THE PROGRAM
UW-Eau Claire has partnered for several years with Costa Rica Study Abroad (CRSA) to offer students the possibility to immerse themselves in  Costa Rican culture each spring semester in the town of San Isidro, Costa Rica through Spanish-language courses and Latin American Studies courses. Furthermore, you will participate in a two week service learning project, allowing you to make a difference in the local community while improving your Spanish language skills!

On this program you will take classes from a private institute called Costa Rica Study Abroad. CRSA has been designing study abroad programs for U.S. students for over 20 years. You will take classes from Costa Rican professors with U.S. students. 

THE LOCATION
During the program you will be living in the town of San Isidro de Heredia, located in the province of Heredia. This lovely town is about 9 miles, or 35 minutes by bus, from downtown San José, and is surrounded by the magnificent cloud forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park.

It has a small, charming downtown area with an appealing semi-rural feeling and a delightful climate, maintained by a cool mountainous breeze all year long. It is still a very dynamic little town with people out an about walking everywhere. Don´t forget to bring your comfortable walking shoes to explore the vicinity!

HOUSING & MEALS
During the program you will be living with a host family, which offers an excellent opportunity for you to learn about family life in Costa Rica, meet locals, and practice your Spanish on a daily basis!  During the two week community project you will live with a different host family in the rural community where the project takes place.

Accommodations are arranged with carefully selected host families. In general only one student is placed per family; in all cases, you will have your own room. Your host family will provide you three meals a day.

ACADEMICS
To learn about eligibility requirements, academic offerings, and the academic calendar; click here:  Academics - Costa Rica Spring.



 

SERVICE LEARNING
During the program you will participate in a two week service learning project in a rural community. This is a great way to practice your Spanish while giving back to the community!

COST
Below you will find more information on program costs:Spring 2014

PHOTO GALLERY 
Want to see more pictures? Click here!

STUDENT LIFE
Students in Costa Rica often meet friends through their host families.  Other ways students have gotten involved are by joining gyms, taking dance or cooking classes, and attending events at local universities nearby.

STUDENT EXPERIENCE
"Studying and living in Costa Rica has allowed me to see the world through another set of eyes. It has enriched my passion for Spanish and created a desire for traveling. My experience has positively changed my life through my interactions with Costa Ricans, especially my host family. Their openness for cultural exchange and passion for their country is contagious. I will only spend three and a half months here; however, these memories will impact me during all stages of life." -Sarah 

EXPLORE COSTA RICA !
Academic field trips will introduce you to a few of the many faces of Costa Rica.  Both day visits to sites in the capital of San Jose such as the Museo Nacional, the Zoo or Mariposario, and take weekend trips to sites such as a Pacific beach, Cartago and Guayabo (camping), Santa Rosa and Palo Verde Rain/Dry Forest and wetlands, and Tortuguero (Rain Forest), are included.  A trip to Nicaragua is also included in the program costs.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For more information click here

HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, read the application instructions on the How to Apply Page. Then return to this program brochure page, and click the 'apply now' button at the top of the page.