Summer in Costa Rica

Quarter Friendly
Gap Year Friendly
Most Affordable

Learn the meaning of "pura vida" this summer

Study abroad for a summer in San José, Costa Rica, to improve your Spanish, take fascinating courses in English, and check out all that this amazing country has to offer. You'll live with a local "Tico" family and truly immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture. Enjoy an amazing campus setting at Universidad Veritas, a local, private university with an impressive approach to sustainability. Study Spanish language exclusively, or study Spanish and another course from a variety of topics (mostly locally focused) in English or Spanish.


What to Expect

Language(s):
English
Average Courseload:
1-4 Courses (3-16 U.S. Credits)
GPA Requirement:
2.50
Visa Requirement:
NONE Required!

Highlights:

Great base for exploring the mountains, jungles, volcanoes, and beaches
Study on the lush, sustainable campus of a highly ranked private university in San José
Cooking classes, dance classes, and sports events to help you meet your local and international classmates
Choose from a wide variety of courses taught in English, from business to tropical ecology to photography
Small, engaging Spanish classes for all language levels

Learn More About This and Other Programs

During my time in Costa Rica, I took Intermediate Conversation and Cultural Photography at Veritas University. I really enjoyed how relaxed the classes were and how the teachers taught us not only Spanish, but also culture and day-to-day life. I was also involved in the biology lab here (BIOMOL) and had fun doing some lab work every week. I got to explore multiple places with my program, such as Manuel Antonio, Curubandé, and Jaco. I went surfing for the first time and got to hike some amazing trails. I highly recommend traveling to Costa Rica for study abroad; it is a beautiful country with beautiful people and memories to make!
Lauren Adams
William Woods University
I took Spanish for Healthcare Professionals and Conflict Resolution & Healthcare at Universidad Veritas in San Jose, Costa Rica. I really enjoyed how interactive my elective class was; the students often led the class by doing presentations on various topics. We also had a field trip to the local school. My favorite part of the study abroad experience was all the weekend trips. It was awesome to see so many different places in the country. My favorite trip was to Tamarindo and Curubande where I got to take a surf lesson and hike to waterfalls.
Faith Johnson
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
This program was amazing, and gave me wanderlust like I've never had before. I gained independence and self-confidence. I came back from Costa Rica knowing more about the world, and more about myself.
Katie Prescott
The University of Maine
CIS Abroad was so helpful with advising me on which program to choose. I lived with a host family, which was an amazing way to learn and be a part of the culture. Also, CIS Abroad has some of the most affordable programs out there.
Samantha Popkin
University of Florida
My experience in Costa Rica was absolutely amazing: the beach trips, living with my host family, the food, and the classes I took at the university. I honed my language skills and I know so much more Spanish than I did before.
D'Asia Session
Rochester Institute of Technology

The CIS staff did a great job organizing a program that showcased the beauty of Costa Rica academically, culturally, and socially. Through educational and adventurous excursions as well as my classes, I learned a lot about the advantages of cultural exchange…Pura Vida!

Paris Lizana
Springfield College
During my time in Costa Rica, I took Intermediate Conversation and Cultural Photography at Veritas University. I really enjoyed how relaxed the classes were and how the teachers taught us not only Spanish, but also culture and day-to-day life.
Lauren Adams
William Woods University
My time abroad in Costa Rica was nothing short of transformative. The vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm-hearted people created an environment that fostered immense personal growth. 
Stephanie Czajka
Bellarmine University

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.

Price Range

The lower price includes one course per session: an elective course
The higher price includes two courses per session: an elective course and a Spanish course

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.