Get up to $1,250 in flight credits or grants toward study or internship programs abroad when you apply by June 30, 2026. 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.
Universidad Veritas
Starting at $5,195
Universidad Veritas
Starting at $5,195
Universidad Veritas
Starting at $4,695
Since its founding in 1976, Universidad Veritas 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, Universidad Veritas 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 Universidad Veritas upon successful completion of the program. The transcript reflects the contact hours per course.
CEA CAPA Content Creator Sophie Peck recaps the CEA CAPA excursion to Manuel Antonio while studying abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica. Read more.
CEA CAPA Alum Bailey Stumpf shares insight on building friendships, academics, and self-growth while studying abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica.
CEA CAPA Content Creator Claire Dombrowski shares tips on how she improved her Spanish while studying abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica.
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.
We offer different housing options to match your budget, preferences, and study abroad goals. 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.
Health and safety are a top priority when selecting and reviewing program housing. When evaluating housing, CEA CAPA considers several factors including the surrounding location, commute time to academic or internship settings, as well as the condition of the building exterior and interior, common areas, the individual housing unit, and other living spaces. CEA CAPA works to ensure that program housing meets established minimum health and safety guidelines and aligns with best practices in the field.
Regular cleaning of communal areas for programs longer than 4 weeks.
Reliable internet access is included in every housing option we offer.
Typically 1–2 students per bedroom, with a maximum of 3 per room.
Housing is located within 60 minutes of campus by foot or transportation.
Cooling and heating appliances are provided (AC not always included).
A shared space with basic utensils, refrigerator, freezer, and a stove, oven, or microwave.
Access to laundry is guaranteed onsite or within walking distance. Drying racks included.
A desk in your room or a table in a common area.
Practical, modest storage space for personal belongings.
Pillows, blankets and sheets.
Global Housing Standards apply to CEA CAPA-sourced housing only, beginning Summer 2026.
Housing provided by partner universities may differ slightly.
