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Study Abroad | San Jose

Costa Rica | Veritas University | January Term 2025
A monkey on a tree.
Kids on sand under a tree.
Two students sitting on a fence.

Overview

Spend January Term in the laidback and picturesque city of San José, Costa Rica, with AIFS! Choose from a variety of course options focusing on health and human sciences, environmental studies and international business at Veritas University, the first private university in Costa Rica. Study on the university’s urban campus, equipped with modern facilities and located near the heart of the city’s vibrant nightlife scene.

What’s Included

The AIFS inclusive program fee includes all of the great features below in addition to many pre-departure, on-site and upon-return services to help students make the most of their time abroad.

Review Our Policies
  • Tuition

    3 semester credits

  • Courses

    Courses in health and human sciences, environmental studies, international business

  • Housing

    in a homestay with a Costa Rican family

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast and dinner in your homestay

  • Cultural & Social Activities

    A walking tour, a visit to the Huetar indigenous community and a trip to Cartago

  • Welcome Event

    To help you get to know your classmates better, familiarize you with the local area and advise you about your stay

  • On-Site Support

    To help with any questions or advice you may need throughout the program

  • Health & Safety

    24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance

  • Green Initiative

Additional Options & Opportunities

Program Details: Study Abroad | San Jose Healthcare, Environmental Studies and Business

Dates

January 4, 2025January 18, 2025

Term

January Term

Institution

Veritas University

Application Deadline

October 1, 2024

Inclusive Fees

$4,190

Eligibility

Open to First Year, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Non-Student

Minimum of 2.5 GPA

Additional requirements may vary by course selection. See Academic section below.

Visa Requirements

A visa may be required for this program. Please contact your advisor or log into your portal for more information.

Areas of Interest

  • Business
  • Economics
  • Environmental Studies
  • Health Sciences
  • Management

Global Themes

  • Business, Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship
  • Global Sustainability
Learn More About Global Themes

Academics

AIFS Abroad offers a unique global educational experience for students on this program, with the following academic options available:

Veritas University has grown to become one of the most highly regarded private universities in Latin America. It specializes in creative industries and sustainability. The university’s programs reflect their training and dedication to best practices.

Veritas has an urban campus, equipped with modern facilities, including both MAC & PC labs, a Digital Fabrication Lab, a wood and metal lab, a Bio-molecular laboratory, library, a materials store and a student cafeteria. 

  • Business
  • Economics
  • Environmental Studies
  • Health Sciences
  • Management

Earn 3 credits taking one course from those listed. Subject fields include healthcare, environmental studies and international business. All courses are taught in English.

Classroom study for the healthcare courses will be supplemented by field visits to public health facilities such as hospitals, clinics and specialist medical units.

View All Courses For Healthcare, Environmental Studies and Business
A student sitting on a fence.

Living Abroad

Costa Rica Homestay

A rewarding part of your time abroad and the best way to get involved in the culture and integrate into the local community. There is privacy for study yet contact with your “Tico” hosts. Host families may have children who have left home or young adult children still living at home, and some may host other international students. The homestay includes:

  • Location within walking distance of the campus
  • Single bedroom
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • Weekly laundry wash

Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in San José.

Geography

In the heart of Central America, Costa Rica is a gem of a destination, with San José, the capital, the beating heart of this unique country. Tremendous biodiversity, stunning landscapes, clean energy production and an engaging and friendly culture are prevalent both in the street and in the workplace.

AIFS in San José Director, January Term Program

Karla Carballo

Hola! My name is Karla Carballo and I am excited to show you my beautiful country and introduce you to our “pura vida” lifestyle. As a 16-year-old study abroad student in France, I understood firsthand the value of living and studying in a different country and what a unique experience it is to truly get to know another culture. International education has become a passion in my life and being part of the students’ personal and academic growth is a real honor; and for this reason, I strive every day to ensure you have a wonderful and enriching experience.

