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San José

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The City

San José is Costa Rica’s capital and largest city, with a population of 340,000 people, of a country widely considered to be the most progressive and welcoming in Central America. As the economic heart of Costa Rica, it sees around 1 million people pass through the city and is the 6th most popular tourist destination in Latin America, showing evidence of how important this city is to not only the country but the region as well. 

As a former colony of Spain, San José was founded in 1737, and has been influenced heavily by the Spanish, most notably in the language. However, after Costa Rica became an independent state in 1821, San José was made the capital and became a hub of prosperity, attracting workers from all around the region, especially those in the coffee trade.

Today, San José is a large city composed of barrios (neighborhoods), each of which offer something uniquely beautiful to the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Spend time soaking up the culture in the downtown or the afternoon walking around Barrio Amon, the neighborhood made famous for its colorful, vine-covered buildings and little cafés. You could follow this by spending the night dining at some of the best restaurants in the country in the lively Barrio Escalante or visit the cinemas such as Cine Magaly in the Barrio La California. There really are endless possibilities in San José.

Costa Rica’s climate is generally categorized on a wet-dry season basis. The daily temperature generally stays between 65 F and 85 F all year round, with precipitation varying greatly by the time of year. The rainy season, which is considered to take place between May and November, generally sees about a 30% chance of rain on any given day, whereas in the dry season (December to April) it’s much less at around a 9% chance per day.

San José is ideally located for a wide variety of activities suited for the many young people who visit and live there. Fútbol (soccer) is the country’s most popular sport, and San José is home to three professional soccer teams. In addition, activities such as hiking and cycling are also hugely popular and are very accessible throughout the city.

Academics

ASA partners with Universidad Veritas in San Jose, Costa Rica. Universidad Veritas offers a wide range of courses in English in Sustainability, Art, Design, Marine Biology, Zoology, Social Justice, Psychology, Business, Communication, International Studies, Latin American Culture, History, and Politics. Optional Spanish language courses and a certificate program are available as well. Scroll down for a list of course options.

 

 
The first list has the full syllabus for each course and the second list has number of credits and the terms courses are typically offered. Course lists are tentative and subject to cancellation if enrollment minimums are not met.
 Contact us for detailed syllabi!

