Overview

With volcanic mountains and tropical forests nearby, the city of San José is a bustling urban center with friendly, welcoming citizens. As an intellectual center for the country, the University of Costa Rica (UCR) provides a rich social and cultural education in addition to an excellent academic experience. The intensive language program (ILP) provides exceptional training to prepare you for the academic culture of UCR, and includes excursions to both highland and coastal areas. The Study Center coordinates opportunities for volunteer community service and internships.

Students attend classes with host country students.

Course Opportunities

Regular university course work with especially strong offerings in anthropology, biology, economics, environmental and ecological studies, geography, history, Spanish language and literature, and the social sciences. Courses vary each semester so you are encouraged to check course availability in the UCR online schedule of classes. The Study Center organizes an optional core course to assist you in your intellectual approach to Central American issues and, if you are interested, to prepare you for independent research.

Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:

• EAP Program Search provides information on general areas of study.
• Host institution online catalogs or course listings:
  • University of Costa Rica
• MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.

Units

Most students enroll in four courses to meet the program unit requirement. You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad.

ILP: 3 to 8 UC quarter units
Spring: minimum 18 UC quarter units
Internship option: 6 UC quarter units

Language of Instruction

Spanish

Language Study

The program begins with a four-week Spanish intensive language program (ILP).

Internships, Research, and Independent Study

EAP at UCR offers a range of opportunities for experiential learning-some for academic credit. Students who wish to volunteer in a community service project (not for academic credit) will find a range of activities from which to choose. Past EAP students have worked in public health agencies, local elementary schools, consulting firms, women's shelters, and rural enterprises close to the capital.

Study Center staff can provide further information about organizations that have expressed a need for volunteers.

Independent study projects and internships taken for academic credit during the regular semester are also an option. These must be supervised by either a host university faculty member or the Study Center Director. Past students have completed studies in a range of fields, including public health, environmental resource preservation, and education.

With the approval of the Study Center Director, students interested in a more extensive internship may lengthen their participation to complete a six-week summer internship following the end of regular classes. These internships run from early July to late August and carry 6 UC quarter units.

In the past, students have worked among indigenous communities in the south on sustainable development projects and with rural communities organizing eco-touristic projects. Exact information on placement possibilities will be made available after arrival in Costa Rica.

If you have successfully completed the ILP and spring semester you are eligible for participation in an internship program that runs through July and August, subject to approval by the Resident Program Director. Past internships have been organized in the city of San José and in outlying areas of the country.

Duration

Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.

Spring: mid-January to mid-July

Students who choose to add the optional internship would extend the length of the program to late August.

Housing

During the ILP, you will stay with a Costa Rican host family. Homestays are carefully selected and prearranged by EAP. Living in a Costa Rican homestay is one of the best ways to improve your Spanish, experience local cuisine and traditions, and orient yourself to the city of San José. Following the ILP, you may either choose to remain with your host family or rent an apartment in San José with tico students and/or other UC students.

On-site Support

EAP students are supported by UC's network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. The Resident Director helps students integrate into the culture of their host country and provides assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues. The Study Center is located on the University of Costa Rica campus and provides a meeting place for students with access to computers.

See the EAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).

Host Institutions

• University of Costa Rica, San José

Estimated Cost

Participation in EAP is a great value! The cost of EAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to EAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.

Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will be based on the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.

These expenses are estimated for 2009-10. Amounts will vary for 2010-11 participation due to proposed changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2009-10 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.

Here’s what is included in the estimate:

• Predeparture expenses (for visas and related documents)
• Round-trip transportation from California
• UC fees
• Tuition at the University of Costa Rica (UCR)
• Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
• Accident and medical insurance
• Airport pick-up and transport to UCR
• On-site orientation at UCR
• Intensive Language Program
• Two-day excursions to Arenal Volcano and Isla Tortuga
• Picnic and excursion with all students and host families
• Room and board with homestay families and later alternative arrangements
• Entrance fees to National Theater, markets, and museums of San José
• Books and other incidental expenses

Estimated EAP Costs*

Option	Cost
* Based on most recent costs for 2009-2010 to the nearest $100.
Spring	$12,400

Application Requirements

Class Level

Junior, senior, graduate

Language Prerequisite

Minimum two years of university-level Spanish (or equivalent) by the end of the last term prior to departure. If at the time the program starts it will have been a year or more since you last took a course in Spanish, it is recommended that you refresh your proficiency before departure. Contact your Campus EAP Office for details.

GPA

3.0 cumulative GPA and 3.0 language GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure. If you are below a 3.0, you must confer with a Campus EAP Advisor before submitting an application.

Minimum Criteria

All applicants must also have:

• Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student’s UC degree program
• Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully to a different environment and a new education system; ability to assess and exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
• A willingness to abide by program regulations
• An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)

These are minimum program requirements only and do not guarantee selection. The Campus EAP Office determines final selection and admission.

Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information:

• UC Berkeley
• UC Davis
• UC Irvine
• UC Los Angeles
• UC Merced
• UC Riverside
• UC San Diego
• UC Santa Barbara
• UC Santa Cruz