Select Your Program Option:
-
Summer 2025
Overview
Spend a summer in the mellow and breathtaking city of San José, Costa Rica with AIFS! Study a variety of academic program options at Veritas University, one of the most highly regarded private universities in Latin America. The university’s urban campus is just a short drive from lush rainforests, volcanoes, endearing sloths and stunning coastlines.
What’s Included
The AIFS inclusive program fee includes all of the great features below in addition to many pre-departure, on-site and upon-return services to help students make the most of their time abroad.
Review Our Policies-
Tuition
Up to 9 semester credits (subject to session and course selection)
-
Courses
Courses offered in architecture, art, business, communications, economics, environmental sciences, health, history, linguistics, literature, photography, physical therapy, politics, psychology, social science, Spanish language, Spanish language for business, health and law enforcement professionals
-
Housing
Homestay
-
Meals
Daily breakfast and dinner in your homestay
-
Excursions & Day Trips
Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs Spa, and Monteverde Cloud Forest (3 days)
-
Cultural & Social Activities
in and around San José including orientation and city tour, dance lesson, cooking class and visits to local markets
-
On-Site Program Director
to help with any questions or advice you may need throughout the program
-
Health & Safety
24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance -
Personal/Professional Development
Access to the renowned Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and alumni network -
Green Initiative
Additional Options & Opportunities
-
AIFS Flight Package
Round-trip flights from 25 U.S. gateways
Airport transfers to and from campus
-
Optional Excursions
Sarapiquí (2 days)
A DAY IN THE LIFE
San José
Say “hola” to Sierra, a college student from Grand Valley State University (GVSU)! Sierra took over the AIFS Abroad Instagram story to answer questions about what it’s like to study abroad in Costa Rica this summer and highlight what a typical day in her life looks like there.
Living Abroad
Housing
Homestay
Living in a homestay is the best way to learn Spanish, understand the culture and integrate into the local community.
- Single bedroom
- Weekly laundry wash
- Within walking distance of the campus
- Daily breakfast and dinner (lunch can be purchased on the university campus)
Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in San José.
City Facts
Geography
In the heart of Central America, Costa Rica is a gem of a destination, with San José, the capital, the beating heart of this unique country. Tremendous biodiversity, stunning landscapes, clean energy production and an engaging and friendly culture are prevalent both in the street and in the workplace.
Site Staff
AIFS in Costa Rica Director, Summer Programs
Karla Carballo
Hola! My name is Karla Carballo and I am excited to show you my beautiful country and introduce you to our “pura vida” lifestyle. As a 16-year-old study abroad student in France, I understood first-hand the value of living and studying in a different country and what a unique experience it is to truly get to know another culture. International education has become a passion in my life, and being part of the students’ personal and academic growth is a real honor; and for this reason I strive every day to ensure you have a wonderful and enriching experience.
My professional training in psychology has been very useful in providing the support that international students need to successfully meet the challenges of living abroad and embrace all their program has to offer. You can always count on us for support, guidance, and of course ideas to enjoy your adventure in Costa Rica.
I hope you all have an unforgettable life changing experience with us. ¡Bienvenidos!
The Program Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.
Cultural Activities
Learning does not begin or end in the classroom. To help you get a true taste of Central American culture, a wealth of cultural activities and excursions are included in your program fee.
Both inside and outside the classroom students will have the opportunity to participate in a rich program of cultural activities organized by the university and the AIFS Program Director. There is always something going on and something to do. Activities may include:
- Welcome lunch
- Tours in and around San José
- Tropical dance lessons
- Tour of the Teatro Nacional
- Visits to museums
- Tours of local markets
- Participation in a language exchange program with Costa Rican students
- Visit to the indigenous reserve of Quitirrisi
- Costa Rican cooking class
- Farewell dinner
Please note that students may need to pay a small additional fee for some of the activities above.
Important Dates & Deadlines
Request InfoOpen
Dates & Deadlines
Details
-
Early Application Deadline*
-
Application DeadlineMarch 1, 2025
-
Deposit DeadlineMarch 20, 2025
-
Scholarship DeadlineMarch 1, 2025
-
Visa Deadline****
-
Optional Departure Flight from US***May 31, 2025
-
Program BeginsMay 31, 2025
-
Program EndsJune 28, 2025
-
Optional Return Flight to US***June 28, 2025
- *** Included for students on AIFS flight package.
- **** AIFS Abroad offers visa processing services to applicants who enroll into the program by this date. All other applicants who enroll after this date will be responsible for securing their own visa with guidance from AIFS Abroad.
Optional Flight Package
Participants can select an optional transportation package for all AIFS Abroad programs that includes a round-trip flight from 25 U.S gateways and airport transfers to and from campus. Participants who choose to book their own flights will be responsible for connecting with the group at the program location and will need to make their own ground transportation arrangements from the airport.
Below are fees by departure city based on average historical costs and subject to change. If you select this option on your application, the total flight package price will be confirmed approximately one month prior to departure. Your program fee is guaranteed, and the optional flight package is an additional fee. Please note that once we have finalized the pricing for your flights the cost may change, and you will be responsible for making the additional payment if you want to participate in the flight package. Your program advisor will be in touch should there be any changes in the price of your flights.
Depature City
Fee
-
Atlanta$1,460
-
Boston$1,420
-
Buffalo$1,420
-
Charlotte$1,720
-
Chicago$1,380
-
Cincinnati$1,600
-
Columbus$1,500
-
Dallas$1,660
-
Denver$1,760
-
Des Moines$1,700
-
Detroit$1,600
-
Houston$1,540
-
Los Angeles$1,540
-
Miami$1,360
-
Minneapolis$1,640
-
New York$1,440
-
Newark$1,440
-
Orlando$1,300
-
Philadelphia$1,280
-
Phoenix$1,640
-
Pittsburgh$1,380
-
Raleigh/Durham$1,480
-
San Francisco$1,540
-
Seattle$1,640
-
St. Louis$1,460
-
Washington/Dulles$1,320
- View more
See what others are saying
Ready to Study Abroad in San Jose?
For more dates or questions, contact your program consultant:
(203) 399-5163 or email: aifsabroad@aifs.com
Social identity & access
One of the best things you can do before departure is enter into the journey knowing that your time abroad will be unique to this experience. The resources, community, and support available to you when abroad will likely be different as well. In order to help you prepare for your experience, we have compiled many resources about social identity and access in specific locations abroad. Your program staff will also provide you with more details pre-departure and during orientation.
Learn more