ISA in Heredia, Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Heredia

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Summer, Trimester, Winter 
Dates: Please refer to the ISA website

Description: Heredia itself is a mid-sized, sprawling city. Like the nearby capital city of San Jose, Heredia has a comfortable temperature and generally pleasant climate year round. The city of Heredia was first founded in the beginning of the 18th century by inhabitants of the nearby province of Cartago. Heredia, also known as the "City of the Flowers", lies just 11 kilometers to the northwest of the capital, San Jose, and is situated in the verdant tropical foothills of the extinct Brava Volcano, near many coffee plantations. Heredia boasts some of the best colonial architecture in the country, including several churches. While preserving much of its historical appeal, the city continues to grow. Heredia is a university town where students attend the University Interamericana Costa Rica (UICR), considered to be one of the most prestigious universities in Costa Rica. Students and locals enjoy many of the advantages of a big city, including excellent cafes, patisseries, ice cream parlors, vegetarian and health food, and several options for nightlife, while retaining the more relaxed pace of a smaller city.

Terms Offered:
Academic Year Spanish Language, Full Curriculum
Semester Spanish Language, Full Curriculum
Summer Intensive Spanish Langauge

Highlights: Heredia is the capital city of the Heredia Province, one of the most beautiful provinces of Costa Rica. Nestled in the foothills of the dormant Barva Volcano, Heredia is surrounded by lush green hills dotted with coffee plantations, tropical forests, and national parks, offering ISA students the ideal location for exploring the region's natural beauty. Only 11 kilometers (less than 7 miles) from San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, students also have easy access to all the city has to offer.

Founded in 1705, Heredia is filled with well-preserved examples of colonial architecture. The most famous and majestic is the church of La Inmaculada Concepción, one of the oldest churches in the country. The church is located in Heredia's Central Park in the heart of the city and is surrounded by lively plazas, restaurants, and stores. The charming center of Heredia is the perfect place to people-watch, meet with friends, or chat with local Heredianos.

With several notable universities, the student population of Heredia is quite significant, and both international and local students alike bring a unique personality to the town. ISA students in Heredia enjoy many of the advantages of a big city, including excellent cafes, patisseries, ice cream parlors, vegetarian and health food, and several options for nightlife, while retaining the more relaxed pace of a smaller city.

Of course, the bustling city of San Jose is nearby and conveniently-reached using public transportation. Day or night, an affordable and quick 40-minute bus ride brings students to the capital and cultural center of Costa Rica. Museums, theater, live music, diverse cuisine, and exciting nightlife are readily available in San Jose, a vibrant and entertaining Latin American capital.

Points of Interest In and Around Heredia:

* Church of La Inmaculada Concepción: The most majestic of Heredia's numerous examples of colonial architecture, this church was constructed in 1796 and is one of the oldest in Costa Rica. The church bells were imported from Cuzco, Perú and can still be heard ringing throughout the nearby plazas.

* Parque Central (Central Park): A popular place to gather, talk, and relax, Heredia's main park is home to lush gardens, fountains, and several monuments. The Casa de Cultura is located across from the park and is a pleasant place to enjoy visiting art exhibits.

* Barva Volcano: Heredia is nestled in the foothills of the Barva Volcano, one of the few Costa Rican volcanoes that can be climbed by tourists. Located inside the nearby Braulio Carrillo National Park, students enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding lush, green hills and landscape that gives Heredia the nickname "City of Flowers".

* Cafe Britt Plantation: The Cafe Britt Roastery is located in Mercedes Norte, on the way to the village of Barva in Heredia, Costa Rica. Daily, the roastery offers an educational and entertaining one-and-a-half hour tour, which is a "stage play on a coffee farm." The tour is a must-see for coffee lovers!

* San Jose: A quick and affordable bus ride from Heredia gives students the opportunity to enjoy the bustling capital of San Jose and all of its cultural offerings. To learn more about points of interest in nearby San Jose, please visit the ISA San Jose Culture Corner.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please refer to the ISA website

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Scholarships are Available. Thousands of dollars in ISA scholarships are available! Please visit the ISA website for scholarship information.

Application Process Involves:

• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

ISA (International Studies Abroad)'s Mission Statement: ISA's mission is to provide high quality education abroad opportunities to American and Canadian college students at an affordable price. We recognize that we play an important role in the worldwide effort of international educators to increase individuals' awareness of cultures and societies outside of their own national boundaries. Our programs are designed to maximize our participants' learning abroad, and we understand that most college students need support and expert guidance before, during and after their time abroad. ISA is a Global Partner of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and supports NAFSA's efforts to advance international education and exchange.

Year Founded: 1987