ART 2100 Art Fundamentals: Theory and Practice
ART 2130 Mural Painting and Public Art
BIO 1100 Principles of Biology
COMM 3070 Creative Conflict Resolution
COMM 3100 Communication for Development & Social Leaders
COMM 3200 Intercultural Communication & Competence
ECON 1100 Introduction to Macro & Micro Economics
ECON 3403 Introduction to International Economics in Latin America
ECON 3500 Introduction to Circular Economy
ENV 2500 Introduction to Genetics: Current Applications
ENV 2800 Permaculture for a Regenerative Culture
ENV 3005 Environmental Impact and Social Development
ENV 3020 Molecular Marine Biology
ENV 3044 Tropical Ecology
ENV 3100 Tropical Birds (Tropical Ornithology)
ENV 3120 Land Vertebrates of Costa Rica
ENV 3150 Tropical Botany: Useful Plants
ENV 3160 Conservation Biology of Endangered Marine Species
ENV 3170 Freshwater Ecology (Limnology)
ENV 3190 Tropical Marine Biology
ENV 3200 Marine Mammals of Costa Rica: Biology and Conservation
ENV 3210 Coral Reef Ecology and Conservation
ENV 3740 Climate Change: Impacts and Adaptations
ENV 4030 Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems
ENV 4040 Sustainable Development and Environmental Awareness
ENV 4100 Biotechnology and Sustainability
ETH 3100 Selected Topics in Afro-Caribbean Studies
GEB 3000 Introduction to Project Management
GEB 3120 Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking
GEB 3350 Introduction to International Business
GEB 3500 Ecotourism: The Costa Rica Case
HHD 1020 Physical Therapy and Rehab Exercises for Common Sport Injuries
HHD 1050 Holistic Health Approaches
HHD 1070 Health and Nutrition: a sustainability approach
HHD 3070 Conflict Resolution and Health Care
HIS 2302 Contemporary Latin American History
HIS 3130 Sustainability and Resource Management in the Ancient World
HIS 3290 Latin American Human Development: Health, Education & Economy
HIS 3293 Costa Rican Health Care System and Tropical Medicine
HUM 2100 Introduction to Video Creation
HUM 3150 Indigenous Ecology and Sustainability
HUM 3513 Costa Rica Colloquium: History and Culture
MGMT 3020 Renewable Energy and Resource Management
MATH 1231 Foundations of Single-Variable Calculus
MGMT 3030 Creative Leadership Skills
MKTG 3010 International Marketing Management
MKTG 3150 Sustainable Consumption & Production
PHIL 3100 Philosophy and Integrated Thought of the Classical World
PHOT 2100 Ecological Photography
PHOT 2130 Cultural Photography
POL 2500 Human Rights in Latin America
POL 3100 Costa Rican Tradition: Peace and Democracy
POL 3220 Migration, Globalization and Social Change
POL 3420 Costa Rican Environmental Policy
POL 3450 International Relations in Latin America
POL 3500 International Human Rights Protection Mechanism
PSY 2200 Health Psychology
PSY 3050 Cultural Psychology
SOCY 3050 LGBTQ Diversity and Sexual Identity in Latin America
SPN 3000 Introduction to Literary Analysis (Taught in Spanish)
SPN 3020 Selected Readings in Latin American Literature (Taught in Spanish)
SPN 3050 Phonetics and Phonology (Taught in Spanish)
SPN 3070 Introdution to Translation (Taught in Spanish)
SPN 3420 The Centro American Story (Taught in Spanish)
SPN 3520 Latin American Dialects (Taught in Spanish)
SPN 3550 Poetic Journey through Latin America in the Twentieth Century (Taught in Spanish)
SPN 4110 Contemporary Costa Rican Female Writers (Taught in Spanish)
SPN 4330 Selected Topics in Spanish Literature (Taught in Spanish)
SPN 4390 Latin American Literature in Film (Taught in Spanish)
SUSD 3000 Sustainable Lifestyles: Nine Dimensions of Healthy Living
SUSD 3100 Gender and Sustainability
SUSD 3160 Systems Thinking and Sustainability
THEO 3150 Major World Religions
SPN 101 Basic Spanish I (Spanish Language)
SPN 102 Basic Spanish II (Spanish Language)
SPN 201 Intermediate Spanish I (Spanish Language)
SPN 202 Intermediate Spanish II (Spanish Language)
SPN 210 Intermediate Conversational Spanish (Spanish Language)
SPN 301 Advanced Spanish I (Spanish Language)
SPN 302 Advanced Spanish II (Spanish Language)
SPN 310 Advanced Conversational Spanish (Spanish Language)
SPN 304 Spanish for Business (Spanish Language)
SPN 320 Cultural Heritage in Latin America (Spanish Language)
SPN 340 Speaking Techniques (Spanish Language)
SPN 410 Advanced Writing (Spanish Language)
SSP 141 Basic Spanish for Health Professions (Spanish Language)
SSP 241 Intermediate Spanish for Health Professions (Spanish Language)
SSP 341 Advanced Spanish for Health Professions (Spanish Language)

