USAC Semester in San José, Costa Rica
Overview
A program designed for those studying in the Pre-Health fields who see value in having Spanish language skills. This program in the Costa Rican capital will help hone those skills while giving you the chance to study Public Health and other related fields.
Details
Requirements and cap: This program requires a 2.60 GPA. It has no language requirement, though it is recommended for students to have completed at least 1 year of Spanish or equivalent to maximize the program’s benefits. This program has a cap of 6 students.
Fields of study: Spanish, Spanish for Professional Use. Biology (Pre-Health fields particularly encouraged), Psychology, Neuroscience and Public Health.
Budget and fees
Augustana fees: Augustana tuition and housing fees. If homestay is chosen as housing option, additional fees for the meal plan may be charged.
Other expenses: Airfare, visa, meals, local transportation and discretionary spending. Estimated total out of pocket is $3,500 without homestay.
Financial aid: All financial aid applies as if on campus. Augie Choice eligible for juniors and seniors. CEA may also offer grants for this program.
Courses
The San José program includes 3 parts, Spanish Language courses, Health Science courses and Electives. Students take 1 language, 1 Health Science and 2 electives.
Courses at Veritas University are not offered every semester. Here is a sample of courses offered in recent semesters:
- Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced Spanish Language
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Holistic Health Approaches
- Conflict Resolution & Health Care
- Costa Rican Healthcare System and Tropical Medicine
- Health & Psychology
- Cultural Psychology
- Afro-Caribbean Studies
- Tropical Ecology
- Ecotourism
- Marine Molecular Biology
- Human Rights in Latin America
- Migration, Globalization and Social Change
Housing
Students on the San José program can elect to live with a family (recommended) or to stay at Veritas University’s Casa Universitaria, a residence hall for international students. Students who wish to choose the family homestay should apply as early as possible to ensure a placement.
Both the homestay and the Casa Universitaria include 2 meals per day (Breakfast and Dinner) except on excursion dates. While the Casa Universitaria guarantees individual rooms, the homestay may include double rooms. Both residence types will have internet access and all bed linens are included.
Both the family homestays and the Casa Universitaria are located close to the Veritas U. campus, within a 10-20 minute walk.