Animal & Veterinary Sciences Semester in Costa Rica -
Universidad Veritas

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Green Campus

Gain hands-on experience in veterinary hospitals, wildlife rescue centers, and marine conservation projects across stunning Costa Rica!

This unforgettable 13-week semester for animal science and pre-vet students is designed to make every moment count. You will gain 200+ hours of hands-on classes and training alongside your cohort. Explore Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems, from the lush rainforests to vibrant coastal regions. This immersive experience will deepen your technical knowledge, hone your animal handling skills, and build your cultural and communication abilities while collaborating with experts in incredible locations.

What to Expect

Language(s):

English, Spanish

Average Courseload:

4 classes (16 U.S. credits)

GPA Requirement:

2.80

Visa Requirement:

NONE Required!

Highlights:

Embark on a transformative 13-week journey and earn 16 academic credits while gaining over 200 hours of hands-on experience in veterinary and conservation research!

Work closely with small animals, marine life, and iconic wildlife like sloths.

Collaborate with veterinary hospitals, rescue centers, and marine conservation NGOs as you deepen your veterinary knowledge.

Spend 5 days in rescue centers and explore conservation and wildlife management projects.

Enjoy a fully immersive program with breakfast and dinner included in your homestay housing and all meals and transportation included during your academic field trips.

The adventures were insane and I couldn't have done them anywhere else besides Costa Rica. The people I met will forever hold a special place in my heart. I became so close with some students and my housemates, but I also met "Ticos" (Costa Ricans) that it almost broke my heart to leave them.

Moeryae Smith

University of Central Missouri

Semester in Costa Rica - Universidad Veritas

The class weekend trips are indescribable. We went to the most extraordinary places, places that weren't even open to the public and did real research that would be submitted into actual databases.

Acadia Herbst

Plymouth State University

Semester in Costa Rica - Universidad Veritas

It's easy to shy away from challenges and discomfort, but powering through those moments is what allows us to grow. Studying abroad teaches us to become comfortable with the uncomfortable, and become better people because of it.

Shoshanna Weiner

Clark University

Semester in Costa Rica - Universidad Veritas

Program Details

Universidad Veritas & San Francisco de Asís Veterinary School

Located minutes from the heart of San José, Universidad Veritas is considered one of the best private universities in all of Central America. CIS Abroad has partnered with Universidad Veritas and the San Francisco de Asís Veterinary School to deliver an exceptional animal & veterinary sciences program for students pursuing careers in veterinary medicine and animal care. Students in this program will benefit from collaborations with experienced veterinarians and conservation experts. This unique partnership supports global animal welfare and local conservation efforts while offering unparalleled opportunities for hands-on training and observational experiences with wildlife and domestic animals.

Universidad Veritas offers many cultural, artistic, and athletic activities so you can dive deep into the local culture. You can improve your Spanish outside of the classroom with the friendly Costa Rican locals. Join on-campus activities, such as dance or cooking classes and intramural sports. With 1,500 Costa Rican students and over 500 students from around the world, you'll benefit from a close-knit yet cosmopolitan campus. Expand your understanding of Costa Rican culture through local excursions or volunteer opportunities.

Founded in 1976, Veritas is the first private university in Costa Rica. It is accredited by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education and authorized by the National Council of Private Higher Education (Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Privada, or CONESUP).

Course Information

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Course listings are for exploratory purposes, final course availability is determined during the enrollment process.

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Life in San José

San José is the bustling capital of Costa Rica and the place to learn about the country’s fascinating culture. Food, art, and people flow in from all directions. Likewise, you can use the capital as your launching point to discover the rest of this friendly country. Beautiful national parks, picturesque mountain villages, and relaxed beach towns are nearby and easily accessible. Spend your weekends exploring volcanoes, zip-lining through the jungle, or visiting a sloth sanctuary.

As a CIS Abroad student in San José, you'll get to know local Costa Ricans (aka Ticos), who have a friendly, laid-back demeanor. Being minutes from the heart of the Costa Rican capital, you can explore the city with ease. Then, spend the evening with new friends in the Plaza Francia, in the beautiful Barrio Escalante.

Chepe, as the city is known locally, is famed for its National Theater, busy market life, and easy-to-use public transportation. There are plenty of international restaurants, ranging from Lebanese to Italian, in addition to local sodas, where you can eat large helpings of gallo pinto, the delicious national dish. Visitors and residents adore the street food in San José or grabbing a cheap and cheerful meal at Mercado Central. After class, you can head to one of the many local theaters, concert venues, cinemas, or salsa clubs. Then, spend the evening with new friends in the Plaza de la Cultura watching the pigeons and a marimba band. It doesn’t get much better than this.

Live the Local Life

National Theater

Enjoy the tour and learn all about the history and architecture of this gem of San Jose!