Course Fall Spring Summer 1 Summer 2 Credits
ART 2100 Art Fundamentals: Theory and Practice yes yes no no 3
ART 2130 Mural Painting and Public Art yes yes yes no 4
BIO 1100 Principles of Biology yes yes   no   no   4
COMM 3070 Creative Conflict Resolution yes yes no no 3
COMM 3100 Communication for Development & Social Leaders yes yes no  yes 4
COMM 3200 Intercultural Communication & Competence yes yes yes yes 3
ECON 1100 Introduction to Macro & Micro Economics   yes  yes   yes   no   4
ECON 3403 Introduction to International Economics in Latin America yes yes no yes 3
ECON 3500 Introduction to Circular Economy yes yes no yes 3
ENV 2500 Introduction to Genetics: Current Applications yes yes no no 4
ENV 2800 Permaculture for a Regenerative Culture yes yes no no 4
ENV 3005 Environmental Impact and Social Development yes yes yes yes 4
ENV 3020 Molecular Marine Biology yes yes no no 4
ENV 3044 Tropical Ecology yes yes no yes 4
ENV 3100 Tropical Birds (Tropical Ornithology) yes yes yes yes 4
ENV 3120 Land Vertebrates of Costa Rica yes yes no yes 4
ENV 3150 Tropical Botany: Useful Plants yes yes no yes 4
ENV 3160 Conservation Biology of Endangered Marine Species yes yes yes yes 4
ENV 3170 Freshwater Ecology (Limnology) yes yes no yes 4
ENV 3190 Tropical Marine Biology yes yes yes yes 4
ENV 3200 Marine Mammals of Costa Rica: Biology and Conservation yes yes yes yes 4
  ENV 3210 Coral Reef Ecology & Conservation  yes  yes  yes  yes   4
ENV 3740 Climate Change: Impacts and Adaptations yes yes no yes 4
ENV 4030 Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems yes yes no yes 4
ENV 4040 Sustainable Development and Environmental Awareness yes yes yes yes 4
ENV 4100 Biotechnology and Sustainability no yes yes yes 4
ETH 3100 Selected Topics in Afro-Caribbean Studies yes yes yes no 3
GEB 3000 Introduction to Project Management yes yes yes no 3
GEB 3120 Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking yes yes no no 4
GEB 3350 Introduction to International Business yes yes no no 4
GEB 3500 Ecotourism: The Costa Rica Case yes yes yes no 4
HHD 1020 Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation yes yes yes yes 4
HHD 1050 Holistic Health Approaches yes yes yes no 4
HHD 1070 Health and Nutrition: a sustainability approach yes yes yes no 4
HHD 3070 Conflict Resolution and Health Care yes yes yes no 4
HIS 2302 Contemporary Latin American History yes yes yes yes 3
HIS 3130 Green Legacies: Ecology in Ancient Civilizations yes yes no no 4
HIS 3290 LATAM Human Development  yes yes no no 4
HIS 3293 Costa Rican Health Care System and Tropical Medicine yes yes yes yes 4
HUM 2100 Introduction to Video Creation yes yes yes yes 4
HUM 3150 Indigenous Ecology and Sustainability yes yes no no 4
HUM 3513 Costa Rica Colloquium: History and Culture yes yes no yes 3
MGMT 3020 Renewable Energy and Resource Management yes yes yes no 4
  MATH 1231 Foundations of Single-Variable Calculus yes yes no no 3
MGMT 3030 Creative Leadership Skills yes yes yes no 3
MKTG 3010 International Marketing Management yes yes yes yes 3
MKTG 3150 Sustainable Consumption & Production yes yes no yes 3
STAT 1151 Introduction to Statistical Reasoning & Data Analysis yes yes no no 3
PHIL 3100 Philosophical Founations in Ancient Civilizations no yes no yes 3
PHOT 2100 Ecological Photography yes yes no yes 4
PHOT 2130 Cultural Photography yes yes yes no 3
POL 2500 Human Rights in Latin America yes yes no yes 3
POL 3100 Costa Rican Tradition: Peace and Democracy yes yes no no 3
POL 3220 Migration, Globalization and Social Change yes yes yes yes 3
POL 3420 Costa Rican Environmental Policy yes yes yes yes 4
POL 3450 International Relations in Latin America yes yes no yes 3
POL 3500 International Human Rights Protection Mechanism yes yes yes yes 3
PSY 2200 Health Psychology yes yes yes no 3
PSY 3050 Cultural Psychology yes yes no yes 3
SOCY 3050 LGBTQ Diversity and Sexual Identity in Latin America. yes yes no yes 3
SPN 3000 Introduction to Literary Analysis
 (Taught in Spanish)		 yes yes yes yes 3
SPN 3020 Selected Readings in Latin American Literature  (Taught in Spanish) yes yes yes yes 3
SPN 3050 Phonetics and Phonology (Taught in Spanish) yes yes yes yes 3
SPN 3070 Introduction to Translation (Taught in Spanish) yes yes yes yes 3
SPN 3420 The Centro American Story (Taught in Spanish) yes yes yes yes 3
SPN 3520 Latin American Dialect (Taught in Spanish) yes yes yes yes 3
  SPN 3550 Poetic Journey through Latin America in the   Twentieth Century
 yes yes yes yes 3
SPN 4110 Contemporary Costa Rican female writers (Taught in Spanish) yes yes yes yes 3
SPN 4330 Selected Topics in Spanish Literature (Taught in Spanish) yes yes yes yes 3
SPN 4390 Latin American Literature in Film
 (Taught in Spanish)		 yes yes yes yes 3
SUSD 3000 Sustainable Lifestyles: Nine Dimensions of Healthy Living yes yes no no 4
SUSD 3100 Gender and Sustainability yes yes yes no 4
SUSD 3160 Systems Thinking and Sustainability yes yes no yes 3
THEO 3150 Major World Religions yes yes yes yes 3
  SPN 101 Basic Spanish I yes yes yes yes 4
  SPN 102 Basic Spanish II yes yes yes yes 4
  SPN 201 Intermediate Spanish I yes yes yes yes 4
  SPN 202 Intermediate Spanish II yes yes yes yes 4
  SPN 210  Intermediate Conversational Spanish 
 yes yes yes no 4
  SPN 301 Advanced Spanish I yes yes yes yes 4
  SPN 302 Advanced Spanish II no yes yes no 4
  SPN 310 Advanced Conversational Spanish yes yes yes yes 4
  SPN 304 Spanish for Business no yes yes yes 4
  SPN 320 Cultural Heritage in Latin America no yes yes no 4
  SPN 340 Speaking Techniques no yes yes yes 3
  SSP 410 Advanced Writing no yes yes yes 3
  SSP 141 Basic Spanish for Health Professions yes no yes yes 4
  SSP 241 Intermediate Spanish for Health Professions yes yes yes yes 4
  SSP 341 Advanced Spanish for Health Professions yes yes yes yes 4
APPLY

