Costa Rica

Spanish Language and Service Learning

Program Highlights

• Live with a host family in Costa Rica's beautiful Central Valley among the coffee and sugar cane fields.
• Earn 9 credits in one month at an affordable cost: 3 credits with a UNL instructor + 6 credits with University of Costa Rica instructors.
• Examine Costa Rica's unique heritage as well as social issues facing many Central Americans.
• Explore some the area's many geographic phenomena: volcanoes, beaches and waterfalls.
• Take part in a 6-day Outward Bound course

Location

The program takes place on the campus of the University of Costa Rica in the small town of San Ramón. The location allows students to temporarily become "part of the community" and to easily navigate the town. San Ramon is located 58 km from the nation's capitol of San Jose.

Costa Rican Spanish is clear and easy to understand when compared to other regions of the Spanish-speaking world. Because of this, students at the intermediate level are primed for exponential growth in speaking proficiency and confidence in Spanish as they interact with members of their host family, their professors, and other students attending the University of Costa Rica.

Academic Program

Course of Study

This program exists to facilitate the study of Spanish in Latin America. Students will take one course with a UNL instructor and two courses with Costa Rican instructors. The courses offered are designed for students at the intermediate level.

During the program, students will examine Costa Rica's rich cultural history, extensive biodiversity and its unique role in the affairs of Latin America. By studying the history of the region, traveling to places of interest and examining present-day realities in Central American society, students will gain a comprehensive appreciation of the differences and similarities between our cultures along with a deeper understanding of their own. No easy answers await!
 

Course Credit

Spanish 203: Intensive Conversation Instructor: Aaron Chambers

Spanish 204: Intensive Writing Instructors: Ronald Rivera and Rodrigo Quiros

Spanish 398: Culture and History of Central America (Special Topics) Instructors: Ronald Rivera and Rodrigo Quiros

Attending a pre-departure and post-return meeting is required.

Eligibility

This program is open to undergraduate and graduate UNL students in good academic standing.

Faculty Leader

Accommodations and Other Arrangements

• Students will live with Costa Rican host families carefully selected by the University of Costa Rica staff. In some cases, two students may be placed with one family.
• Host families will provide breakfast, dinner, and laundry. Students will be responsible for their lunches.
• During the weekends, students may participate in optional excursions at their own expense.

Budget

See the "Budget Sheet" above and the Financial page on the Education Abroad website.

Explanation of Costs

Please see the Budget Sheet for a detailed explanation of billable and non-billable program costs, withdrawal policies, and the payment process. Costs vary by program, so it is important to review this information carefully.

Deposit

Upon confirmation of participation, program participants will pay a $500 deposit. The $500 deposit will be applied to the final program cost balance. If a participant withdraws from a program, the participant will be responsible for any irrecoverable costs associated with the program at the time of withdrawal (including a non-refundable $150 Education Abroad Fee).

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Please see the Education Abroad website for detailed information about financial aid and scholarships.

Additional Resources

Traveler's Health at US Centers for Disease Control

US State Department

Embassy of Costa Rica

Universidad de Costa Rica

Costa Rica Travel Page

*UNL Education Abroad does not officially endorse, administer, or monitor the content of these links.