My professional training in psychology has been very useful in providing the support that international students need to successfully meet the challenges of living abroad and embrace all their program has to offer. You can always count on us for support, guidance, and of course ideas to enjoy your adventure in Costa Rica.

I hope you all have an unforgettable and life changing experience with us. ¡Bienvenidxs!

The Program Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.

Learning does not begin or end in the classroom. To help you get a true taste of Costa Rican culture, a wealth of cultural activities and excursions are included in your program fee.

There is always something going on and something to do. In addition to the field trips to public health facilities, activities may include:

  • Walking tours of areas of cultural interest in San José
  • A visit to the indoor markets to explore Costa Rican food and produce
  • A visit to the Huetar indigenous reservation to learn about their traditions and rituals
  • A visit to the city of Cartago to explore Irazú Volcano and other important places in the province
  • Farewell dinner

Please note that students may pay a small additional fee for some of the activities above.

Excursions

This program offers a range of day trips and excursions that will take you outside San José and deepen your social, historical and cultural understanding of Costa Rica.

The entrance sign to Manuel Antonio National Park.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Hike, swim at the beach or hotel pool, and explore the park’s exotic flora and fauna. Includes round-trip transportation, hotel accommodations, daily breakfasts and all entrance fees. 
  • Costa Rica
  • 3 Days
  • $325
Barcelona,Spain
A group of happy students at a carnival.
A view of Prague.

Social identity & access

One of the best things you can do before departure is enter into the journey knowing that your time abroad will be unique to this experience. The resources, community, and support available to you when abroad will likely be different as well. In order to help you prepare for your experience, we have compiled many resources about social identity and access in specific locations abroad. Your program staff will also provide you with more details pre-departure and during orientation.

Learn more

Important Dates & Deadlines

Request Info

Open

Dates & Deadlines

Details

  • Early Application Deadline*
  • Application Deadline
    October 1, 2024
  • Deposit Deadline
    October 31, 2024
  • Scholarship Deadline
    October 1, 2024
  • Visa Deadline****
  • Optional Departure Flight from US***
    January 4, 2025
  • Program Begins
    January 4, 2025
  • Program Ends
    January 18, 2025
  • Optional Return Flight to US***
    January 18, 2025
  • *** Included for students on AIFS flight package.
  • **** AIFS Abroad offers visa processing services to applicants who enroll into the program by this date. All other applicants who enroll after this date will be responsible for securing their own visa with guidance from AIFS Abroad.

Optional Flight Package

Students can select an optional transportation package for all AIFS programs. Students who choose to book their own flights should meet up with group at the program location and will need to make their own ground transportation arrangements.

Below are fees by departure city based on average historical costs and subject to change. If you select this option on your application, the total flight package price will be confirmed in your account 6 months prior to departure. (Program fee is guaranteed.)

Depature City

Fee

  • Atlanta
    $1,260
  • Boston
    $1,040
  • Buffalo
    $1,100
  • Charlotte
    $1,540
  • Chicago
    $1,080
  • Cincinnati
    $1,360
  • Columbus
    $1,220
  • Dallas
    $1,360
  • Denver
    $1,380
  • Des Moines
    $1,380
  • Detroit
    $1,340
  • Houston
    $1,060
  • Los Angeles
    $1,220
  • Miami
    $880
  • Minneapolis
    $1,380
  • New York
    $1,080
  • Newark
    $1,000
  • Orlando
    $920
  • Philadelphia
    $1,220
  • Phoenix
    $1,320
  • Pittsburgh
    $1,080
  • Raleigh/Durham
    $1,420
  • San Francisco
    $1,160
  • Seattle
    $1,480
  • St. Louis
    $1,220
  • Washington/Dulles
    $1,000
  • View more View less

See what others are saying

Two students walking in a field.

Ready to Study Abroad in San Jose?

For more dates or questions, contact your program consultant:
(203) 399-5163 or email: aifsabroad@aifs.com