Study Abroad & Intern in San José, Costa Rica

The Heartbeat of Costa Rica

San José offers an immersive introduction to Costa Rica that blends rich cultural heritage with contemporary urban life. As the nation’s capital and cultural center, the city provides direct access to history, arts, and civic life while serving as a gateway to the country’s renowned natural landscapes. 

  

Welcoming and rich in culture, San José is Costa Rica’s dynamic capital and largest city — buzzing with 340,000 inhabitants and sitting at the crossroads of history, modernity, and adventure. Often called the gateway to the country's breathtaking natural wonders, San José is also a destination in its own right—ranked as one of the most popular tourist cities in Latin America and the heart of Costa Rica’s economy and culture.

Founded in 1737 during Spanish colonial rule, San José’s Spanish influence can be seen in its language, architecture, and traditions. Since becoming Costa Rica’s capital in 1821, the city has blossomed into a vibrant hub of progress and innovation, fueled in part by the legacy of the coffee trade and the energetic mix of people from across the region.

 

Today, San José is a colorful patchwork of barrios, or neighborhoods—each offering its own charm and rhythm. Spend your days exploring the lively downtown or wandering through the artistic Barrio Amón, where vine-draped mansions and cozy cafés give the area a bohemian flair. In the evening, head to the ultra-trendy Barrio Escalante, where top-tier restaurants and bustling nightlife redefine Costa Rican cuisine and cool. Craving a movie night? Catch an indie film at the iconic Cine Magaly in Barrio La California.

 

The city’s energy is matched only by its ideal year-round climate—daily temperatures hover comfortably between 65°F and 85°F. From December to April, the dry season brings sunny skies, while the rainy season (May to November) adds refreshing rhythm to the afternoons without slowing the city down.

 

San José’s central location makes it perfect for exploring both urban environments and outdoor adventure. Join the locals in cheering for one of the city’s three professional soccer teams, or venture out for a weekend hike, cycling trip, or rainforest getaway. Or, fly to another Latin American destination for a weekend trip or school break.

 

Whether you're here for the language, the culture, or the countless adventures within reach, San José offers the perfect launchpad for discovering the soul of Costa Rica.

 

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Academics & Eligibility

Universidad Veritas

Universidad Veritas offers an immersive academic experience in Costa Rica with electives in English in a variety areas, including: Arts, Business, Communication, Conservation, Economics, Environmental Sciences, Health Sciences, History, Latin American Studies, Marine Biology, Politics, Psychology, Spanish Language, Sustainability, Veterinary & Animal Sciences, and more.

Electives in Spanish are available as well. You can take all your classes in English, all in Spanish, or a mix. No prior Spanish knowledge is required for this program!

 

Classes are interactive and small to medium in size, and tend to emphasize hands-on practice and participation rather than lecture-style. Students work individually and in groups to conduct research and create papers, presentations, and assignments. Assessment for many courses is based on class participation, group projects, attendance, assignments, and performance during field work and mentored research. This leads to a highly engaging learning environment!

 

Many courses include hands-on field work. Here are a few examples from past sessions:

  • ENV 3100 Tropical Birds: Field work to observe bird biodiversity, analyze bird behavior, bird habitat use, and participate in bird sightings.
  • HHD 1050 Holistic Health Approaches: Participative activities in the form of demonstrations and short practices, like guided meditations and the emotional freedom technique.
  • BIO 1100 Principles of Biology: Students will prepare experiments and collect data during the field trip to perform a small study with results presented in a scientific article format. Laboratory work will complement the theoretical content.
NEW! Early Start option in Costa Rica!

Why wait for the semester to begin when you can kick off your study abroad experience early in one of the most beautiful and biodiverse countries in the world! You'll have more time to settle in, ease your transition into Costa Rican culture, and brush up on your Spanish skills. ASA's new Early Start option gives you the chance to arrive in Costa Rica 4 weeks before the semester starts to take part in an Intensive Spanish session—open to students of all Spanish levels. This is a great option if you haven't taken Spanish before, haven't taken it since high school, or just want to improve your communication skills in a relaxed setting. 

 

Semester Course & Credit Overview

  • Language Requirement: Open to all levels of Spanish. Classes available in English & Spanish
  • Final Transcript: Issued by Universidad Veritas

  • The Semester includes 3-4 courses. As an optional addition, you can take an Intensive Spanish course before the semester starts, to earn additional credits, arrive early, and accelerate your Spanish language skills.

    • Semester only (without Intensive Spanish session): 12-16 semester credits (3-4 total classes).

    • Intensive Spanish session + Semester: 13-20 semester credits (4-5 total classes).

  • Note: Some US institutions have a credit overload fee if you take over a certain number of credits. Discuss your credit load with your home institution and ask them if there will be a credit overload fee.
  • The optional Intensive Spanish session is worth 60 contact hours (4 semester credits) and takes place over 4 weeks, right before the semester starts.
  • Semester courses are worth 48 or 60 contact hours (3-4 semester credits).  15 contact hours = 1 semester credit / 10 contact hours = 1 quarter unit.
  • Classes are with American and international students.

  • An online placement test is required before arrival to determine your Spanish level, regardless of your previous coursework. The placement test consists of a multiple-choice exam and an online interview with a professor from Universidad Veritas.

