations, and art and environmental sciences.

Application Deadlines

Fall : July 1 2008
Spring/Winter: November 1 2008
Summer I: March 15 2008
Summer I (a): April 1 2008
Summer II : May 1 2008
Summer II (a): May 1 2008
Summer II (b): June 1 2008
Summer I & II: March 15 2008

Admission Requirements and Visa Application Top

For beginning, intermediate, and advanced level Spanish speakers. Students must have a 2.5 GPA. All students must take a Spanish language assessment exam before and upon arrival in San Jose. The exam will test each student's language proficiency level, and will determine the courses that the student is eligible to enroll. Students who have completed less than one year of college-level Spanish will likely place into beginning level courses. Students who have completed one full year of college-level Spanish will likely place into the intermediate level courses. Students who have completed two years of college-level Spanish will likely place into advanced level courses.

WISE Abroad will assist you with your student visa application. Summer session students will not be required to obtain a student visa as long their stay does not exceed 3 months We encourage you however to visit with your nearest Costa Rican Consulate for visa requirements (http://travel.state.gov/visa/americans1.html) or click on the Resources for Students link for additional information.

Accommodation:

WISE Abroad will provide host family accommodations for all students. Private living arrangements may also be available on a limited basis.

Excursions

Some of the exciting optional excursions organized by our Country Director may include canopy-rainforest sight seeing, beach activities in Costa Rica's fabulous west coast beaches such Manuel Antonio, volcano hiking at Arenal Volcano, rainforest and wildlife sightseeing in Monterverde reserve, among other fantastic destinations.

Application Process: Top

WISE Abroad Applications are available online. Once you have completed the WISE Abroad application, and submit it to our office via email or mail with the other required documents, we will provide you with an official admissions application of the host university after we establish your eligibility. Both applications are due no later than three months before the academic courses begin to enable ample time for our on-site Country Director and staff to work with the college admissions office to process your application, assist you with visa processing (if applicable), and allow enough time to make suitable housing arrangements for you (please see prices and dates for application due dates by country). Applicants are notified of their acceptance to the program within two to four weeks after applications and required documents are submitted to WISE Abroad. Applications may be emailed to wise@wiseabroad.org or mailed along with required documents to WISE Abroad P.O. Box A-4, College Station, TX 77844 USA.

Pre-departure and cross-cultural orientation, airport pick-up upon arrival, ntuition and fees, living accommodations and two meals per day with host family, laundry services, group activities and optional weekend excursions, student services such as counseling and internet access at the academic institution, frequent contact with WISE Abroad country director while in the host country, andn health insurance.

WISE Abroad cannot guarantee course selection; class schedules will be determined once you arrive to San Jose, Costa Rica.