Spend your fall semester in San José, Costa Rica, immersing yourself in one of the world's most biodiverse regions while gaining real-world experience in veterinary science, wildlife management, and conservation biology. This 13-week program at Universidad LCI Veritas combines 16 academic credits with over 200 hours of hands-on fieldwork in clinical veterinary and wildlife settings, making it ideal for students pursuing degrees in veterinary medicine, wildlife management, environmental science, or biology.

Your academic experience centers on two mandatory courses: Wildlife Management and Conservation Initiatives (ENV 3125) and Veterinary Clinical Practice and Skills (VET 2500), complemented by electives in areas such as Costa Rican Marine Mammals, Marine Biology, Costa Rican Wildcats, Conservation Biology, and Genetics. All courses are taught in English by seasoned veterinary professionals and wildlife management experts. You'll work at world-class facilities including veterinary hospitals, field stations, NGC Rescue Centers, and the School of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery San Francisco de Asís at LCI Veritas, one of Costa Rica's leading institutions for veterinary education.

Throughout the program, you'll have supervised hands-on contact with small animals, marine species, and Costa Rica's iconic wildlife such as sloths. During the final week, you'll spend five days at rescue centers gaining insights into conservation projects and wildlife management work, all guided by trained professionals who ensure proper handling, safety, and ethical care standards. You'll participate in marine conservation projects and gain practical training in natural laboratories across this ecologically rich nation.

Your living experience enhances your cultural immersion through a homestay with a local family in San José, where you'll receive breakfast and dinner daily, benefit from weekly laundry service, and have internet access. The program includes numerous cultural activities and social events such as walking tours of San José, Costa Rican cooking classes, indigenous reserve visits, Latino dance lessons, and language exchange programs with Costa Rican students. Three major excursions are included: a 3-day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park, a 3-day excursion to Arenal Volcano with hot springs and Monteverde Cloud Forest, and a day trip to Poás Volcano with coffee tours and artisan towns.

Beyond academics and fieldwork, you'll benefit from 24/7 emergency support, comprehensive health insurance, access to the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment, an alumni network, and a dedicated on-site Program Director (Karla Carballo, with background in psychology) to support your personal and academic growth. You'll also have opportunities to volunteer with children, elderly people, and on social projects within San José. U.S. citizens automatically receive a 180-day tourist visa upon entry, covering the entire semester program.

This program is designed for high school graduates through seniors with a minimum 2.8 GPA who are passionate about animals and committed to understanding wildlife conservation and veterinary care from a Costa Rican perspective. Whether you're exploring pre-veterinary coursework, building a foundation for graduate programs, or seeking meaningful career-focused experience in conservation biology, this semester abroad offers an academically rigorous and transformative experience in one of the world's most ecologically significant regions.