Study in Heredia, Costa Rica (USAC)
The Program
Study Latin American language and culture at Universidad Nacional deCosta Rica (UNA), one of the most academically successful public universities in Costa Rica.
The Heredia program is ideal for students who are committed to learning the Spanish language and the diverse cultures of Latin America. Through formal coursework and personal interaction with the host culture, you will greatly expand your language skills and knowledge of Costa Rican society. Heredia, located just outside San José, offers the excitement of living near the capital city but with a more calm and relaxed atmosphere. Costa Rica as a whole is well known for its extraordinary natural beauty—preserved in its many national parks and reserves—which you will have the opportunity to discover firsthand.
Program Location
Costa Rica
Heredia
Heredia was founded in 1705 and is located outside Costa Rica's capital, San José, in a valley surrounded by scenic mountains that are visible from all over the city. it is nicknamed "La Ciudad de las Flores" (the city of flowers) due to the beautiful gardens and wonderful flora found there. Heredia offers the excitement of living near the capital city but with a more calm and relaxed atmosphere.
Academics
The Heredia program offers diverse academic areas, in: Spanish Language, Literature & Culture, Health, Sport, & Science. The intensive language approach allows you to complete up to two years of university foreign language coursework in only one semester to meet Spanish minor or major requirements. You may choose to stay for one semester or a full year and complement your language curriculum by taking courses in literature, political science, economics, history, art history, biology, ecology, and dance. You can find more information on the offered courses here.
Housing and Meals
All students in the USAC Costa Rica programs live in homestay accommodations. The host families are located within easy commuting distance of the university and will provide you with daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You have a private bedroom and laundry service
Your family will be interested in you and your activities and they will serve as a good source of local practical information and advice; you’ll get to live and learn the “Tico” culture from the perspective of a local family. Typical neighborhoods in Heredia have a church, soccer field (usually one next to the other), a bakery, small restaurants or “sodas” that serve typical food, small stores, and a grocery store or “pulpería.” Neighbors tend to know each other quite well and after school kids can be found playing outside, in the street, or at the nearest park or plaza. The neighborhoods are known for having their own festivals and parades throughout the year. Make sure to visit each neighborhood to see how they celebrate! Boarding with a family provides an unmatched opportunity for speaking Spanish and learning Costa Rican customs and is highly recommended!
Financial Information
Program Costs
| NJ Residents | Non-NJ Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| ATW Program cost* | $16,500 | $20,700 |
Program Cost includes:
• Tuition
• Housing
• Some meals (2 meals / day)
• Administrative Fees
• Emergency Medical Access Abroad
• *Access the World (ATW)
Out-of-Pocket Costs
| Additional Meals | $200 |
| Airfare* | See below |
| Local Transportation | $175 |
| Visa (Estimate is for US Citizens) | $350 |
| Books and Classroom Materials | $125 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,000 |
| USAC Application Fee (waived) | $0 |
| Total | $1,850.00 |
Out-of-Pocket Cost includes:
*Flight Scholarships Guaranteed for Fall 2025 & Spring 2026 Up to $1500 as a part of our Year of Latin America & the Caribbean (YOLAC).
The above costs are estimations and represent the known out-of-pocket costs students encounter during their time abroad.
Some of these expenses will be paid for prior to going abroad, such as an airline ticket and visa costs, while some of these expenses, such as meals and local transportation, will be paid in-country as part of your daily expenses. As you plan, you will need to budget these costs and spend wisely throughout your time abroad.
*The $100 non-refundable USAC application fee you paid USAC has already been deducted from the program cost.
Program Costs
| NJ Residents | Non-NJ Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| ATW Program cost* | $16,500 | $20,700 |
Program Cost includes:
• Tuition
• Housing
• Some meals (2 meals / day)
• Administrative Fees
• Emergency Medical Access Abroad
• *Access the World (ATW)
Out-of-Pocket Costs
| Additional Meals | $200 |
| Airfare* | See below |
| Local Transportation | $175 |
| Visa (Estimate is for US Citizens) | $350 |
| Books and Classroom Materials | $125 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,000 |
| USAC Application Fee (waived) | $0 |
| Total | $1,850.00 |
Out-of-Pocket Cost includes:
*Flight Scholarships Guaranteed for Fall 2025 & Spring 2026 Up to $1500 as a part of our Year of Latin America & the Caribbean (YOLAC).
The above costs are estimations and represent the known out-of-pocket costs students encounter during their time abroad.
Some of these expenses will be paid for prior to going abroad, such as an airline ticket and visa costs, while some of these expenses, such as meals and local transportation, will be paid in-country as part of your daily expenses. As you plan, you will need to budget these costs and spend wisely throughout your time abroad.
*The $100 non-refundable USAC application fee you paid USAC has already been deducted from the program cost.