Spanish, Ecology and Latin American Studies: Puntarenas, Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• Central Pacific Coast: 
Puntarenas

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer 
Dates: Fall: August - December, Spring: January - May, Summer: Jun-Aug

Description: Costa Rica is well known for its peaceful lifestyle, egalitarian society, and extraordinary natural beauty. USAC students study intensive elementary, intermediate and advanced Spanish and elective subjects such as art history, biology, ecology, political science, business and anthropology in Puntarenas, a small city located on a narrow peninsula jutting out into a gulf on the Pacific Coast. Elective subjects are taught in English or in Spanish.

Some field trips are included on which you can hike in the jungle or to a volcano, swim off beautiful beaches or ride in an aerial tram across the canopy of a jungle. For an even more in-depth view, you can elect to participate in the optional six day tours offered to the north and south of Costa Rica and not only sightsee but also take part in such activities as kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, or soaking in thermal hot springs as you watch an active volcano erupt.

Highlights: Field trips in and around San Jose and other parts of Costa Rica, visits to the parliament and governmental entities and speakers, field trips to both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the rain forest, nature reserves and visits to folkloric events and village festivals form an integral part of the program. Numerous levels of Spanish and no language requirement. Great surfing too!

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: please inquire for more information

Experience Required: no

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available. Requirements vary. Please contact USAC

University Studies Abroad Consortium's Mission Statement: University Studies Abroad Consortium is a nonprofit consortium of 33 U.S. universities offering you quality study abroad programs for over 25 years from housing, internships, field study courses and more; from the point you apply, your arrival and stay, to your transcript upon return. The mission of the University Studies Abroad Consortium is to provide students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, experiences and attitudes to prepare them for the global society of the 21st century. We believe study abroad is the most effective way to accomplish these goals.

Year Founded: 1982