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Find yourself captivated by Costa Rica’s natural beauties and rich biodiversity! This program is designed for students of all language levels who are interested in exploring topics in Marine Biology in Costa Rica, a renowned leader in the field of environmental conservation. You’ll have the unique opportunity to build understanding of the region’s tropical characteristics, marine ecosystems, biodiversity and environmental issues through field trips and fieldwork.
Methodology includes online coursework that begins prior to travelling to Costa Rica and fieldwork once you arrive onsite.
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 CAPA 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
You’ll enroll in 1 VU Tropical Marine Biology course and earn 6 credits (20 online hours, 35 lecture hours, 35 field session hours, for a total of 90 contact hours).
The course has an online component and a fieldwork component. You’ll take 2 weeks of online coursework at home, plus 2.5 weeks of field sessions in Costa Rica. The online portion of the class will allow you to interact with your professor and classmates through Canvas, a virtual platform for Internet-based courses. Once in Costa Rica, you will officially meet your professor and classmates and together continue with the program. You’ll explore the topics exhibited during the online part in the field, visiting different marine habitats along the Costa Rican Pacific coast, including coral reefs, sandy and muddy beaches, mangroves and estuaries.
Upon confirmation of your participation in the program, we’ll register you in the module. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
All aspects of this program, including program logistics, academics, housing, and transportation is managed by our partner institution Veritas University. Please note that due to the unique structure of the program, inclusions such as excursions and housing differ from those of our other programs. Contact your CEA Admissions Counselor for more information.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$4,695
$4,695
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
$275
International Airfare & Transfers Cost varies depending on time of purchase, point of origin and time of travel.
$600
$1,300
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.
$50
$100
Meals Includes the average expected cost for meals in housing option without a meal plan, such as daily groceries and eating out at restaurants.
$345
$551
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.
$345
$488
Travel Expenses Includes additional travel outside of CEA excursions. This cost varies according to the spending habits of the student.
$315
$630
TOTAL EXPENSES
$6,515
$8,204
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.