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Experiential Learning Opportunities
Study + Internship in San Jose
About the Program
Speak Spanish at an advanced level? You can earn academic credit while immersing into local culture and workplaces in this study + internship opportunity. The Study + Internship program in San Jose allows you to make steady progress toward your academic degree while developing practical skills in fields such as marketing, management, finance, hospitality, and more. The program incorporates a professional internship placement into your semester abroad. Our strong academic focus and personalized placements dedicated to meaningful experiences that make a real impact, allow you to take care of those degree requirements and give your career a boost all while gaining the international experience you’ve been seeking.
Requirements
Overview
San Jose
3/3/18 - 6/30/18
$10,195
14 - 19
Deadlines
Closed
2/15/18
Requirements
Eligibility
Students must have completed at least 4 semesters of language at the college level and must demonstrate oral and written proficiency in foreign language.
Students must have taken courses related to their preferred internship placement.
Advanced And Above
2 Years of College completed by time of application
2.6
Additional Internship Documents (As Requested)
Internship Career Field(s)
Where You'll Study
Veritas University
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 o...
Veritas University
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.
Credit Transfer Information
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.
Transcript Information
Students receive a transcript from Veritas University upon successful completion of the program. The transcript reflects the contact hours per course.
Accreditation
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.
Grading
Grade conversions from CEA CAPA partner institutions abroad to a US grading scale are determined in consultation with our School of Record and benchmarked with other peer institutions in the field.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Classroom and Information
- International faculty from Veritas University teach your language and elective classes.
- Attendance in all classes is mandatory and monitored by each professor.
- Periodic exams, homework assignments and final exams will be administered.
- Teaching styles in Costa Rica may differ from those in the U.S. Be prepared to adapt to different classroom structures and coursework expectations.
- Class size ranges between 10 and 25 students and includes CEA CAPA participants and other international students.
Amenities
Student Offices
Clubs & Organizations
Study Room
Counseling Services
University Library
Computer Lab
Printing Facilities
Student ID
Multi-Media
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Academic Advising
Tutoring
Language Learning Services
Language Exchange with Local Students
Cultural Engagement
Dining Facilities
Free Campus Shuttle
Copy & Mail Center
On-campus ATM
Museum & Art Galleries
14-19
Credits
Program Structure & Courses
You'll enroll in a 4-week preparatory language course followed by a 12-week internship seminar course that includes an academic seminar and an internship placement, as well as 1-2 elective courses taught in English or Spanish.
Your internship seminar meets for 9 seminar hours and you'll spend 240 hours at your internship placement. Together, your seminar and internship placement are worth 6 credits. Language courses meet for 60 contact hours/4 credits and elective courses meet for 48-60 contact hours/3-4 credits. You may earn a total of 14-19 credits (218-290 contact hours).
Your internship placement hours may take place Monday-Friday; the exact time of day and days of the week will be determined after you arrive. Your internship seminar meets every other week for 1.5 hours. Language courses meet for 3 hours per day, Monday-Friday. Elective courses typically meet twice per week in the afternoon or evening.
We strongly recommend that you apply as soon as possible. Internship positions are both limited in availability and competitive; employers give priority to those who submit early!
The majority of internships require a telephone or in-person interview with the employer before placement is confirmed. All placements will be confirmed upon arrival and will each have their own set of internship guidelines for the position. We'll do our best, but we can't guarantee placement at a particular site.
Prior to departure, you will select your preferred courses and take a Spanish language level 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.
Your internship seminar meets for 9 seminar hours and you'll spend 240 hours at your internship placement. Together, your seminar and internship placement are worth 6 credits. Language courses meet for 60 contact hours/4 credits and elective courses meet for 48-60 contact hours/3-4 credits. You may earn a total of 14-19 credits (218-290 contact hours).
Your internship placement hours may take place Monday-Friday; the exact time of day and days of the week will be determined after you arrive. Your internship seminar meets every other week for 1.5 hours. Language courses meet for 3 hours per day, Monday-Friday. Elective courses typically meet twice per week in the afternoon or evening.
We strongly recommend that you apply as soon as possible. Internship positions are both limited in availability and competitive; employers give priority to those who submit early!
The majority of internships require a telephone or in-person interview with the employer before placement is confirmed. All placements will be confirmed upon arrival and will each have their own set of internship guidelines for the position. We'll do our best, but we can't guarantee placement at a particular site.
Prior to departure, you will select your preferred courses and take a Spanish language level 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.
Advanced Level And Above Course Structure
Courses
The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings will not be finalized until the start of the term.
*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.
