Semester in Costa Rica’s varied course options help you earn credit toward graduation while gaining fluency in Spanish at Universidad Veritas. The University is well regarded for its classes in architecture, design, and art, and it is also a great place to learn about Costa Rican history, culture, environment, politics, and more!
GPA Required: 2.5. If you find your GPA is lower than the requirement, do not despair! Use the "Contact An Advisor" button on this page or call us to let us know your situation. We'll do all we can to find the right program for you.
How to choose your courses
Now the fun part! As part of the application process you will be required to complete the CIS Course Selection Worksheet found in the CIS Application Page. The following instructions will guide you through the steps of choosing your courses. Semester in Costa Rica has numerous academic options; please read carefully and be sure to find the option that best meets your academic and personal goals.
Course load: 3–4 classes (14–19 US credits)
Approval for Spanish-language courses: Placement Exam
Once you’re accepted into the program, we will send you instructions for taking an online Spanish placement exam so that Veritas can begin to assess your language level. On the first day of classes at Veritas, you will have an oral examination, after which you will be placed in the course that’s ideal for you. Language courses are taught in 4-week blocks. Trimesters comprise three 4-week blocks; semesters comprise four 4-week blocks. You will be tested at the end of each block and have the opportunity to move to a higher level.
Course approval for English electives
Classes meet for 48–60 contact hours per trimester, or 4–5 classroom hours per week. Before you go abroad, it is best to get approval for twice the number of elective classes you intend to take during the trimester. This gives you some flexibility in setting up your class schedule. Think about courses required for your major, but also courses that fulfill your elective requirements.
Course descriptions and catalog:
For Spanish courses, please click here.
For Courses in English, please click here.
Study Options
Language and Culture Exploration
Trimester option 1
Three Spanish-language courses (15 US credits) and 1 elective taught in English (3–4 US credits). Total of 18–19 US credits in 12 weeks. Please note you will be in class up to 5 hours per day Monday through Friday.
Trimester option 2
Two Spanish language courses (10 US credits) and 2 electives taught in English (6–8 US credits). Total of 16–18 US credits in 12 weeks. For the weeks with Spanish classes (two 4-week blocks during the trimester), you will be in class up to 6 hours per day Monday through Friday. For the weeks with electives only (one 4-week block during the trimester), you will be in class up to 2 hours per day.
Trimester option 3
One Spanish-language course (5 US credits) and 3 electives taught in English (9–12 US credits). Total of 14–17 US credits in 12 weeks. For the weeks with Spanish classes (one 4-week block during the trimester), you will be in class up to 7 hours per day Monday through Friday. For the weeks with electives only (two 4-week blocks during the trimester), you will be in class up to 3 hours per day.
Intensive Spanish Language
Trimester option 4
Three Spanish-language courses (15 US credits). Total of 15 US credits in 12 weeks.
Semester program
Want to study for 16 weeks in the fall? Options 1, 2, 3, and 4 above are 12-week trimester programs. Simply add a month to the Fall
Trimester, and you have the Fall Semester program: you start a month earlier, take an additional Spanish-language course, and receive another 5 US credits, for a total of 19–24 US credits in 16 weeks. If you wish to stay an extra month after the Winter Trimester for the 16-week Spring Semester program, you will simply add a Spanish-language course and receive another 5 US credits, for a total of 19–24 US credits in 16 weeks.
Direct Enroll program
To apply to our Direct Enroll program, you must have an advanced level of Spanish and wish to take classes with local undergraduate Costa Rican students. All classes are taught in Spanish and operate on a 16-week semester system. Please use the links below to view the courses offered in a particular academic year; contact us for course descriptions and enrollment details.
Architecture
Digital Animation
Film and Television
Interior Design
Photography
Product Design
Theater