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Acquire the language skills and understanding of cultural elements that may come into play when working with Spanish-speaking patients. Designed for students at all levels of Spanish ability who wish to work in the medical and health sciences fields, this program offers health science courses (taught in English) that provide insight into Costa Rica's health care system and offer active learning components that reinforce lessons learned in class. From recognizing medical vocabulary to describing patients' physical and mental states to communication with patients and other medical personnel, language courses focus on developing the ability to effectively communicate with patients through intensive speaking and listening practice set within a medical context. Advanced students will fine-tune their language skills, discussing topics such as advantages and disadvantages of traditional vs. holistic medicine and preparing talks or presentations given at clinics or conferences. Regardless of the level of instruction, expect to give presentations that simulate medical provider-patient interactions. An Early Start option, offered in the fall semester, helps you jump start your (regular) Spanish language skills before your Medical Spanish course begins in the semester.
Our partner institution, Veritas University, is known for its commitment to students from around the world; about 25% of the 2,000-member student body is international. Veritas offers a range of courses in fields like architecture, business, cultural studies, design, environmental science, health sciences, studio arts, and zoology. Courses are taught in English, and Spanish Language courses are available for all levels. The spacious, modern campus is located in the quiet Zapote District, just east of downtown San José and home to the Casa Presidencial.
When you study abroad in San José, you can choose CEA housing or arrange your own independent housing. Assignments are based on availability and confirmation date; we make every effort to match your housing requests, but we can’t guarantee housing preferences.
Program Structure
Enroll in 1 language course, 1-3 health science courses, and 0-2 optional elective courses. Language courses meet for 60 contact hours/4 credits, health sciences and elective courses meet for 48-60 contact hours (3-4 credits). You may earn 12-16 credits (up to 240 contact hours).
If you choose the Early Start option, you'll enroll in an additional language course that meets for 60 contact hours/4 credits. With the Early Start option, you may earn 16-20 credits (up to 300 contact hours) over the semester. Please note, the language course offered in the Early Start option is a traditional Spanish language course. Medical Spanish courses are only offered during the normal semester.
Veritas University offers courses in English and Spanish language. English taught courses are fully in English, while the Spanish language acquisition courses are taught fully in Spanish - the methodology they use is “Spanish in Spanish”. Veritas utilizes the Competencies based learning as their Pedagogical Model for both English and Spanish courses.
Language courses meet for 3 hours per day, Monday-Friday, for 4 weeks in January (winter semester) or October (fall semester). Health sciences and elective courses meet in the afternoons or evenings, Monday-Thursday, through the entire semester. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.
Prior to departure, you will select your preferred courses and take a language placement exam. Students who have no prior knowledge of Spanish language and consider taking SPN 101 Spanish Basic I or SSP 141 Basic Spanish for Health Professionals, may opt out of the of the language placement exam. You will be enrolled into courses based on their availability and the result of your placement exam. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home school pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for Costa Rica. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings may not be finalized until the start of the term; we’ll post an updated list when the host institution finalizes its offerings.
*Courses with an asterisk indicate that the course has been associated with multiple subject areas.
Please click on the course title to view additional subject areas and detailed course information.
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.
Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna
Arenal Volcano is located next to La Fortuna, built in 1969 after the original town was destroyed by a huge eruption. On the way to La Fortuna, you’ll stop at Finca Don Juan, an organic farm where you’ll learn about organic products like cassava. Next enjoy a hike to La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can swim in cool waters hidden in the jungle. Finish your day with a visit to Baldi Hot Springs , where you can relax in the many water pools naturally heated by Arenal Volcano.
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Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna
Arenal Volcano is located next to La Fortuna, built in 1969 after the original town was destroyed by a huge eruption. On the way to La Fortuna, you’ll stop at Finca Don Juan, an organic farm where you’ll learn about organic products like cassava. Next enjoy a hike to La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can swim in cool waters hidden in the jungle. Finish your day with a visit to Baldi Hot Springs , where you can relax in the many water pools naturally heated by Arenal Volcano.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Located on the Central Pacific Coast in Puntarenas Province, Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most popular and beautiful national parks and home to many endangered species, such as the Titi monkey. On the way to Manuel Antonio, you’ll stop at the Tárcoles River to watch huge crocodiles in their natural habitat. Once inside Manuel Antonio, keep your eyes open for monkeys, sloths, and many species of birds and insects as you enjoy the pristine beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and impressive lookout points in this lush tropical forest. Colorful and plentiful crafts sold on the beach make this the perfect place to buy souvenirs for loved ones back home.
See Details
Manuel Antonio National Park
Located on the Central Pacific Coast in Puntarenas Province, Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most popular and beautiful national parks and home to many endangered species, such as the Titi monkey. On the way to Manuel Antonio, you’ll stop at the Tárcoles River to watch huge crocodiles in their natural habitat. Once inside Manuel Antonio, keep your eyes open for monkeys, sloths, and many species of birds and insects as you enjoy the pristine beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and impressive lookout points in this lush tropical forest. Colorful and plentiful crafts sold on the beach make this the perfect place to buy souvenirs for loved ones back home.
