GEO Faculty-Led Programs in Heredia, Costa Rica
About the site
- Education: Elementary to Secondary
- Environmental Science / Conservation / Biology / Ecology
- Health and Wellness
- Topics in Latin American Culture and Society
- Program length abroad:
- 1 – 2 weeks
- Terms:
- Spring Break (except Easter)
- Summer (late May – July)
- Fall Break (November)
Site availability may depend on program dates and site capacity for the requested timeframe.
- Minimum students: 10
- Maximum students: 16
Heredia, Costa Rica offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, biodiversity, and education in the heart of Costa Rica’s Central Valley. Within easy reach of cloud forests, tropical rainforests, and volcanic landscapes, Heredia provides exceptional access to diverse ecosystems for hands-on field study. Known for its strong emphasis on education, sustainability, health sciences, wellness, and community engagement, Costa Rica proudly reflects their global reputation for healthy living and quality of life.
Visitors can experience Costa Rican culture through local markets, coffee plantations, and community traditions while exploring the natural landscapes and ecological initiatives that make the country a leader in sustainability and well-being.
Program options and components
The following are sample logistics and services that can be incorporated into a Faculty-Led Program in Heredia, Costa Rica.
Academic and co-curricular opportunities
- Classroom space is space provided through USAC's host institution, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica (UNA).
- Guest lectures or presenters.
- Co-curricular activities or visits related to academic area.
The Faculty-Led Program course is identified and taught by the institution’s faculty. The academic content, syllabus, and credit is determined by the institution. No USAC credit is given, and the cost of instruction is not included in the program.
Cultural immersion and site experiences
Local site activities
- Examples include:
- City tour
- Museum visit
- Visit to local markets
- Local cuisine class
- Dance class
- Culture exchange with local students
- Survival Spanish class (no credit)
Day trips
- Examples include:
- San José
- Irazú Volcano National Park
- La Paz Waterfall
- Sarapiquí area
- Poás Volcano and Coffee Plantation Tour
- Bajos del Toro Waterfall
Site logistics
- Student housing:
- Homestay
- Program Leader housing:
- Homestay
- Single-occupancy hotel room
- Welcome and farewell meals
- Breakfast and dinner daily included with homestays (only breakfast with hotel)
- Additional group meals may be added upon request
- Public transportation for any activities around Heredia and San José
- Private bus or van transportation for trips outside Heredia and San José
- Group airport transfers available for arrival and departure
Service and activity availability vary and cannot be guaranteed. Final inclusions and costs are outlined in the official program proposal based on program length and selected components. All GEO Faculty-Led Programs include USAC site staff support, access to USAC's Health and Safety Team, and CISI insurance.