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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Spanish Language & Latin American Literature
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Location
Heredia
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Host University
Universidad Latina
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Term
Summer 1 2025
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Program Dates
Late May, 2025 - Mid Jun, 2025
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Program Length
Summer
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Application Deadline
Mar 25, 2025
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Apr 10, 2025
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Credit
45 Contact Hours
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$3,650
- Apply Now
Study Abroad Program Description
Designed for students interested in the Spanish language and/or Latin American literature, this program offers courses to ISA students at the intermediate and advanced levels of Spanish. You will be able to enroll in either one 45-hour intermediate Spanish language course or one 45-hour advanced Spanish language or literature courses. Your language level will be determined by the number of semesters/quarters of college-level Spanish you have previously taken.
You will benefit from an intimate classroom environment with other ISA students, and enjoy a lovely and quintessential college campus at the Universidad Latina. Courses are taught by the faculty at the university.
You can combine the Summer 1 + Summer 2 sessions at a discounted price. For more information about this option, please contact your ISA Costa Rica Program Manager.
Enjoy Flexibility with ISA Flex
We’ve partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to help you overcome common study abroad challenges by adding an ASU Online course to your ISA program. With more than 2,100 courses to choose from, ISA Flex minimizes academic challenges, like major requirements and limited course options, so you can make the most of your experience abroad. Once you’ve applied, access the Flex form in your ISA Student Portal for more information on how to add this to your program and enroll in the course you need.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
Students must have completed or tested out of a minimum of two semesters (three quarters) of college-level Spanish
To participate in this program, you must be 18 years of age or older.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception
Airport Reception
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Meals and Laundry Service
Meals and Laundry Service
The possibility for included meals and/or laundry services vary per location and housing option. Meals and laundry services are provided with most homestays to a degree. For more details, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the Bridging Cultures Orientation, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Credits
Contact Hours
45
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
3
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
4 - 5
Academic Information
Course Selection
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
- Students wishing to enroll in any advanced Spanish courses must have completed at least four college semesters of Spanish or the equivalent by the beginning of the program.
- Students wishing to enroll in the intermediate course must have completed at least two college semesters of Spanish or the equivalent by the beginning of the program.
- Only Intermediate I Spanish will be offered during the Summer 1 program, and only Intermediate II will be offered during the Summer 2 program. Students may opt into enrolling in the back-to-back Summer 1 and 2 programs and progress through two levels of Intermediate Spanish.
- Course availability is based on enrollment numbers. You should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last-minute class cancelations.
- You will be in class with other ISA students and be taught by a local professor.
- Please note that the course codes listed with the course titles are codes used by the host university but do not correspond to course level recommendations. We advise that each institution have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regarding course levels.
Course Credit
- Transfer credits earned will be decided entirely by your home university. It is important to be in touch with your university about course approvals and transfer credit pre-departure.
- According to ISA policy, you must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by your home university.
Language Placement
- Language placement will be determined by the amount of Spanish courses a student has completed in college. See Course Selection for details.
- Students must have completed two semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent to enroll in this program.
Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the Costa Rica Program Manager.
Courses
select allclear all
Course Disclaimer
- Availability of courses is based on enrollment numbers. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last minute class cancellations
Support & Funding
ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating identity questions related to traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.
SUPPORT TEAM
Our U.S. staff is available to support you though every stage of your study abroad journey. Please reach out with any questions about ISA programs or life on-site to your country-specific Program Manager.
Our on-site staff are there for you as soon as you arrive in country and will support you throughout your time abroad.
U.S. Team
Rosina D'Angelo
Program Manager, Costa Rica & Spain
Originally from Houston, TX, Rosina discovered a passion for international education as a teenager after spending a summer studying Spanish in Salamanca, Spain with ISA. Her love of language led her to pursue double majors in English and Hispanic Studies at the University of Richmond, where she had the opportunity to study abroad again in both Córdoba, Argentina and Alcalá de Henares, Spain. After graduation, she moved back to Spain and taught English for 3 years in the bustling city of Madrid and the beautiful island of Mallorca. Now that she’s back in Texas, she’s excited to advise ISA students preparing to set off on their own international adventures! In her free time, she loves cooking and baking, hiking, and exploring new cities.
