Arcos Learning Abroad: Summer in Costa Rica

Introduction

Study abroad in Costa Rica, one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Discover a country of friendly people and breathtaking scenery. The mountainous landscape is dotted with volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, and rushing rivers. Costa Rica is situated between two coastlines, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, giving it miles of stunning seashore that supports an amazing array of sea life. It is considered one of the best places in the world to study Spanish due to the clear and enjoyable accent of its inhabitants.
 

Academics & Facilities

Students have access to a variety of Spanish elective courses offered year-round. The International Polytechnic University (Universidad Politécnica Internacional), where students take classes, is conveniently located close to downtown Heredia. The state-of-the-art campus offers open-air and outdoor common areas, a cafeteria serving typical Costa Rican meals, and an open-air café for snacks or coffee between classes. There is an on-site copy center for printing and photocopying documents, library, indoor group and silent study areas, computer lab, and campus-wide WiFi access.

Internships are also available for credit as part of the academic program. For a complete list of available courses and syllabi, please consult the Arcos Costa Rica webpage.

Housing Accommodation & Meals

Students live in the cool highlands of Costa Rica, in the beautiful city of Heredia, which is known as the City of Flowers. Heredia is located only 20 minutes from the capital city of San José, yet retains the atmosphere of a smaller Costa Rican town. Heredia provides a wonderful mix of old and new, serving as the perfect place to study Spanish and explore this beautiful Central American country.

Students on this program live in homestays. All host families are considered to be middle-class by local standards and live in very safe neighborhoods. Each is conveniently located within a 15-to-20 minute walking distance to the university. Students have all of their meals with their family, who also provide a sack lunch for weekend excursions. Laundry is done once a week by the host family, and all homes have WiFi.