Doka Estate Coffee Tour & Poas Volcano
Enjoy beautiful views from the mountainside and savor a warm cup of coffee as you gaze out at the coffee plantations of Alajuela. Thanks to eruptions from Poás Volcano, this land’s rich soil is perfect for growing coffee, one of Costa Rica’s major exports. Next you’ll head to the volcano where you'll take a short hike up to its crater,which is one of the biggest in the world (2 kilometers in diameter).There the turquoise acid pool and fumaroles are visible coming out of the sides of the crater.
See Details
Doka Estate Coffee Tour & Poas Volcano
Enjoy beautiful views from the mountainside and savor a warm cup of coffee as you gaze out at the coffee plantations of Alajuela. Thanks to eruptions from Poás Volcano, this land’s rich soil is perfect for growing coffee, one of Costa Rica’s major exports. Next you’ll head to the volcano where you'll take a short hike up to its crater,which is one of the biggest in the world (2 kilometers in diameter).There the turquoise acid pool and fumaroles are visible coming out of the sides of the crater.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Visit a cloud forest that boasts a complex, far-reaching ecosystem that’s home to thousands of species of mammals, birds, insects, and plants, including many endemic and endangered species. Take a night walk to observe fascinating nocturnal animals like spiders and snakes, and immerse in the cloud forest through a tour of hanging bridges. During your free time, you can explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and experience being both the Caribbean and the Pacific sides of the country at once by stepping on the Continental Divide.
See Details
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Visit a cloud forest that boasts a complex, far-reaching ecosystem that’s home to thousands of species of mammals, birds, insects, and plants, including many endemic and endangered species. Take a night walk to observe fascinating nocturnal animals like spiders and snakes, and immerse in the cloud forest through a tour of hanging bridges. During your free time, you can explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and experience being both the Caribbean and the Pacific sides of the country at once by stepping on the Continental Divide.
Sample Budget
This budget contains costs that you can take to your financial aid office. Please note that amounts may fluctuate; we’ve included a range of costs.
Federal law allows the use of financial aid to cover “reasonable” costs of study abroad including round-trip transportation, tuition and fees for the program, living costs, passport and visa fees, health insurance, and more.
Please note that all costs and charges listed below are subject to change without notice. With the exception of Program Price, all costs are estimates and may vary.
Program Fee Tuition and fees, registration, orientation, airport pickup, welcome and farewell receptions, housing, official transcript, cultural excursions/activities, student support services, CEA On-site Staff and administrative costs.
$11,295
$11,295
CEA Secure CEASecure™ is an optional refund plan that allows students to withdraw for any covered reason up to one week before the program’s start date
$0
$475
International Airfare & Transfers Cost varies depending on time of purchase, point of origin and time of travel.
$600
$1,500
Immigration Requirements Includes passport and additional requirements such as visa, entry and exit fees, French Carte de Séjour, French University Administrative Fee (if applicable), or Italian Permesso di Soggiorno.
$165
$165
Books, Materials and Supplies Includes books, school supplies, art supplies, and course fees. Does not include fees or supplies for optional courses. This cost varies depending on the course choices of the student.
$35
$70
Meals Includes the average expected cost for food in addition to your meal plan, such as eating out at restaurants.
$633
$1,018
Personal Expenses Includes telephone, laundry, local transportation, personal necessities and upfront payments for potential doctor visits. Please note, certain locations may require deposits to secure spots in CEA organized activities and excursions (deposits are returned at the end of the program if student attends activities/excursions or cancels participation before set deadlines). Some of these costs vary according to the spending habits of the student.
$633
$894
Travel Expenses Includes additional travel outside of CEA excursions. This cost varies according to the spending habits of the student.
$688
$1,375
TOTAL EXPENSES
$14,049
$16,792
Sample Calendar
Below is a tentative itinerary for your program. Please note, dates and events below may change without prior notification. Contact CEA before purchasing airline tickets.
You will receive a finalized itinerary once you arrive onsite.
Note: Additional cultural activities/excursions or required course-related activities may be incorporated into your final itinerary. You are advised not to make personal travel arrangements until you have the final dates.
Official Program Start Date. Students must arrive at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose on this date in order to be eligible for airport pickup. Students will then be transferred to their assigned housing.
January 07
Orientation
Mandatory CEA Orientation & Welcome Activities.
January 08
Classes Begin
Classes begin at Veritas University.
January 12 - 14
Excursion
Included trip outside the city. Subject to changes.
January 20 - 21
Excursion
Included trip outside the city. Subject to changes.
January 27 - 28
Excursion
Included trip outside the city. Subject to changes.
March 25 - 29
School Break
Veritas University is closed for Holy Week Break. No classes will be held.
April 06
Program Ends/Move-Out
Official Program End Date. Students must move out of housing no later than this day.
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when you apply with code* by June 30, 2023
