Study Abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica
Topics on this page:
Overview and Location of Partner Universities
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 Jose. 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.
 Back to the top
Academic Areas of Study and Courses
Fall/Spring/Winter Semester Session
Liberal Arts, Business, Sciences, International Relations, Architecture
The Fall and Winter programs offer a great
range of courses taught in Spanish according to the
students' level of Spanish and academic needs in liberal arts,
literature, dance, art and humanities, geography, history, political science, business,
mathematics, economics, biology etc. Students with
basic to advanced Spanish proficiency take courses with
non-native speakers. Students with very advanced
proficiency levels may take courses with Costa Rican
students. Classes are also available in English for students
with basic to intermediate or advanced Spanish proficiency
levels.
Non-native students may select two to three Spanish
intensive courses along with one to two electives in
English. Please email
WISE Abroad for a
description of courses. Students take an average
of four courses per semester. The objective of these
courses is to improve the proficiency level of all students.
Students taking a total of four courses earn a total
of 12-18 semester credits. Students must take a
minimum of 3 courses. Each course is 45
instruction hours, although some intensive courses may earn
60 to 90 hours contact hours or 5 to 6 credits.
- Spanish Courses (6 credits or 90 contact hours each course):
- Beginners I or II: Conversation, reading comprehension, grammar and culture
- Intermediate I or II: Conversation, reading comprehension, writing and composition, and culture
- Advanced I or II: Conversation, reading comprehension, writing and composition, and culture
- Other Advanced Spanish Courses (3 credits or 45 contact hours each):
- Introduction to Latin American Culture
- Introduction to Latin American Literature
- Spanish Writing I or II
- Conversation I or II
- Elective Courses in English (3 credits or 45 hours each):
- Liberal Arts:
- History of Central America
- Latin American Culture
- Latin American Literature
- Contemporary Visual Arts in Latin America
- History of Contemporary Latin American Art
- Science/Biology
- Tropical Ecology
- Natural History of Costa Rica
- Bio-Diversity
- International Affairs and Business
- International Affairs and Business
- Administration
- International Business
- Management Strategies
- Central American Politics and Government
- Latina American International Affairs
Summer Session I and II
Culture, Language and Hispanic Program
There are two summer sessions available specifically to help students improve
their Spanish proficiency. Basic, intermediate and
advanced level programs are offered for a total of 90
contact hours or 6 credit hours at each level.
- Spanish Courses (6 credits or 90 contact hours each course):
- Beginners I or II: Conversation, reading comprehension, grammar and culture
- Intermediate I or II: Conversation, reading comprehension, writing and composition, and culture
- Advanced I or II: Conversation, reading comprehension, writing and composition, and culture
- Other Advanced Spanish Courses (3 credits or 45 contact hours each):
- Introduction to Latin American Culture
- Introduction to Latin American Literature
- Spanish Writing I or II
- Conversation I or II
Back to the top
Admission
Requirements and Visa Application
This program is 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/)
or click on the
Resources for
Students link for additional information.
Back to the top
Disclaimer
WISE Abroad cannot guarantee course selection; class schedules
will be determined once you arrive to San Jose, Costa Rica.
Back to the top
|
Australia
China
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
England
France
Germany
Greece
Italy
Mexico
Singapore
Spain
Taiwan
Unites States of America