Program highlights for Heredia, Costa Rica

• Choose from four levels of Spanish courses, ecological courses, and Latin American studies.
• Discover firsthand why Costa Rica is known for its natural beauty, including rainforests, volcanoes, and nature reserves.
• Enhance your study abroad experience by participating in volunteer or internship opportunities, or joining a field study in biology, chemistry, or Latin American culture.
• Visit cultural and historic sites, wander through weekend farmers markets, or head to nearby San José for big city entertainment.
• Adjust to life abroad easily with the full-time on-site USAC Resident Director and staff, and participate in cultural immersion activities like field trips to have the best study abroad experience possible.

Why study in Heredia?

Immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of Latin America on the Heredia program. Heredia offers beautiful nature, great weather, and an authentic cultural experience within a relaxed and calm atmosphere, while still having easy access to San José, the capitol city. Nicknamed "La Ciudad de las Flores" (the city of flowers) due to the beautiful gardens and wonderful flora found there, you can enjoy many outdoor activities like walking and hiking in the scenic mountains, visiting the cloud rainforest, and exploring national parks and reserves.

The Heredia program offers courses in Spanish Language, Latin American Studies, Ecological Studies, and Health and Sport Sciences. The Spanish Language program uses an intensive approach that allows you to complete up to two years of university foreign language coursework in only one semester to meet Spanish minor or major requirements. You may participate in one or two summer sessions, a semester, or a full year.

However, the formal coursework is only part of the value of the program. Every day can become a learning experience as you interact with the local culture on activities like cultural events and village festivals, and by participating in the field trips offered to San José, the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the rainforest, nature reserves, and to parliament and governmental entities.