API at the International Center for Development Studies in San Jose

  Costa Rica

San Jose

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Throughout the year

Description: API students have several exciting semester, quarter, and summer programs in Costa Rica where they can study Environment, Sustainability and Development, Human Rights and Development in Latin America, Language, Culture and Current Issues in Latin America, Spanish for Development Studies, or International Business in Latin America.

Core courses are taught primarily in English, with the option for students with advanced proficiency in Spanish to progressively incorporate their Spanish skills into the course dynamics and projects. This gives ICDS programs a bilingual character, which along with the home stays with local families, provides students with an excellent opportunity for language and cultural immersion.

Teaching for ICDS programs takes place at the Universidad Latina's main campus in Lourdes de Montes de Oca (San Jose), both a business and residential area to the northeast of downtown San Jose. Universidad Latina de Costa Rica is the country's largest private, higher institution of learning. With a student body of 16,000, the university's stimulating atmosphere is complemented by an efficient team of dedicated staff. The Universidad Latinas campus features a very modern infrastructure and technologically advanced facilities, as well as libraries, bookstores, copy shops, coffee shops and a food court. The campus is surrounded by bookstores, coffee shops, internet cafes, and different kinds of restaurants, as well as shopping malls, banks, businesses, and a residential area.

API students who study at the International Center for Development Studies in San Jose will also have several unique volunteer and experiential service options.

Highlights: Located in the central valley of Costa Rica, San Jose is a vibrant urban center in the heart of a serene and beautiful nation. Three volcanoes surround the city, and quaint villages, farms and coffee plantations dot the hillsides. Though the metropolitan area is home to 36% of the nation's population, one can explore the smaller central area of the city and discover its neighborhood markets and local restaurants. Cultural opportunities abound in this city, which has become a top destination for travelers. Visit the Museo Nacional; the Museo de Oro Precolombino, with its sparkling collection of pre-Columbian gold; or the Museo de Jade, which boasts the world's largest collection of jade. Enjoy offerings in theatre, music, cinema, and dance. San Jose is a centrally located transportation hub and an ideal starting point to explore Costa Rica. This city and country offer an amazing education to any student!

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: Please visit our website

ON-SITE SERVICES
Airport Reception, Resident Directors and Staff, On-Site Orientation, Housing (Including Meals and Laundry with Some Options), Tuition, Tutoring, Language and Culture Tools, Medical and Life Insurance, Excursions (Overnight, Day and International in some locations), Social and Cultural Activities, Welcome and Farewell Group Meals, and Volunteer Opportunities.

RE-ENTRY SERVICES
Re-Entry Materials and Support, Post-Program Evaluation, Transcript, Alumni-Network, and Development Opportunities.

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. Please inquire or more details

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