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPN 301 Advanced Spanish I | 300 | Sp | 60 | 4 |
| SPN 302 Advanced Spanish II | 300 | Sp | 60 | 4 |
| SPN 310 Advanced Spanish Conversation | 300 | Sp | 60 | 4 |
| SPN 320 Cultural Heritage in Latin America * | 300 | Sp | 60 | 4 |
| SPN 340 Advanced Techniques of Oral Expression | 300 | Sp | 60 | 4 |
| SPN 410 Advanced Composition | 400 | Sp | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Internship | 400 | Sp | 240 | 6 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARCH 3200 Tropical Design and Architecture | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENV 3044 Tropical Ecology | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| ENV 3170 Freshwater Ecology | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENV 3100 Tropical Birds of Costa Rica * | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| ENV 3160 Conservation Biology & Endangered Marine Species | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| ENV 3190 Tropical Marine Biology * | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKTG 3150 Sustainable Consumption and Production * | 300 | En | 48 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHOT 2100 Ecological Photography | 200 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POL 3100 Costa Rican Traditions: Peace and Democracy | 300 | En | 48 | 3 |
| POL 3420 Costa Rica's Environmental Policy: A History of Policy, Politics and Action. * | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPN 3020 Selected Readings in Latin American Literature | 300 | Sp | 48 | 3 |
| SPN 3050 Phonetics and Phonology | 300 | Sp | 48 | 3 |
| SPN 4390 Latin American Literature in Film | 400 | Sp | 48 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSD 3100 Gender and Sustainability * | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
Interested in taking your career to the next level?
Where You'll Stay
*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.
Homestay
Available:
Semester
Summer
Summer
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.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Office in San Jose: 10-20 minutes, walking
- Veritas University: 10-20 minutes, walking
Meals Included
• 2 meals per day – Breakfast & Dinner (Mon - Sun) included, except on excursion days
Roommates
- 1-3 students per room; may be up to 5 students per room, depending on enrollment
- Up to 4 students per Homestay; may be up to 8 students per Homestay, depending on enrollment
Unit Amenities
- Limited kitchen
- Shared-single sex bathroom
- Bed linens included
- Internet Access
- Telephone access available
- Washer Only
Studio Apartment
Available:
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.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Office: 15-20 minutes, walking
- Veritas University: 15-20 minutes, walking
Meals Included
- N/A
Roommates
- 1 student per room
Unit Amenities
- Kitchen Available
- Bed linens and towels included
- Internet Access
- A/C
- Cleaning Service provided every 2 weeks.
- Pool
- Washing machine (washer & dryer)
Additional Fees
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.
Excursions
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.
What's Included in your Program
From housing to excursions, our programs include a variety of inclusions to enhance your study abroad experience! Here are examples that may be available in San José. Inclusions vary by program – please contact our Enrollment and Advising team to find out what options are available for you.
- Personalized Pre-Departure Advising
- Visa & Immigration Advising
- Financial Advising
- Tuition and Registration
- Airport Pick-up
- Onsite Orientation
- City Tour
- Onsite Staff Support
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
- Travel Medical Insurance
- International Emergency Service Support
- Welcome & Farewell Events
- Centrally Located Housing
- Wellness Activities
- Cultural Engagement
- Language Exchanges
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Excursions
- Student Clubs & Organizations
- Host Institution Services & Amenities
- Career & Re-entry Workshop
- Official Transcript(s)
Sample Calendar
Below is a tentative itinerary for your program. Please note, dates and events below may change without prior notification. Contact CEA CAPA 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.
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
|
March 03
|
Arrival/Program Begins
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. |
|
March 04
|
Orientation
Mandatory CEA Orientation, City Tour & Welcome Lunch. |
|
March 05
|
Orientation
Mandatory Veritas Orientation. |
|
March 06
|
Classes Begin
Classes begin at Veritas University. |
|
March 26 - 30
|
School Break
Veritas University is closed for Holy Week Break. No classes will be held. |
|
April 09
|
Internship Begins
Internship Begins: This day the Internship begins. |
|
April 13 - 15
|
Excursion
Excursion: CEA Excursion to Monteverde: Lodging, transportation, night walk, hanging bridges tour & chocolate tour. |
|
May 04 - 07
|
Excursion
CEA Excursion to Panamá. Includes: Transportation, lodging, dolphin tour, snorkeling, Star Fish beach tour, Red Frog beach tour, entrance to the National Park, bote. |
|
June 29
|
Classes End
This is the last day of classes at Veritas University. |
|
June 30
|
Program Ends/Move-Out
Official Program End Date. Students must move out of housing no later than this day. |
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.