Coffee, coffee, coffee!

Try some of the world's best coffee in one of the many coffee shops around town, or take the Coffee Tour, where you'll learn about the history of Costa Rica and coffee production in the country.

La Feria Verde de Aranjuez

Every Saturday La Feria Verde takes place in the neighborhood of Aranjuez. Enjoy delicious food, coffee and crafts made by local artists, and meet some of the many Ticos that enjoy breakfast at the fair.

Volunteering

Take part in a volunteer project and give back to the community. Visit Escuela La Joya and share some time with the local students, help with projects, or work in the vegetable garden.

Costa Rica - Homestay

Overview

You’ll really immerse yourself with a homestay! Our experienced homestay families are fully vetted to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for you. Most of the host families (95 percent) offer single rooms and are located within walking distance of the university, although students can also use public transportation. Students typically say that living with a local family was their favorite part of traveling abroad.

Meals

You’ll need to buy your own lunch (it's super easy to get it on campus), but your host family will cook you both breakfast and dinner. What better way to experience true Tico cooking!?

Inclusions and Amenities

24-Hour Security Commute - Walking Desk Laundry Laundry - Onsite Meal Plan - Included Private Room Study Areas Television Wi-Fi

What's Included

Inclusions

Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:

Full-time tuition and fees
Homestay
Breakfast and dinner
Medical and accident insurance
CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
Academic advising
Financial aid counseling
Assistance with travel arrangements
Pre-departure orientation
Airport pickup
Universidad Veritas orientation
On-site support
On-campus internet access
Weekly laundry service and two meals a day with a homestay
Two day excursions and one overnight excursion through CIS Abroad
Two overnight coastal trips as part of the fieldwork for the mandatory courses
Additional field trips possible depending on electives selected
Universidad Veritas official transcript
The Local Life cultural program
CIS Abroad Micro-credential

Welcome & Orientation

On your first day in Costa Rica, walk around and get to know your new city while engaging with the locals. See important landmarks in downtown San José, such as the National Theater and Gold Museum. Enjoy the welcome lunch, where you'll try some local goodies! During orientation, learn all about excursions, your homestay, and what to expect of your time in Costa Rica.

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

Re-entering your home culture after being abroad can be shocking to the system. We’ll walk you through some of the things to expect, rehash your time abroad so that you can remember the highlights and, yep, we’ll feed you again as part of our farewell to Costa Rica.

Program Excursions

While participating on a CIS Abroad program, you'll be able to take part in built-in day trips at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term to term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall

We will drive through the beautiful mountains of Costa Rica and stop in Sarchi, home of the ...

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Irazu Volcano and Cartago

Take a drive above the clouds and look into the crater of the tallest volcano in Costa Rica. The ...

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Doka Coffee Tour and La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Enjoy a tour and plenty of tastes of a top Costa Rican coffee, Doka. We'll also visit the private ...

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Jaco Beach and Manuel Antonio National Park

This overnight excursion does not disappoint! We'll hike around Costa Rica's most popular ...

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Site Directors

Lisa Pinheiro

Site Director in Costa Rica

Lisa was born in Costa Rica and has lived in the United States on several occasions. She is an alumni of Veritas University, where she majored in photography, and is currently exploring jewelry design. She is passionate about travel, and has had 10 years of experience leading study abroad groups all throughout Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama. In her free time Lisa enjoys going to art exhibits, watching movies, dancing and learning new languages. She speaks Spanish, English and Portuguese, and is currently learning French.

Travel Tip! Dont limit yourself to the more popular tourist spots. There are tons of lesser known places that are beautiful and rich in culture where you can really experience what Costa Rica is all about!

Elena Pérez

Assistant Site Director - Costa Rica

I grew up in Costa Rica with my parents who instilled a love for travel, taking me on adventures since I was 2. I attended an international high school where I had the chance to explore different cultures and lead various initiatives, including student council and school spirit activities. In 2020, I moved to the U.S. to attend Clark University in Massachusetts, where I majored in economics and minored in entrepreneurship. During my time there, I took on leadership roles, studied abroad in France and Luxembourg, and organized events that pushed me out of my comfort zone. My passion for travel and education made working in international education a natural fit, as I love helping students create meaningful global experiences. Outside of work, I’m known for my bright smile, love for the color yellow, and my energetic, positive outlook on life. I truly believe in living life to the fullest!

Travel Tip! Be open-minded and immerse yourself in local culture—talk to people, try new foods, and embrace traditions. Travel light, explore on foot, and avoid over-researching. Learn a few phrases in the local language; it goes a long way. Capture moments with you in the pictures—your memories will be priceless.

