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About the Heredia, Costa Rica Program

The Heredia program is a USAC specialty program. Learn more about on-site program elements and the city itself below.

About Heredia

Dancers in traditional attire in Heredia, Costa Rica.

  • Population: approx. 348,000
  • Distance from San José: 5 miles
  • Distance from the Pacific: 49 miles

Heredia was founded in 1705 and is located outside Costa Rica's capital, San José, in a valley surrounded by scenic mountains that are visible from all over the city. It is nicknamed "La Ciudad de las Flores" (the city of flowers) due to the beautiful gardens and wonderful flora found there. Heredia offers the excitement of living near the capital city but with a more calm and relaxed atmosphere. A short bus ride will take you up into the mountains where you can go walking or hiking and enjoy beautiful scenery of the cloud rainforest. In town, you will find the Central Park, where La Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción, a colonial church built in 1797, is located. During the weekends, you can wander through farmers markets bustling with Ticos (local Costa Ricans). No matter how you choose to spend your time, you will enjoy the great weather and scenic surroundings of Heredia.

Quick Details

2024-25 Application Cycle

  • Summer 2024: Open
    • Session I or I&II deadline: March 15
    • Session II deadline: April 15
  • Fall/Yearlong 2024-25: Open
    • Deadline: May 15
  • Spring 2025: Open
    • Deadline: Oct 15

Eligibility

Preferred Minimum GPA: 2.5

Program Type

Specialty

Credits

U.S. Credit

Program Capacity

65 students

Instruction

English, Spanish

Passport & Visa

Passport & Visa Information