PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND GENERAL INFORMATION

• Minimum 2.75 G.P.A.
• No previous knowledge of Spanish is required, but one semester is recommended
• Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors
• Completed API application
• One letter of recommendation
• Advisor request form
• One official transcript
• Classes taught in English (except the Spanish language class)
• Housing: host families
• Volunteer and internship opportunities available (including the ASVO volunteer program option)
• Entry requirement: valid passport with supporting documents (more information provided post-acceptance)

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS

• SEMESTER: 10 semester credit hours

EXCURSIONS

SPRING QUARTER

• Corcovado National Park
• Volcan Rincon de la Vieja National Park
• Rio Celeste and Tenorio
• Various Day and Weekend Field Trips

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

The Language, Culture and Current Issues in Latin America program is designed to give students the opportunity to learn about culture and current issues in Latin America while improving their Spanish language skills. The program consists of two courses related to Latin American studies taught in English and a Spanish class taught during a period of ten weeks. The program is complemented by cultural activities, visits to sites relevant to weekly topics and a weekend field trip.

Aside from the language course, courses are taught primarily in English with the option for students with advanced proficiency in Spanish to progressively incorporate their Spanish skills into the course dynamics and projects. This gives ICDS programs a bilingual character, which along with the home stays with local families, provides the students with an excellent opportunity for language and cultural immersion.

Teaching for ICDS programs takes place at the Universidad Latina’s main campus in Lourdes de Montes de Oca (San José), both a business and residential area to the northeast of downtown San José. Universidad Latina de Costa Rica is the country’s largest private, higher institution of learning. With a student body of 16,000, the university’s stimulating atmosphere is complemented by an efficient team of dedicated staff. The Universidad Latina’s campus features a very modern infrastructure and technologically advanced facilities, as well as libraries, bookstores, copy shops, coffee shops and a food court.

TRANSCRIPTS

API students receive a transcript issued jointly by the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica and the International Center for Development Studies (ICDS) upon completion of their program.

ASVO VOLUNTEER PROGRAM