GEO Ready Faculty-Led Programs in Heredia, Costa Rica

About the program

Heredia is an outstanding location for studying biology, ecology, and environmental science due to its setting in one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Situated in Costa Rica’s Central Valley and within easy reach of cloud forests, tropical rainforests, and volcanic landscapes, Heredia provides exceptional access to diverse ecosystems for hands-on field study. Costa Rica’s global leadership in conservation and sustainability further enriches the academic experience, offering students insight into environmental stewardship in practice.

With a metro population of 351,000, Heredia was founded in 1705 and is located just outside Costa Rica's capital, San José, in a valley surrounded by scenic mountains visible throughout the area. Nicknamed "La Ciudad de las Flores" (the city of flowers) for its gardens and abundant flora, Heredia offers the excitement of proximity to a capital city while maintaining a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere. Students can stroll the streets showcasing Heredia’s colonial heritage and traditional architecture, visit Central Park, and explore weekend farmers markets bustling with Ticos (local Costa Ricans). Being close to the capital city, the San José airport, mountains, and National Parks make Heredia the perfect place to visit.

Program options and components

The following are logistics and services that can be incorporated into the GEO Ready Faculty-Led program. Please note: Availability of services and activities listed are not guaranteed until confirmed, and the final number of activities are determined based on length of stay.

Academic and co-curricular opportunities

• Classroom space: Classroom space provided through USAC's host institution, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica (UNA).
• Up to three guest lectures or presenters. Sample topics include:
  • Overview of Costa Rica’s Ecosystems
  • Biodiversity Conservation
  • Ecology / Tropical Ecology
  • Biology / Tropical Conservation Biology / Tropical Marine Biology
  • Water in Tropical Landscapes
• Up to six co-curricular activities or visits related to academic area. Examples include:
  
  • Urban forest edge
  • Secondary growth or dry forest
  • Montane/cloud forest edge
  • Tropical marine ecology
  • Freshwater/aquatic-terrestrial interface
  • Animal rescue/sanctuary
  • Pineapple plantation
  • National parks in the Central Valley
• Courses: Course identified and taught by Institution's faculty. Course, academic content, syllabus, and credit determined by Institution. No USAC credit is given, and cost of instruction is not included in the program.

Cultural immersion and site experiences

Local site activities

• City tour led by a professional guide or USAC staff.
• 2-4 local site activities. Examples include:
  
  • Survival Spanish workshop (no credit)
  • Latin American cooking workshop
  • Latin American dance workshop
  • Cultural exchange with local students

Day trips

1-2 day trips. Examples include:

• San José (may include city tour, National Museum of Costa Rica, Central Market, National Theatre, or Jade Museum)
• Irazú Volcano National Park
• Pacific Coast
• La Paz Waterfall
• Sarapiquí area
• Poás Volcano + Coffee Plantation Tour
• Bajos del Toro Waterfall

Optional add-on: Overnight trip

May include one overnight trip (1-3 days) as itinerary, season, and staffing allows. Examples include:

• La Fortuna de San Carlos
• Central Pacific Coast
• Monteverde Cloud Forest – biplane canopy tour
• Cahuita/Caribbean Coast (3 days, 2 nights)

What's included