ISA Study Abroad in San José, Costa Rica
- Hosted at: Universidad Veritas
- Location(s): San Jose, Costa Rica
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad, Internship
International Studies Abroad / ISA
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San José, or Chepe, as it is lovingly called by locals, is the political, economic and cultural hub of Costa Rica. It is the perfect place for students to experience a bustling and cosmopolitan Latin American metropolis, as well as being an ideal ... read more
All Reviews
I learned independence and improved my language ability. Alex S - University of Alabama - Birmingham View Entire Review
It was worthwhile, yes. There were many things I liked about this experience and many that I did not like. That being said, though, the experience is totally what you make it to be. I was scared and shy and therefore didn't go out much or make any local friends. Other people in my group who were more outgoing had a completel... Katherine L - University of Minnesota - Morris View Entire Review
If I could do it again, I would go independently without any program. I am an independent person and travel / adapt well and I found that the program limited me in some ways and made the trip more expensive than it needed to be. Once I was actually there and met students who arranged it independently, I thought that seemed ideal... Kim P - DePaul University View Entire Review
Yes, my experience was worthwhile. It greatly aided my language acquisition. Adam M - Mercer University View Entire Review
I am much more confident in my spanish-speaking abilities. Since my program was only 5 weeks I wasnt able to fully envelop the language, but it was well worth it!! My experience made me more aware of the culture in many different aspects. Many things werent the same as back home, but adjusting wasnt too difficult. As a result, I... Hayley B - Pittsburg State University View Entire Review
I learned to let go of the stress and live life more carefree and happily. I also built wonderful friendships and learned to enjoy the little things in life. It was relaxing and though my spanish skills didn't improve quite as much as I wanted, I still overcame my fear of speaking the language with others on a regular basis. Erin O - Middle Tennessee State University View Entire Review
This was a great program to be a part of as my first experience in a Spanish speaking country. The program length (~5 weeks) was a good amount of time to understand what's it like to be living abroad and to begin to understand cultural paradigms and learn how to deal with culture shock. It helped prepare me for my 2 semester tri... Andrew V - University of Rhode Island View Entire Review
I became more confident in Spanish and was definitely impacted by the Pura Vida mentality adopted by all Costa Ricans. They teach you to smile more and enjoy the adventure! My study abroad term strengthened my passion to make Spanish part of my future career as a large animal veterinarian. I hope to return to certain places unab... Teresa D - University of Florida View Entire Review
Yes it was worthwhile!! My time in Costa Rica was beyond compare. My host family definitely made the experience all that it was. My language skills really improved, and my comprehension was near 100% at the end of the program. I am definitely more aware of the political/economic situations of Central American countries, and u... Heidi M - South Dakota State University View Entire Review
I was not satisfied with the program - i think it was slightly misreading in that the structure of the courses was not explained fully or clearly. If I had known I was going to a "specialty school" (School of Art & Design) I would never have gone considering 1-my major had nothing to do with that and 2- I have no artistic abilit... Brittany W - George Mason University View Entire Review
While I have not had a chance to use much of my language skills since the trip, during and soon after the trip I could speak Spanish quite well. I had so much fun during my experience and I gained confidence in my own abilities to navigate an unknown place and meet new people. I also was exposed to ways in which another country ... Emily C - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University View Entire Review
Not really. Robert D - University of Massachusetts Amherst View Entire Review
Past Review
Costa Rica: Speaking English And Getting Drunk With Americans. And The Occasional Australian.
I made a few friends (Americans) that I sometimes still keep in touch with. I learned a lot about Texas, for some reason. Colleen D - University of Pittsburgh - Bradford View Entire Review
It was a wonderful experience no doubt. It taught me that the littlest things can have the biggest impact, it taught me to take chances, and try things I've never even thought to try. This is corny, but there will always be a special place in my heart for Costa Rica. Laura C - Trinity University View Entire Review
I gained a lot of language skills. I am also much more accepting and have incorporated a little bit of pura vida into my life. I am much more laid back and more interested in exploring different areas, even within the states. Every new experience offers room for growth. Annette G - University of Colorado - Boulder View Entire Review
I feel like I've learned a lot and did a lot on my own. I appreciate the natural beauty so much more now. I feel like I can also connect to hispanic people better because now I understand another Latino country. Nicole D - Illinois State University View Entire Review
I learned a lot, fell in love with the Costa Rican culture, and my Spanish language skills improved immensely. Emily J - University of Nebraska- Lincoln View Entire Review
Studying abroad with ISA in San Jose, CR was the most rewarding experience of my life. In the short span of three months (believe me, it will feel too short!) that I was there, not only did my language skills improve, I made some amazing friendships with locals and fellow international students, and learned a tremendous amount ... Jessica T - Western Washington University View Entire Review
Yes. Andrew M - The Citadel View Entire Review
I have decided to continue traveling and using spanish in my daily life and future career interests Elisabeth P - Xavier University View Entire Review
Past Review
Study Abroad In Costa Rica: Great Experience All Around Lose Yourself & Rediscover Yourself
I have always loved traveling, so this experience didn't instill a sense of wanderlust, but it did reignite it with a stronger flame. I had an excellent time seeing the beauty of the countryside and I met people that I will never forget. I had some hard times, and I missed home from time to time, but it built character and tha... Zach B - Northern Michigan University View Entire Review
It was great, I only wished that I had spoken more Spanish while I was there and had taken classes with Costa Ricans instead of with Americans. Andrea R - University of New Hampshire View Entire Review
Past Review
Costa Rica's Capital Was Fun, Challenging, Amazing, Rewarding But Most Of All Life Changing!!!
