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Experiential Learning Opportunities
Study + Internship in San Jose
About the Program
Dive into a country renowned for its amazing biodiversity and rich Latin American culture. The Study + Internship in San José program allows you to make steady progress toward your academic degree while developing practical skills in fields such as visual arts, finance, tourism, and more. You have the option to take courses at Veritas University alongside your internship and build your professional network as you gain the hands-on international experience that employers value. Learn more about the benefits of a CEA internship.
Requirements
Overview
San Jose
5/17/21 - 7/17/21
$5,695
6 - 8
Deadlines
Closed
4/16/21
Requirements
Eligibility
3-4 courses directly related to the internship field of interest or 6 weeks full time work in the field is encouraged.
2.75
Intermediate And Above
1 year as a registered college student by the time of application
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
6-8
Credits
Program Structure & Courses
CEA’s study + internship program includes a personalized internship placement, a flipped classroom-style online academic course and an additional elective course. Your internship work schedule may vary depending on industry standards for your career field and will be determined after you arrive.
Internship Course
The required internship course has been designed to help you make the most of your internship and launch your transition to professional with the refined and strengthened career skills employers are craving. The course features one hour of face-to-face coaching sessions per week during your internship and includes additional self-directed course content, activities and assignments equivalent to about 30-40 hours total. You will automatically be enrolled in the internship course upon acceptance of your internship placement.
Credit Options
The internship course is a variable credit course, providing you the flexibility to earn between 3-4 semester credits for your internship. The 3 credit internship option includes the required online hybrid course and a minimum of 120 hours at your internship placement. For an additional 40 hours that you work at your internship placement, you may choose to earn 1 additional credit for a fee. Earning the additional credit is not required. The credits align to internship hours as follows:
- 3 credits: minimum 120 placement hours + internship course
- 4 credits: minimum 160 placement hours + internship course
You will identify the credit option that works best for you during the placement process. We strongly recommended that you apply as soon as possible. Internship positions are selective; students who demonstrate both professionalism and commitment throughout the process are most successful in securing placements.
Additional Elective Courses
In addition to your internship course and placement, you will choose 1 additional VU Spanish language or elective course to take from the catalog of course options available to you. 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. This provides you with the opportunity to gain professional experience while also making progress toward your degree requirements and engaging in classes that afford a richer cultural experience.
Language courses meet for 60 contact hours/4 credits and elective courses meet for 48-60 contact hours/3-4 credits and run in June to align with the academic study program offered at Veritas University. Overall, students may earn 6-8 credits.
Elective courses generally meet at various times Monday-Friday. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays. Your internship coaching session will meet weekly and 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.
Career Coaching & Placement Process
Once you’ve submitted your application, your career development adventure will begin! The placement process is more than just securing an internship placement. You will engage in a career exploration and coaching journey with your internship coach to help you to identify your ideal professional pathway. During this time, you will receive 7-10 hours of professional career coaching via video, email and workshops.
You will also engage in additional interviews with our in-country internship coordinator and your potential host site supervisor. The host site retains the final decision regarding placements, so it’s important that your interviews reflect your maturity, adaptability, curiosity, and commitment to both your career interests and the host organization.
Timeline Guarantee
Upon successfully completing your in-country internship coordinator interview, CEA guarantees you a placement that will support the personal, professional, and cross-cultural learning objectives you have identified in your career coaching process. All placements will be secured two weeks prior to arrival.
If you have confirmed an internship placement through independent contacts, we can also support you in securing important logistics such as visas, housing, and credit. Contact an admissions counselor for more details.
Beginner Level Course Structure
Available Levels
Courses
The following courses have been confirmed for this term. Please note, the host institution reserves the right to cancel or change courses without prior notification.
*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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Internship * | 400 | En, Sp | 182 | 4 |
| International Internship * | 400 | En, Sp | 142 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARCH 3112 History of Latin American Architecture and Art | 300 | En | 48 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMM 3200 Intercultural Communication & Competence | 300 | En | 48 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETH 3100 Selected Topics in Afro-Caribbean Studies * | 300 | En | 48 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENV 3044 Tropical Ecology | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEB 3500 Ecotourism: The Costa Rica Case * | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENV 2500 Introduction to Genetics: Current Applications | 200 | En | 60 | 4 |
| ENV 3005 Environmental Impact and Social Development * | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| ENV 3060 Wildcats of Costa Rica | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| ENV 3190 Tropical Marine Biology * | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| ENV 4030 Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems | 400 | En | 60 | 4 |
| HHD 1100 Principles of Medical Entomology in the Tropics | 100 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDD 3000 Dimensions of Healthy Living | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| HHD 1020 Physical Therapy & Sport Rehabilitation | 100 | En | 48 | 3 |
| HHD 1050 Holistic Health Approaches | 100 | En | 60 | 4 |
| HHD 1070 Health & Nutrition: A Sustainability Approach | 100 | En | 60 | 4 |
| HHD 3070 Conflict Resolution and Health Care * | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| HIS 3293 Costa Rican Health Care System and Tropical Medicine | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS 2302 Contemporary Latin American History | 200 | En | 48 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HUM 3513 Costa Rica Colloquium: History & Culture * | 300 | En | 48 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGMT 3000 Service Sector Management | 300 | En | 48 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKTG 3010 International Marketing Management | 300 | En | 48 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHIL 3100 Philosophy and Integrated Thought of the Classic World | 300 | En | 48 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHOT 2130 Cultural Photography | 200 | En | 48 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY 2200 Health Psychology | 200 | En | 48 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART 1301 Basic Principles of Drawing | 100 | En | 48 | 3 |
| ART 2130 Mural Painting and Public Art * | 200 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSD 3100 Gender and Sustainability * | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| THEO 3150 Major World Religions | 300 | En | 48 | 3 |
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 |
|---|---|
|
May 17
|
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. |
|
May 18
|
Orientation
Mandatory CEA Orientation. |
|
May 24
|
Orientation
Mandatory Veritas Orientation. |
|
May 25
|
Classes Begin
Classes begin at Veritas University. |
|
May 29
|
Excursion
Trips outside the city will be included - Subject to change. |
|
June 28 - July 02
|
School Break
During this week, Veritas will be closed. |
|
July 17
|
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.