Location:

San Jose, Costa Rica

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

High School

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

Get a head start on your college education! This program is ideal for students looking to get a taste of university life and strengthen their foreign language skills. Earn 3 college credits and receive an official transcript from Veritas University. The AIFS Staff in San Jose organizes many safe and fun social and cultural activities, which will allow you to truly experience the culture of Costa Rica. In addition, your language skills will be built as you share breakfast and dinner with your host family daily.

Earn 3 college credits on a 3-week program studying Spanish Language with AIFS in San Jose. An optional 3-credit Environmental Science course is also available. Immerse yourself in Costa Rican life as you live with a local family in a homestay. Enjoy a 3-day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park as well as day trips to Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfalls. Cultural activities include a trip to a coffee plantation, a visit to the Gold Museum as well as local walking tours. An optional excursion to the turtle reserve is also available.

Summer Advantage provides students ages 16-18 the opportunity to experience an international educational program in a prestigious university setting and get a head start on subjects they wish to study during college. Summer Advantage is a program of the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), which has provided high quality, academically enriching programs to over 1.5 million participants since 1964.

Setting Description:

Costa Rica is known for its laid-back lifestyle, peaceful democracy and stunning natural beauty which stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean coast and takes in beaches, volcanoes, national parks and cloud forests, not to mention a diverse wildlife population. Costa Rica is an ecologist’s paradise. It is at the forefront of thinking on sustainability and ecotourism – the concept of “Come, look and experience but don’t touch” – ensuring that its beautiful natural parks, home to hundreds of species of plants, wildlife and insects, are preserved for future generations. Experience the ‘Pura Vida’ way of life first hand by living with a Tico (Costa Rican) family in the capital, San Jose.

Cost:

Program fees cover transcripts for college credit and housing. A meal plan, tours and excursions, insurance and the support of full-time, on-site staff are also included. For your convenience, each program location offers an optional AIFS Transportation Package, which includes airfare and airport transfers.