Program Details: GVSU in Costa Rica
About the program
Program Highlights:
- GVSU students will receive a 5% discount on the listed program fees by ISA
- Travel with other GVSU students and students from other US institutions. Please note that we cannot gurantee the number of GVSU students who will participate in any given term
- On-site support from GVSU’s trusted partner, ISA by WorldStrides
- Students participating in this program are eligible for a passport grant
- This program is available to 1st year students
- Wide range of course options to suit many majors and minors
- Satisfy general education courses including Issues
- Some excursions included in ISA program fee, visit their website for more details
San José, or Chepe, as it is lovingly called by locals, is the political, economic and cultural hub of Costa Rica.
San Jose is the perfect place for students to experience a bustling and cosmopolitan Latin American metropolis, as well as being an ideal jumping off point to experience the many natural wonders of Costa Rica. San José is set in the lush Central Valley of the Costa Rican highlands and is where the majority of Costa Ricans work, live, and study. Students attending college in San José, Costa Rica will be able to experience a Latin American metropolis while also having the rest of Costa Rica's pristine natural wonders at their fingertips. Downtown San José features a pedestrian-friendly walkway down which students enjoy strolling, stopping at a café and sipping on a coffee and shopping at the Mercado Central. The city is filled with cultural offerings including numerous unique museums and students enjoy catching musical and theater performances at the elegant Teatro Nacional. When students want an escape from the city the Pacific coast is two hours away, the Caribbean coast is 4 hours away and adventures abound in the rainforests and on the rivers that surround the city.
ISA Environmental Studies, Health Care, Liberal Arts & Spanish Language Webpage
Cost
Please visit the ISA website for cost information. *Please note: All GVSU students will receive a 5% discount on their ISA program fees.
Browse Study Abroad Scholarships
Visa Information
US citizens traveling to Costa Rica for less than 180 days are NOT required to apply for visa prior to departure. The tourist visa will be received automatically upon arrival into the airport in San José.
With the tourist visa valid for up to 180 days you will be able to stay and study in Costa Rica for your program on this tourist visa. According to Costa Rica immigration, this tourist visa is valid to allow you to participate in any short term activity in Costa Rica (not including work).
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Housing and Meals
Living in ISA housing will allow you the opportunity to experience aspects of the Costa Rican (Tico) lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor. Regardless of your housing option, you will have a short commute to your university.
Homestay
Homestays are best if you are seeking full linguistic and cultural immersion during your time abroad. Each host family has been carefully selected by ISA's resident staff in order to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. All housing is located in nice neighborhoods near the Universidad Veritas and offers glimpses of everyday life with easy access to city amenities. Homestays include breakfast and dinner every day (except for excursion days) and laundry service once a week.
Apartment
Apartments are a great housing option if you are seeking complete independence during your time abroad. Apartments are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability is limited. ach apartment is fully furnished and rent is included in the program price. Apartments, located in San José, typically house four ISA students and are made up of single occupancy rooms. Meals and laundry service are not included.
Courses
Students can select one of the following programs listed according to commonly taught disciplines at Universidad Veritas. Semester and summer at Universidad Veritas are available. Click on each title below for more information about course descriptions, syllabi, and credit hours.
Semester or Academic Year Programs
Best for these Subjects:
- Art and Media Studies
- Business
- Communications
- Environmental and Sustainability Studies
- Health Sciences
- History and Political Science
- Social Sciences
- Spanish Language and Literature
Best for these Subjects:
- Art and Media Studies
- Business
- Communications
- Environmental and Sustainability Studies
- Health Sciences
- History and Political Science
- Social Sciences
- Spanish Language and Literature
Courses available at Universidad Veritas:
Note: The number of courses you take will depend on the term you decide to participate in.
For a semester, you can take 12-20 credits
For a summer, you can take 1-2 courses for up to 6 credits.
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Travel Information
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long students arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into the student’s program, students will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
*Information within this webpage is subject to change and program deadlines may vary (late applications may also be possible). Please visit the ISA website for current program details.