more open minded, more considerate, more knowledgeable about latin culture, costa rican culture, customs, beliefs....etc. i want to travel more, be more internationally focused, visit costa rica often, adopt a more laid back way of life like ticos (costa ricans) lindsay u - University of Colorado - Boulder View Entire Review
Yes, yes, yes. It's very difficult to truly explain how amazing your time aboard is and how much it changes you. I'm more confident, flexible, and culturally aware than I was before I went. My study aboard experience was completely worthwhile and so much more than I expected. I would go again in a heartbeat, and recommend studyi... Sarah G - Marietta College View Entire Review
It was extremely worthwhile. I took in about four semesters of Spanish and challenged my levels of comfort. I feel more adaptable, flexible, and capable of being in a foreign place. Going to Costa Rica jump-started my interest in environmentalism. I left with fond memories of my host family (and the food) that I will always ... Michelle i - University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh View Entire Review
About
San José, or Chepe, as it is lovingly called by locals, is the political, economic and cultural hub of Costa Rica. It is the perfect place for students to experience a bustling and cosmopolitan Latin American metropolis, as well as being an ideal jumping off point to experience the many natural wonders of Costa Rica.
San José is set in the lush Central Valley of the Costa Rican highlands and is where the majority of Costa Ricans work, live, and study. Students attending college in San José, Costa Rica will be able to experience a Latin American metropolis while also having the rest of Costa Rica's pristine natural wonders at their fingertips. Downtown San José features a pedestrian-friendly walkway down which students enjoy strolling, stopping at a café and sipping on a coffee and shopping at the Mercado Central. The city is filled with cultural offerings including numerous unique museums and students enjoy catching musical and theater performances at the elegant Teatro Nacional. When students want an escape from the city the Pacific coast is two hours away, the Caribbean coast is 4 hours away and adventures abound in the mountains, rainforests and rivers that surround the city.
Programs in San José include:
San José is set in the lush Central Valley of the Costa Rican highlands and is where the majority of Costa Ricans work, live, and study. Students attending college in San José, Costa Rica will be able to experience a Latin American metropolis while also having the rest of Costa Rica's pristine natural wonders at their fingertips. Downtown San José features a pedestrian-friendly walkway down which students enjoy strolling, stopping at a café and sipping on a coffee and shopping at the Mercado Central. The city is filled with cultural offerings including numerous unique museums and students enjoy catching musical and theater performances at the elegant Teatro Nacional. When students want an escape from the city the Pacific coast is two hours away, the Caribbean coast is 4 hours away and adventures abound in the mountains, rainforests and rivers that surround the city.
Programs in San José include:
- Semester / Trimester:
- Arts and Design Courses with Locals
- Health Care Courses in English & Medical Spanish
- Spanish Language, Liberal Arts & Environmental Studies
- Health Care Courses in English & Medical Spanish
- Spanish Language, Liberal Arts & Environmental Studies
- Summer:
- Health Care Courses in English & Medical Spanish
- Spanish Language & Latin American Culture
- Spanish Language, Liberal Arts & Environmental Studies
- Spanish Language & Latin American Culture
- Spanish Language, Liberal Arts & Environmental Studies
- Int.Month: Intensive Spanish Language
- Service-Learning: ISA Service-Learning: Learn about local social issues in San Jose by partnering with a community-based organization and following a reflection-based curriculum.
- Gap:
- Spanish Language, Liberal Arts & Environmental Studies
- Spanish Language & Latin American Culture
- Spanish Language & Latin American Culture
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadInternship
Program Length(s):
- Fall
- Summer
- Spring
- Short Term
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International Studies Abroad / ISA Scholarships
ISA offers USD 8,000 worth of scholarships annually dedicated to the memory of Michaela Farnum. Michaela was a junior studying International Business and Spanish at Seattle University and was a participant in the ISA program in Chile. Her experience was tragically cut short when she lost her life in a hiking accident in the mountains of La Campana National Park in Chile. ISA hopes that this scholarship will help aspiring study abroad students and will do so in memory of Michaela who only began to realize her dream of study abroad. The scholarship is both merit and financial need-based scholarships for the study abroad expenses for the summer term of the student awardees
8 x $1,000 for Summer Programs
Deadlines:
Summer: February 28th
Guidelines/Requirements:
• Be accepted to an ISA Summer study abroad program or an applicable ISA Internship or Service-Learning program.
• Have at least a 3.25 cumulative GPA.
• Have completed at least one year of college level foreign language or the equivalent. Courses must appear on official transcript.
• Be enrolled in second or third year of undergraduate education at a U.S. university/college at time of ISA program participation.
• Be on financial aid. FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) and home university Award Letter/form required.
**Please refer to the ISA scholarship page for more information on guidelines/requirements.
The ISA Diversity Scholarships aim to encourage students of a broader cultural make-up to participate in ISA programs by offering funds to assist with the expenses of studying abroad. The scholarship amounts to USD 14,000 in awards and is to be used towards ISA programs.
2 x $1,000 for Summer Programs; 3 x $2,000 for Fall Programs; 3 x $2,000 for Winter/Spring Programs
Deadlines:
Summer: February 28th
Fall: April 30th
Winter/Spring: October 30th
Guidelines/Requirements:
• Be accepted to an ISA study abroad program or an applicable ISA Internship or Service-Learning program.
• Have at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA.
• Be enrolled in second or third year of undergraduate education at a U.S. university/college at time of ISA program participation.
**Please refer to the ISA scholarship page for more information on guidelines/requirements.
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