HEREDIA TEAM
Sylvia Chaverri
Director Heredia Programs, Costa Rica
Sylvia Chaverri
Director Heredia Programs
Sylvia studied Tourism with an emphasis in Group Management at Alajuela University. In 1999 she began working for the National Biodiversity Institute in its INBioparque project (a wildlife park focused on biodiversity and bio-literacy) as a bilingual guide which gave her the opportunity to lead many visitors from around the world. Sylviaheld various roles at INBioparque and has experience serving people with diverse physical abilities, emergency protocols, quality standards, environmental interpretation and group management. She is certified in first aid, CPR and incident command through the Fire Department and USAID. She is fluent in English and her hobbies include gardening, reading, photography, arts and crafts, decoration, and learning about cultures and spending time in nature.Sylviaenjoys meeting and interacting with people of different nationalities and loves to share her culture and traditions.
Christian Vargas
Director of Latin America Operations, Costa Rica
Christian Vargas
Director of Latin America Operations
Originally from San José, Costa Rica. Christian discovered his passion for international education while volunteering during summer programs, helping teach computer classes to low-income students in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, as well as rural areas of Costa Rica. Christian studied business administration at the Universidad Veritas in San José, as well as information technology. He began working with ISA in 1999 and has enjoyed assisting all students in having a unique experience in Costa Rica. His experience and dedication to international students have motivated him to share his knowledge with the rest of ISA's programs in Latin America.
Identity Resources
Accessibility & Accommodations
With our wide portfolio of program types and locations, we’re confident there is a suitable, accessible program for each student.
Securing accommodations abroad can take time, so we ask that those with requests inform ISA early in the advising process. We recommend reaching out to your Program Manager or our Accessibility Team (accessibilityteam@worldstrides.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.
Destination Information
Our diversity pages for each ISA destination include information on Indigenous communities, languages, race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+, and disability access. We hope it will help when reflecting upon and contextualizing intersectionality in your host community.
Identity Blog
ISA offers students the opportunity to blog about their experiences abroad from their own diverse perspectives. These posts can be found on the ISA Student Blog, and interested students should email diversity@studiesabroad.com for more information.
Funding
All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, ISA offers a variety of scholarships to help cover your study abroad costs. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarships & grants page!
If you receive financial aid from your home university, you can likely use those funds for study abroad, as well. Speak with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about your options. Check out steps for using financial aid.
Questions about scholarships and funding? Email us at higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org
Housing
ISA Housing in Heredia allows students to enjoy an immersive experience living in a Costa Rican (Tico) home with a local family. With an open mind and flexibility, the experience of living in another culture will be both educational and highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations; however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.
Homestay
ISA Heredia homestays allow students to experience aspects of Costa Rican or "tico" lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor. All housing is located in middle to upper class neighborhoods near the Universidad Latina 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. In your homestay you will have your own bedroom, although there may be another ISA student living in the same homestay. This will be a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new place and live as a local would, so take advantage, immerse yourself in the "pura vida", and let yourself become a Tico!
Independent Housing
You may opt to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price. By choosing to opt out of ISA housing, you are responsible for researching and reserving housing, and paying all fees, deposits, and rent directly to the housing facility that you choose.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
Punta Leona * Optional
On this excursion, you will have the opportunity to visit Carara national park, a famous national park in Costa Rica that is known for its rich biodiversity. You will also spend the night in a hotel on a private reserve on the beach, where you can enjoy the spectacular views, free activities, and optional tours.
Punta Leona
On this excursion, you will have the opportunity to visit Carara national park, a famous national park in Costa Rica that is known for its rich biodiversity. You will also spend the night in a hotel on a private reserve on the beach, where you can enjoy the spectacular views, free activities, and optional tours.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is the largest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica with over 100 species of animals, and 3.5 kilometers of Cloud and Rainforest Hiking Trails. You will discover a lush tropical rainforest, filled with flowing white rivers, 5 spectacular waterfalls, and a variety of animals including birds, felines, sloths, butterflies, monkeys, hummingbirds, snakes, and frogs.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is the largest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica with over 100 species of animals, and 3.5 kilometers of Cloud and Rainforest Hiking Trails. You will discover a lush tropical rainforest, filled with flowing white rivers, 5 spectacular waterfalls, and a variety of animals including birds, felines, sloths, butterflies, monkeys, hummingbirds, snakes, and frogs.
Cultural Activities in Heredia
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the culture of Costa Rica. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Costa Rica special. These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included cooking classes, dance classes, a tour of the National Theatre, a scavenger hunt at the Heredia market, an exchange with locals, etc.
Cultural Activities in Heredia
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the culture of Costa Rica. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Costa Rica special. These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included cooking classes, dance classes, a tour of the National Theatre, a scavenger hunt at the Heredia market, an exchange with locals, etc.