 

Semester programs include 2 overnight excursions. Summer programs include 1 overnight excursion. Destinations may vary by term. Past terms have included trips to:

  • Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna - Tour a local sustainable farm, relax in the area's hot springs, and take part in activities such as hiking in the rainforest.
  • Manuel Antonio National Park - Contains 3 beautiful beaches, casual forest trails, and a dense rainforest with three-toed sloths, endangered white-faced capuchin monkeys, and hundreds of bird species.

Housing

ASA offers homestays with local families in San Jose.

 

  • Host 1-2 students
  • Individual rooms and shared bathrooms
  • Meals included (breakfast & dinner on weekdays; breakfast, lunch, & dinner on weekends)
  • Laundry included
  • WiFi internet access
  • Located in safe neighborhoods near campus

 

Housing FAQ

Can I room with a friend?

Yes, in most cases we are able to accommodate you if you request to live with a same-sex friend or friends. Mixed gender roommate requests can sometimes be accommodated as well (but you will not be sharing a room). Please keep in mind that roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back! You will complete a detailed Housing Questionnaire after being accepted to the program, and on this form you can give us the name(s) of those you want to live with.

When will I find out where I'll be living?

ASA will notify you of your living arrangements via email approximately 1-2 weeks before the start of your program. You will receive a detailed description of your housing and the location, and if there are other ASA students in your housing, we will include their names and email addresses.

Will I have a roommate?

Rooms are single occupancy. Some homestays host more than one student at a time (typically 1-2 students per homestay) so while there could be other students in your housing, you will have your own room.

What if I don't like my host family?

If it is a problem with the homestay and not a language or cultural misunderstanding, ASA will move you to a different homestay right away. We have on-site staff in every city who are there to help students with any issues they encounter while abroad, and who check in periodically with students throughout their stay to ensure all is well.

Will my host family speak English?

It is possible they will speak some English but there’s no need to worry! Living in a homestay is the best way for you to learn Spanish and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you will improve. They've hosted international students before so they understand that you are there to learn their language and want to help you.

What should I bring with me?

A detailed list of what to bring (and what not to bring) will be included in your ASA pre-departure handbook, which will be emailed to you about a month before your program begins. Please consider bringing a small gift for your host, such as a candle, kitchen towel, chocolates, etc.

Are meals included?

Homestay accommodation includes breakfast and dinner.

What is the food like?

The food is great and will be typical of your host country. Be prepared to try new things! If you have any food allergies or dietary needs, please let ASA know as soon as possible and we'll be happy to advise you on your options.

How far will I live from school?

Please rest assured that we place a high priority on location, and all ASA students live within a reasonable distance from their classes!

Accessibility & Inclusion

Diversifying study abroad is a priority for ASA. Detailed information for underrepresented groups considering San Jose can be found below. You should also check out Diversity Abroad’s Costa Rica Travel Guide.

 

If you have questions or concerns about how any of your identities may impact your study abroad experience, please contact us.

 

Details

Culture & Ethnicity

Costa Rica is comprised of a mix of ethnic groups, with the largest being those primarily of European descent (83%), followed by those primarily of African descent (7%), and smaller populations of Indigenous (2-3%) and Asians (1-2%), predominantly of Chinese descent.

 

Black haircare products and salons/barbershops are available in Costa Rica, particularly around San Jose and in Limon. There is a Black Expats in Costa Rica Facebook Group you can join for tips and networking.

