Spend a transformative semester in San José, Costa Rica, combining intensive Spanish language study with a professional internship experience at Universidad LCI Veritas, one of Latin America's most respected universities. This program is designed for students ready to advance their Spanish proficiency while gaining real-world work experience in their field of interest.

You'll begin with a preparatory 4-week Spanish language course to refresh and strengthen your existing skills, then progress into an internship placement working 30+ hours per week with local companies or NGOs in San José or the Central Valley. Your internship will be directly related to your major and interests—past placements have included positions in travel agencies, biomolecular laboratories, education, social work, international relations, digital fabrication, marine biology research, marketing, and teaching English as a second language. You'll earn academic credit for your internship work while being supervised by a Veritas professor who guides you through project work and final presentations.

Beyond the classroom and workplace, you'll experience authentic Costa Rican culture through homestay living with a local family, included meals, and a rich calendar of cultural activities and excursions. The program includes three major excursions—to Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Poás Volcano with a coffee plantation tour—plus day trips, cooking classes, dance lessons, visits to indigenous reserves, and participation in language exchanges with Costa Rican students. Your on-site Program Director, Karla Carballo, brings psychology training and personal study abroad experience to provide comprehensive support as you navigate both academic and personal challenges.

The destination itself is compelling: San José is the vibrant beating heart of Central America, a capital city renowned for tremendous biodiversity, stunning landscapes, 99% clean energy production, and an engaging, welcoming culture. Whether you're interested in business, conservation biology, social work, education, healthcare, or digital innovation, you'll gain both professional credentials and cultural fluency that set you apart. The program includes tuition for up to 19 semester credits, comprehensive health insurance, 24/7 emergency support, access to the Clifton StrengthsFinder professional assessment tool, and connection to the AIFS Abroad alumni network—all designed to maximize your growth as a professional and global citizen.