Heredia Calendars – 2026-27 Yearlong
Program Deadlines
| May 15, 2026 | Application Deadline |
| June 15 | Fall Semester Balance Due Deadline | Financial Aid Deferment Form Due |
| June 15 | Fall Semester Confirmation Deposit Refund Deadline |
| July 1 | Fall Semester Tuition Refund Deadline | Refer to Enhanced Refund Policy |
| November 15 | Spring Semester Balance Due Deadline | Financial Aid Disbursement Form Due |
| November 15 | Spring Semester Confirmation Deposit Refund Deadline |
| December 1 | Spring Semester Tuition Refund Deadline | Refer to Enhanced Refund Policy |
See Ready to Apply for additional information about the application process and Money Matters for more details regarding payment and cancellation deadlines. Payment of the Confirmation Deposit cannot be deferred. USAC reserves the right to make adjustments to fees or deadlines at any time.
Program Dates
Occasionally dates need to be changed or field trips modified. Refer back to this calendar often for the most current dates.
| August 16, 2026 | Departure from the U.S. |
| August 16 | Arrival in Heredia | Program starts |
| August 16 | Move into program housing |
| August 17 | Field trip – Poás Volcano day trip |
| August 17 | Mandatory orientation |
| August 19 | Fall - First day of instruction |
| September 15 | Holiday - Independence Day |
| September 21 - 25 | Fall break |
| September 29 - October 2 | Optional tour – Tropical Caribbean - Bocas del Toro, Panamá |
| November 14 - 15 | Field trip – Monteverde cloud forest |
| November 26 | Holiday - Thanksgiving |
| November 30 | Fall - Last day of instruction |
| December 1 | Holiday - Abolición del ejercito |
| December 2 - 4 | Fall final examinations |
| January 11, 2027 | Field trip – Bajos del Toro waterfall |
| January 11 | Spring - First day of instruction |
| February 22 - 26 | Holiday - Break |
| February 23 - 26 | Optional tour – North Pacific |
| March 22 - 24 | Spring break |
| March 25 | Holiday - Maundy Thursday |
| March 26 | Holiday - Good Friday |
| March 28 | Holiday - Easter |
| April 12 | Holiday - Juan Santamaria Day |
| April 24 - 25 | Field trip – La Fortuna waterfall, hot springs |
| May 1 | Holiday - Labor day |
| May 3 | Holiday (observed) |
| May 5 | Spring - Last day of instruction |
| May 6 - 7 | Spring final examinations |
| May 8 | Program ends |
| May 8 | Move out of program housing |
| May 8 | Optional group flight return | Individual return |