API at the Universidad de Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

San Jose

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: visit API website for dates

Description: API offers a comprehensive study abroad program in the Costa Rican capital city of San Jose. API students in San Jose will study Spanish language and liberal arts at the Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR).

Recognized internationally for its academic achievements, UCR is the oldest and best-known university in the country. Spanish language courses are taught at all levels, and liberal arts courses are taught in English in a variety of subjects such as business, ecology, literature, history, and more. Students typically receive 12 credits per semester; 6 per summer term.

Students also have numerous volunteer and service opportunities through API.

Highlights: San Jose is located in the central valley, a fertile upland basin 3,773 ft. above sea level, and is surrounded by three towering volcanoes. Nested in the hillsides of these volcanoes there lie quaint villages, small farms, and coffee plantations. The San Jose metropolitan area is home to 36 percent of Costa Rica's population. It has a distinctive charm and warm feel to it. At the same time, in contrast to the serenity and vibrant natural beauty of the rest of the country, the small scale of the central area (326,000 inhabitants) creates a very vibrant core - full of sights, sounds and life defined by a bustling urban center.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education: High School

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: ASVO Volunteer Program The ideal volunteer is an individual who is prepared to work in tropical conditions and can easily adapt to new cultures. Volunteers must be in good physical condition and have few to no allergies. They must also have an interest in protecting the environment and be willing to work independently for long hours in natural environments offering few luxuries.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Scholarships are Available. USD250-USD1,000 per term; application on website.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Academic Programs International (API)'s Mission Statement: Academic Programs International, API, is an educational organization dedicated to providing challenging and enriching study abroad programs for our students. The experience of living, interacting and learning in an international environment presents invaluable opportunities for each student's academic and personal development. All of our academic and extracurricular offerings are selected with the goal of helping students to grow more self-aware and culturally sensitive. We envision each student evolving from a tourist to a resident to a global citizen, and API is dedicated to supporting this lifelong process. API is committed to providing the best comprehensive study abroad experience possible with personal attention available to our students throughout his or her program, and to working closely with home universities to offer support before, during and after the education abroad experience.

Year Founded: 1997