Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture and urban life during this intensive January Term program in San José, the vibrant capital of Costa Rica. You'll study at LCI Veritas University, a highly regarded private institution specializing in creative industries and sustainability, taking courses in healthcare, environmental studies, sustainability, or international business—all taught in English (except one Spanish-language literature course). With 3 or 4 semester credits earned over just two weeks, you'll experience rigorous academics supplemented by field visits to relevant sites that bring your classroom learning to life.

Your home base will be a homestay with a Costa Rican family within walking distance of campus, where you'll enjoy daily breakfast and dinner while truly integrating into local culture. Internet access is included, and weekly laundry service keeps you comfortable during your stay. The program director, Karla Carballo, brings 15 years of international education experience and psychological training to support your personal and academic growth, ensuring you navigate the challenges and joys of living abroad with confidence and guidance available 24/7.

Beyond the classroom, you'll participate in a rich array of cultural activities and excursions included in your program fee. Explore San José's vibrant neighborhoods on walking tours, visit indoor markets to discover Costa Rican cuisine and produce, learn about indigenous traditions at the Huetar reservation, and travel to the colonial city of Cartago to witness the majestic Irazú Volcano. An optional three-day excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park offers hiking, beach swimming, and encounters with exotic flora and fauna in one of Central America's most biodiverse regions.

Costa Rica itself is the destination's greatest asset: a country renowned for clean energy production, stunning landscapes, tremendous biodiversity, and the welcoming "pura vida" lifestyle embedded in both street culture and workplaces. You'll arrive in a capital that pulses with modern amenities and nightlife while remaining authentically connected to nature and community values. Whether you're interested in global health systems, tropical conservation, sustainable business practices, or international development, this program positions you at the intersection of rigorous academics and transformative cultural immersion.

AIFS Abroad's inclusive program fee covers tuition, housing, meals, cultural activities, welcome orientation, on-site support, 24/7 emergency assistance, comprehensive insurance, and carbon offsetting for your flights. Optional transportation packages with round-trip flights from 25 U.S. gateways and airport transfers are available, making logistics seamless. Rolling admissions mean you'll receive acceptance confirmation within two working days of completing your application, and with a straightforward 2.5 GPA minimum requirement, this program welcomes high school graduates through non-students alike.