Summer Course & Credit Overview

  • Language Requirement: Open to all levels of Spanish. Classes available in English & Spanish
  • Final Transcript: Issued by Universidad Veritas

  • 1 course: 3-4 semester credits (1 Spanish language course or 1 elective)

  • 2 courses: 6-8 semester credits (2 electives, or 1 Spanish language course +1 elective).

  • Courses are worth 48 or 60 contact hours (3-4 semester credits or 4-6 quarter units). 15 contact hours = 1 semester credit / 10 contact hours = 1 quarter unit.

  • Classes taken with American and international students.

  • If you plan to take Spanish language or electives taught in Spanish, an online placement test is required before arrival to determine your Spanish level regardless of your previous coursework. The placement test consists of a multiple-choice exam and an online interview with a professor from Universidad Veritas.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 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

Course Finder

Semester: You MUST have a total of 8 different courses approved by your home institution. This will give you back-ups in case of changes in course availability or schedule conflicts.

 

Summer: You MUST have DOUBLE the number of courses approved by your home institution than you plan to take. This will give you back-ups in case of changes in course availability or schedule conflicts.

 

Classes are interactive and small to medium in size, and tend to emphasize hands-on practice and participation rather than lecture-style. Students work individually and in groups to conduct research and create papers, presentations, and assignments. Assessment for many courses is based on class participation, group projects, attendance, assignments, and performance during field work and mentored research. This leads to a highly engaging learning environment!

 

Course offerings are subject to change. A minimum number of enrollments must be met to open a course.

 

Use the filters above to search for courses or click "View All Courses" to browse available courses on this program.

Internships & Volunteering

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.
 
WORKSHOP BUILDING (1)

Costs & Dates

Program pricing and important dates.

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 date.

 

<p style="font-weight: bold;">Cost of Attendance &amp; Budget Sheet</p>

 

* Prices subject to change. Financial aid available.

ASA is a small program, but that’s what makes it so great. The personal attention can’t be beat and I made plenty of friends outside of the group.

Chelsea Francis

I would recommend ASA to other students because not only was it a great price for what you get, but it was so much fun and the site director was great.

Morgan Pecknold

ASA is a very thorough program. It is well organized and structured, yet allows for plenty of independent activity and personal responsibility. There were many times where I felt foreign, but I rarely felt like a tourist. I engaged in the culture with the ASA program, I didn’t just take a picture and a souvenir

Aaron Bannasch

Housing

Your home away from home.

Costa Rican Homestay

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 FAQs

In most cases we can accommodate same-gender roommate requests. Mixed gender roommate requests can sometimes be accommodated as well, but you will not be sharing a room. You'll complete a Housing Request Form after being accepted, and you can give us the name(s) of those you want to live with. Roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Homestay accommodation includes breakfast and dinner.
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.
Please rest assured that we place a high priority on location, and all ASA students live within a reasonable distance from their classes!

Excursions

Explore the region with organized trips and cultural activities.

Semester programs include 2 overnight excursions. Summer programs include 1 overnight excursion and 1 full day trip. Destinations may vary by term. Past terms have included trips to Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, and Manuel Antonio National Park. 

 

Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna

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

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.

Program Inclusions

What's included in your program fee.

What's Included

  • Exclusive "A World of Care" Student Support Suite
  • 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.

  • Shuttle Service to/from Campus at Scheduled Times: Shuttle route and schedule distributed during on-site Orientation.

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

  • 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, medical insurance, and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions. For academic year students, medical insurance during winter break can be purchased for an additional fee, if it is required to get your visa.

Program Calendar

Important dates and deadlines for this program.

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.

  1. January 31, 2026

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    In order to make our group airport pick-up, students should arrive at SJO airport on Jan. 31. We recommend arriving early in the day, if possible.
  2. February 1-2, 2026

    Orientation

  3. February 2, 2026

    Classes begin

  4. TBA

    Excursions - Locations TBA

  5. May 1

    Last day of classes

  6. May 2

    Housing move-out; students depart

  1. January 3, 2026

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    In order to make our group airport pick-up, students should arrive at SJO airport on Jan. 3. We recommend arriving early in the day, if possible.
  2. January 4-5, 2026

    Orientation

  3. January 5, 2026

    Early Start Spanish Classes begin

  4. January 31

    Last day of Early Start Spanish classes

  5. February 2

    Semester Classes begin

  6. TBA

    Excursions - Locations TBA

  7. May 1

    Last day of classes

  8. May 2

    Housing move-out; students depart

  1. May 23, 2026

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    In order to make our group airport pick-up, students should arrive at SJO airport on May 23. We recommend arriving early in the day, if possible.
  2. May 24-25, 2026

    Orientation

  3. May 25, 2026

    Classes begin

  4. TBA

    Excursions - Locations TBA

  5. June 26

    Last day of classes

  6. June 27

    Housing move-out; students depart

  1. July 4, 2026

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    In order to make our group airport pick-up, students should arrive at SJO airport on July 4. We recommend arriving early in the day, if possible.
  2. July 5-6, 2026

    Orientation

  3. July 6, 2026

    Classes begin

  4. TBA

    Excursions - Locations TBA

  5. August 7, 2026

    Last day of classes

  6. August 8, 2026

    Housing move-out; students depart

Accessibility & Inclusion

We are committed to making study abroad accessible to all students.

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.

 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ready to Apply?

Take the next step in your study abroad journey. Contact our team to learn more about our programs and start your application today.

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