 

In 2012, the governments of China and Costa Rica partnered to create a Chinatown in the Paseo de los Estudiantes district in San Jose in part to recognize the contribution of Chinese immigrants to Costa Rica.

Disability Accommodation

According to Wheel the World, The Law of Equal Opportunity for People with Disabilities makes it mandatory for all public and private establishments to provide accessible services for all in Costa Rica. Lonely Planet named Costa Rica the best accessible travel destination in 2021.

 

We encourage you to open a dialogue with us so we can assess accessibility in housing and academic spaces.

 

The U.S. State Department has advice for international travelers with disabilities at this link.

Food

Please notify us about any special dietary needs with as much advance notice as possible, so we can assess whether your needs can be accommodated within a homestay family.

 

Resources for dietary needs for allergies, religious beliefs, or other preferences below. We strongly encourage you to order food/allergy translation cards to help communicate your needs while abroad.

Financial Aid & Money Matters

Costa Rica is generally more affordable than other study abroad destinations given the lower cost of living and cheaper flights from the United States.

ASA allows payment deferral until your institution releases your Financial Aid, and we offer payment plans upon request to students who need it. More information on billing and payment can be found here.

ASA also has several scholarships you can apply for within our program application. Students who receive a Pell Grant as part of their Financial Aid package are eligible to apply for the Gilman Scholarship.

First Generation
ASA provides hands-on support throughout the entire process. This includes housing, course registration, flight and arrival logistics, and student visa guidance. While you're abroad, our on-site staff is available to support you 24/7. They coordinate social and cultural activities and offer guidance on the local culture, to give you and your support system peace of mind throughout your program. We also have an online orientation for parents/families/support systems at this link.
Gender Identity & Sexuality

We welcome students with any gender identity and sexuality on all of our programs. Veritas offers a course on LGBT Diversity and Sexual Identity in the Americas.

 

  • Same-sex activity, marriage, and adoption are all legal in Costa Rica.
  • Manuel Antonio hosts a Pride parade every year.
  • Transgender people are able to change their legal name on documentation so that it matches their gender identity and changing sex assigned at birth is allowed.

 

Check out the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Guide here.

Mental Health

Students with a range of mental health conditions can successfully study abroad. If you take any medications, please review the U.S. State Department recommendations for traveling abroad with medications.

 

ASA is happy to talk to you about what resources are available for any mental or physical health needs you have. Please reach out to us by clicking here. Having advance notice of what your needs are will allow us to identify resources to support you, such as therapy or ongoing medical care to allow you to be successful. Any ASA team member is a safe person to share things with!

 

Our medical insurance partner, CISI (Cultural Insurance Services International) offers Remote Behavioral and Mental Health Services. These telephonic consultations happen between a U.S. mental health professional and the student, at no additional expense, for the purposes of delivering counseling services.

 

This service can help:

  • Mitigate emergencies through accessible psychological care administered by U.S. based specialists
  • Immediate crisis intervention
  • Early intervention
  • Psychology assessment
  • Follow up

 

For more information, see our mental & emotional health information here.

Non-Traditional Students

ASA welcomes all degree-seeking undergraduate students on any of our programs. We are happy to talk through any component of your identity (e.g. age, marital status, parental/caregiver status, military affiliation, et al.) that may affect your ability to participate on a program. Click here to contact us.

Religion

While Roman Catholicism is the official religion, the Costa Rican constitution recognizes freedom of religion and there are several active Protestant denominations as well as mosques, synagogues, Hindu temples, and Buddhist centers throughout the country. Roughly 13% of Costa Ricans do not practice any religion. More detailed information on religion in Costa Rica can be found here.

 

Eligibility

Universidad Veritas - San José, Costa Rica
Summer/Semester/Academic Year
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Minimum GPA 2.6 (Students with GPA between 2.0-2.59  may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students with a GPA of 1.99 or lower will not be considered.)
  • Passport. Your passport must be current and valid for 6 months past your program end date. An application can be submitted without a valid passport if you have applied for an expedited passport
  • Language requirement: None. Open to any Spanish level
  • Transcript from your college or university (unofficial is ok)
  • Completed ASA Application
  • For Application Deadlines, please click the Cost & Dates tab

Internship & Volunteer Opportunities

Veritas offers Experiential Learning, Internships, and Volunteering opportunities. Community engagement and internship placements give students the opportunity to put into practice what they learn in the classroom, practice their Spanish skills, and contribute to the efforts for sustainable human development in Costa Rica. Placements are determined based on student’s interest, language proficiency, and research skills and experience, as well as the host institution’s needs. To find out what opportunities will be available during your time abroad, please contact us.

