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 three diverse academic areas: Spanish Language, Ecological Studies, and Latin American Studies. 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
Financial Information
Program Costs
| NJ Residents | Non-NJ Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| ATW Program cost* | $13,000 | $16,900 |
Program Cost includes:
• Tuition
• Housing
• All meals (3 meals a day)
• Administrative Fees
• Emergency Medical Access Abroad • *Access the World (ATW)
Out-of-Pocket Costs
| Airfare | $800 |
| Additional Meals | $200 |
| Visa (Estimate is for US Citizens) | $350 |
| USAC Application Fee (waived) | $0 |
| Books and Classroom Materials | $125 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,000 |
| Local Transportation | $175 |
| Total | $2,650.00 |
Out-of-Pocket Cost includes:
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* | $13,000 | $16,900 |
Program Cost includes:
• Tuition
• Housing
• All meals (3 meals a day)
• Administrative Fees
• Emergency Medical Access Abroad/>
• * Access the World (ATW)
Out-of-Pocket Costs
| Airfare | $800 |
| Additional Meals | $200 |
| Visa (Estimate is for US Citizens) | $350 |
| USAC Application Fee (waived) | $0 |
| Books and Classroom Materials | $125 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,000 |
| Local Transportation | $175 |
| Total | $2,650.00 |
Out-of-Pocket Cost includes:
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.