Get up to $1,000 in flight credits or grants toward study or internship programs abroad when you apply by September 12, 2025. See our Official Rules for full details.
Language: Spanish
Climate: Temperate
Currency: Costa Rican Colon
From prestigious universities to hip gastropubs, a vibrant artistic culture to a booming music scene, San José blends urban color and stunning natural beauty; when you study abroad in San José, more than 800 miles of coastline and acres of lush rainforests lie just a short drive from this diverse metropolitan center. When you’re studying abroad in San José, your immersion opportunities are limitless: You can hike on a volcano, explore the rainforest, and get up-close-and-personal with sloths. You can give back to your host community through volunteering, learn new dance moves, and lounge on the beach (Pacific or Caribbean? Take your pick!) Choose from a range of academic offerings in fields uniquely suited for study in San José, like Health Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Liberal Arts, and Spanish Language.
Veritas University
Starting at $4,995
Veritas University
Starting at $4,995
Veritas University
Starting at $4,695
Since its founding in 1976, Veritas University has become one of the most highly recognized private universities in Latin America. Not only is Veritas fully accredited by the Costa Rica Ministry of Education, but it is also a member of the College Consortium for International Studies and NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
With approximately 2,000 students, 500 of whom are international, Veritas University is located in the eastern part of the city (Zapote), ten minutes from downtown San José and only one kilometer from the Casa Presidencial. The school offers a complete range of subjects and a great variety of cultural, artistic, and athletic activities.
The university’s spacious campus is equipped with modern facilities, including several computer labs and a well-maintained library. CEA CAPA offers a practical and well-organized Spanish language program, led by a highly trained and experienced staff of university professors.
Ranked among Costa Rica’s top 10 universities, Veritas is fully accredited by the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Education and is a member of the College Consortium for International Studies and NAFSA.
CEA CAPA credit hour recommendations are based on the following conversion: 15 contact hours equals 1 U.S. credit. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university. Please consult with an academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Students receive a transcript from Veritas University upon successful completion of the program. The transcript reflects the contact hours per course.
CEA CAPA Alum Thom Stahlecker shares how studying abroad in Costa Rica changed his relationship with food for the better. Learn more.
CEA CAPA Content Creator Claire Dombrowski writes about her homestay experience and how she adjusted to studying abroad in San José, Costa Rica.
CEA CAPA Alum Madison O’Brien writes about her interior design internship while studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain.
Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.
*Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.
Engage in San Jose’s pura vida culture firsthand when you live in a homestay with a local Costa Rican family. For the culture-seeking type who want to live life abroad as their host locals do, homestays enable students the opportunity to dive headfirst into Costa Rican life.
Semester
Summer
Limited availability. This option is ideal for independent students who favor having their own space and the flexibility and responsibility of apartment living. Apartments are located in a trendy neighborhood in the heart of the city, within walking distance from Veritas University/ CEA CAPA Office in San Jose. CEA CAPA manages a handful of studios, the other apartments are occupied by locals, students, and tourists. You will be by yourself in the studio; there may or may not be other CEA CAPA students as neighbors.
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