Cost & Dates

Billing Information and Cancellation Policy
Price Breakdowns / Estimated Costs of Attendance

Please wait to book a flight until you receive arrival instructions from ASA.

Universidad Veritas

DATES PRICE APPLICATION DEADLINE PAYMENT DEADLINE PROGRAM CODE
Fall 2024 Arrive Sep. 21 - Depart Dec. 14 $11,600 April 15, '24 May 15, '24 CRF24
Spring 2025 Arrive Feb. 1 - Depart May 3 $11,600 Oct. 15, '24 Oct. 30, '24 CRS25
Summer 1 2025 Arrive May 24 - Depart June 28 TBA TBA TBA CRSU1-25
Summer 2 2025 Arrive July 5 - Aug. 9 TBA TBA TBA CRSU2-25
Fall 2025 Arrive  Sep. 20 - Dec. 13 TBA April 15, '25 May 15, '25 CRF25

 

 

What's Included

  • ROOM & BOARD: Costa Rican homestay with daily breakfast and dinner and 1 load of laundry per week included.

  • TUITION at Universidad Veritas for the maximum number of credits or courses indicated on the program course offerings page. Enrolling in more than the maximum number of credits/courses (if permitted by the host institution) will result in an additional fee.

  • ACADEMIC CREDITS: Students who receive pre-approval from their home institution can transfer the credits they earn to their home institution.

  • OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT: Final transcript is issued by the Universidad Veritas. Upon completion of the program, ASA will provide one free shipment of your final transcript to your U.S. institution.

  • BOOKS, MATERIALS, LAB FEES.

  • EXCURSIONS: Semester and quarter programs include 2 overnight excursions. Summer programs include 1 overnight excursion. Locations to be decided.

  • INTERNET ACCESS: Students will have free Internet access at their host institution and in their program housing.

  • AIRPORT PICK-UP: Group ground transportation is provided from San José (SJO) airport for students who arrive on the official arrival date, by the designated time.

  • SITE DIRECTOR: Students will have an on-site director to assist them with any academic or cultural difficulties they may encounter.

  • MEDICAL INSURANCE: Comprehensive international medical insurance is included. Click here for details on benefits and coverage.

  • VISA ADVISING: Students are ultimately responsible for obtaining their visa (if required for their term), but ASA will provide detailed, helpful information upon acceptance about which visa students will need and how to go about applying for one. Please click here and scroll down to “Student Visa Information” to find out if a visa is required for your program.

  • PRE-DEPARTURE HANDBOOK & ON-SITE ORIENTATION

  • SUBSCRIPTION TO SAFETURE SAFETY-ENHANCING MOBILE APP

  • SUBSCRIPTION TO CISI Remote Behavioral and Mental Health Services: telephonic consultations between you and a U.S. mental health professional for the purposes of delivering counseling services, crisis intervention, assessment and follow up.

NOT INCLUDED

  • Round trip airfare and travel expenses to and from the program location

  • Local transportation

  • Personal expenses

  • Lunch on weekdays

  • Visa (if required), Airport Departure Tax

  • Transportation from the airport if the student does not arrive on the official arrival date by the designated time

  • Transportation back to the airport at the end of the program

For academic year students and those enrolling in more than one session, housing and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions.

If you need a budget or Costs of Attendance click here.

APPLY

Program Calendar

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA’s control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and receive written notification of your program’s arrival and departure dates.

Fall 2024

EVENTS DATES
Arrival and Housing Move-in In order to make our group airport pick-up, students should arrive at SJO airport on Sep. 21. We recommend arriving early in the day, if possible.
Orientation September 23
Classes begin September 23
Excursions - Locations  Arenal Volcano National Park and La Fortuna town, and Manuel Antonio National Park
Last day of classes December 13
Housing move-out; students depart December 14

Spring 2025

EVENTS DATES
Arrival and Housing Move-in In order to make our group airport pick-up, students should arrive at SJO airport on Feb. 1. We recommend arriving early in the day, if possible.
Orientation February 3
Classes begin February 3
Excursions - Locations TBA TBA
Last day of classes May 2
Housing move-out; students depart May 3