BIENVENIDOS A COSTA RICA.
Costa Rica is a country of natural beauty, political stability, friendly people, and a temperate climate. Since dismantling its army in 1948, it has been known around the world as one of the most stable countries in Latin America and has often been a mediator in other Central American conflicts. The International Community acknowledged this contribution in 1987 by presenting President Oscar Arias with the Nobel Peace Prize.
Costa Rica has devoted itself to environmental conservation and educational achievement. This forward thinking country took formal measures to protect its natural assets in 1955. Today, Costa Rica's National Conservation Areas System (SINAC) covers more than 134 areas - national parks, reserves, and refuges - comprising roughly 27 percent of the national territory. This commitment provides an abundance of natural wonders and biodiversity - a paradise for naturalists and a wealth of wildlife. The relatively small size of the country allows one to explore the beach, jungle and mountains all in one day. The population of Costa Rica is diverse and the people are generally warm and friendly.
COSTA RICA PROGRAMS AND COURSES
API offers students a wonderful opportunity for immersion into the Costa Rican culture and way of life through study in San Joaquín de Flores and San José. Most courses are taught in Spanish at all levels in both locations, and some are taught in English in San José. Classes are comprised of other foreign and American students.
SAN JOAQUíN
FALL • SPRING • ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAMSINSTITUTO SAN JOAQUÍN DE FLORES
SUMMER PROGRAMSINSTITUTO SAN JOAQUÍN DE FLORES
INSTITUTO SAN JOAQUIN DE FLORES (ISJF)
SUMMER INTERNSHIP • VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
SAN JOSé
QUARTER • ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAMSUNIVERSIDAD VERITAS
FALL • SPRING PROGRAMSINTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (ICDS)
FALL • SPRING • ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAMSUNIVERSIDAD DE COSTA RICA
SPRING PROGRAMS
INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (ICDS)
SUMMER PROGRAMSINTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (ICDS)
SUMMER INTERNSHIP • VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
WHICH COSTA RICA PROGRAM IS BEST FOR ME?
Since these two great cities are very close to one another, we thought we'd highlight some of the differences between the programs.
| CITY |
San Joaquín de Flores |
San José |
| SIZE |
Small town, yet still only 10 miles from San José, walking distance to everything in town |
Large city, capital of Costa Rica |
| SPANISH LANGUAGE LEVEL |
Semester/Year: Intermediate, Advanced, Superior Summer: All levels |
Semester/Year/Summer: All levels |
| CLASSES TAUGHT IN ENGLISH |
No |
Yes: except for the Spanish language courses |
| VOLUNTEER PROGRAMa |
Yes, offered for spring and summer students as an option for an additional fee |
Yes, offered for spring and summer students as an option for an additional fee |