Your Support Staff

Amanda Murphy

Program Enrollment Manager - Costa Rica & Thailand

I have a BA in Communications and English from Florida State University and recently got my master's in International Studies at NC State University. Since I was a child, I've always had a passion for traveling and getting to know different cultures. Studying abroad as an undergrad in Valencia, Spain ignited that passion and put me on the path to a career in international education. After college, I moved to Costa Rica (my mother's home country - pura vida!) to become an ESL teacher and connect with my roots. I absolutely loved teaching and went on to teach in Spain and Australia, and visited more than 20 countries along the way. When I returned to the states, I knew for sure that international education was the field for me so I focused my master's program on all things study abroad. I've been on such an incredible journey around the world and I want to help students do the same in their own way. I live in Raleigh, North Carolina with my partner and our 27 house plants.

Travel Tip! Don't overplan. Have a place to stay, pick a few major things you want to do, and then just get lost in the beauty of it all. If you plan too many activities, you miss out on stumbling into the most wonderful things that you'll never forget.

Marina Weinstein

International Operations Director - UK, Ireland, Greece, Spain and Costa Rica

My travels to over 20 countries, with significant stays in India and Spain, have enriched my global perspective. My experience in the field of international education started playing a key role in launching the study and internship programs in Buenos Aires, where I served as a Site Director for 8 years. During this time, I also oversaw the LATAM region as a Site Director's Manager, collaborating with colleagues in Ecuador, Peru, and Costa Rica. I have since transitioned to the International Operations Management team, where I continue learning and contributing. I am also an actress, health coach, yoga & ayurveda teacher, Vipassana Meditator, fan of astrology and Human Design, and a Bachelor of Communication Sciences.

Travel Tip! Walk, walk, walk, whenever you can! And take your time. You might find the most special surprises on your way to destination.

Kaylee Klinger

Advising & Alumni Relations Manager

Received a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a minor in Business Administration from Ohio University. It was there where I discovered CIS Abroad and got the opportunity to study abroad twice; in Paris, France and Stirling Scotland as well as become an Alumni Ambassador. It was during my time in the Scottish Highlands where I discovered my passion for travel. On top of studying in Paris and Stirling, I've been blessed to have traveled to Australia, Canada, Ireland, England and Italy as well! I have a passion for hiking and visiting all of the National Parks in the United States. Also enjoy spending time with my cat, Mumford.

Travel Tip! The best travel tip I always share is, if possible try to catch a redeye flight. That has helped me tremendously fight jet-lag and it allows you more time to explore the extraordinary unfamiliar place!

Serenah Quiroga

Advising & Communications Coordinator

I am the daughter of an Argentinean immigrant so all of my dad's family still lives in Argentina. I grew up in South Dakota but attended high school and undergrad in the northern Chicago suburbs. I graduated in 2023 from Lake Forest College with a degree in Neuroscience and Psychology. I balanced life as a women's soccer student-athlete, dance team captain, president of the Neuroscience club and working as a medical assistant and babysitter. I studied abroad in Sorrento, Italy and traveled all throughout Europe during my time there. I also frequent Argentina to visit family but my dream destinations are Tokyo, Spain, Seychelles and sooo many more! I feel inspired to work in international education because I want to share the impact that international travels have had on my life and help provide resources for others to travel and gain a world perspective. Outside of work, I love going to concerts, dancing, reading and meeting new people. I am an empathetic and social butterfly that has a lot of compassion for others. At the same time, I value my 'me-time' and am extremely determined to be the best version of myself.

Travel Tip! Always find a reason to talk to a local or someone you may not know. Whether it's a simple hello, compliment, or question, there is always something to learn from every person you meet. Some of my best experiences and favorite memories were formed because of these interactions.

Dates & Prices

Additional Information:

Program Deposit

There is a non-refundable program deposit for all CIS Abroad programs. Paying the deposit secures your spot on the program! The deposit deadline and amount can be seen above in the Dates & Prices section.

Fall 2025

Program fee includes 13 weeks, 4 courses, and 200 hours of field work.

Please note: As with all study abroad programs, you should count on a few additional expenses.

CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.

ADVISOR TIP:

Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.

Animal & Veterinary Sciences Semester in Costa Rica - Universidad Veritas

Gain hands-on experience in veterinary hospitals, wildlife rescue centers, and marine conservation projects across stunning Costa Rica!

What to Expect

Highlights:

Learn More About This and Other Programs

Program Details

Universidad Veritas & San Francisco de Asís Veterinary School

Course Information

Life in San José

Live the Local Life

National Theater

Coffee, coffee, coffee!

La Feria Verde de Aranjuez

Volunteering

Costa Rica - Homestay

Overview

Meals

Inclusions and Amenities

What's Included

Inclusions

Welcome & Orientation

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

Dates & Prices

ADVISOR TIP:

Animal & Veterinary Sciences Semester in Costa Rica -
Universidad Veritas