USAC Costa Rica: Puntarenas - Spanish Language, Ecological, and Latin American Studies

6 recent reviews
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The Puntarenas program is ideal for students who are committed to learning the Spanish language and diverse cultures of Latin America. Through formal coursework and personal interaction with the host culture, you will greatly expand your language ... read more

All Reviews

OVERALL RATING 4.8
Based on 6 Reviews
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Overall Experience
I cannot believe I almost graduated college without studying abroad. If you can make it work - GO. I went to Central America, not somewhere like Europe, so I truly experienced what it was like to be in a brand new culture (sorry Europe travelers). It challenges you in so many ways - I cannot even put into words how much I grew d... - Ohio Northern University View Entire Review
I learned the most about myself. I also learned to speak a language, about a different culture, and how to be less close-minded. - University of Maine - Orono View Entire Review
I learned that there is SO MUCH to explore and that the world is so much bigger than the little things we let get to us. - University of Nevada - Reno View Entire Review
Past Review Bittersweet
everything - University of Maine at Orono View Entire Review
Past Review One Hot Summer
I learned alot while I was abroad. I learned that I actually had the courage to leave home and go to another country knowing no one, and develop long-lasting friendships. I'm proud of myself for diving into a completely different country and learning the ways of life there, as well as picking up alot of Spanish. I now recommend ... - University of Arkansas - Fayetteville View Entire Review
Past Review Nice
how to really survive the heat...it was somewhat worthwhile - University of Texas - Arlington View Entire Review
Past Review Life Changing
ABSOLUTELY - University of Arkansas - Fayetteville View Entire Review
I really gained more independence on this program. I had spent 9 months away from home prior to this trip, but I think I gained more from this experience. The best way to learn a language is to be completely immersed in it, which is one of the reasons I loved living with a family. - University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh View Entire Review
A student studying abroad with USAC: Puntarenas - Spanish Language, Ecological and Latin American Studies
This experience was so incredibly worthwhile. It stretched me and grew in multiple ways and I am so thankful I did this. I learned to speak Spanish, created lasting friendships, and would love to live down there one day. - University of North Carolina - Wilmington View Entire Review
A student studying abroad with USAC: Puntarenas - Spanish Language, Ecological and Latin American Studies
YES, my experience was definitely worth while. I have been home for 5 months as of tomorrow, and I miss Puntarenas and the people I met every single day. I have a much greater understanding of Latin American culture, and I now do not always believe that the United States is the happiest/best country to live in. Thanks to my stud... - University of New Hampshire View Entire Review
I gained cultural insight. It is a 3rd world country, so I left appreciating what I had back in the US. I learned how to interact with all kinds of people in different situations. It was absolutely worthwhile. - Washington State University View Entire Review
How to travel in a foreign country, language, friends, a tan, relaxation, excitement, what I want to do with my life. YES. I would do it over in a heartbeat. I get sad thinking about it. I wish I was starting all over this January! - Texas A&M University - College Station View Entire Review
I learned more about myself then I ever thought I would. I was able to see my own strengths and weaknesses, make amazing friends, immerse myself in a new culture, and look at life from a simplistic point of view. Overall, this experience has shown me where I want to go in life and what is important. - University of Nevada - Reno View Entire Review
I gained an international perspective of my home country, the USA. I learned more about the Spanish language. I learned a lot about myself most! - University of the Pacific View Entire Review
I learned a lot about the culture, the environment and the environmental policies. It was extremely worthwhile! - University of Maine at Orono View Entire Review
Much personal growth, as well as an understanding of the Spanish language. It was definitely worthwhile. - Point Loma Nazarene University View Entire Review
I feel like "worthwhile" is the most understated word I could choose. Studying abroad in Costa Rica was a life enhancing and changing experience for me! I learned so much about myself and others, the U.S. and the world, social/cultural/political issues... the list is endless. I learned how to be a better me, made some lifelong f... - Loyola University Chicago View Entire Review
My life would not be the same without this experience. I learned so much about myself and made some life long friends along the way. I've definitely been given a new outlook on, and appreciation of, the rest of the world. Not one experience is alike, so you'll just have to see for yourself. - University of Nevada - Reno View Entire Review
Totally. I feel much more street smart and very equipt to travel internationally on my own. I can no speak fluent Spanish and have connections all around Latin America. I got to experience so many incredible things that I never thought I would get to do. Go. This program is great. You learn so much without a gruling school... - University of Nevada - Reno View Entire Review

About

The Puntarenas program is ideal for students who are committed to learning the Spanish language and diverse cultures of Latin America. Through formal coursework and personal interaction with the host culture, you will greatly expand your language skills and knowledge of Costa Rican society. Puntarenas offers a small beach town environment where you'll be able to practice your Spanish regularly and immerse yourself in local culture. Costa Rica as a whole is well known for its extraordinary natural beauty, preserved in its many national parks and reserves, which you will have the opportunity to discover firsthand. You may choose to stay for one semester, a full year or a summer option. The Puntarenas program offers three diverse academic areas: Spanish Language, Ecological Studies, and Latin American Studies. The intensive language approach allows you to complete up to two years of university foreign language coursework in only one semester to meet Spanish minor and major requirements. You may also complement your language curriculum by taking courses in literature, political science, economics, history, art history, biology, ecology, and dance.

Program Type(s):
Study Abroad
Intensive Language
Program Length(s):
  • Fall
  • Summer
  • Spring
  • Academic Year
  • January Term
Instruction Language(s):
  • Spanish
  • English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
  • Latin American Studies
  • Spanish Language, Literature
Minimum GPA:
2.5
Year Founded:
1982
Website
N/A

Statistics

USAC Scholarships

USAC awards over $500,000 in scholarships and discounts each year to assist students with their study abroad expenses. We have a variety of funding opportunities available for students enrolled in USAC programs. We also encourage students to research online for additional sources of financial aid and external scholarships for study abroad students. Additional scholarship information and application instructions will be provided on your Student Gateway account once you apply to a USAC program.

$500-$1000

Deadlines:
October 1 (for spring) and April 1 (for summer and fall/yearlong)

Guidelines/Requirements:
If you have questions regarding scholarships, feel free to contact the USAC Scholarship Coordinator at scholarships@usac.unr.edu.

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