Spend a transformative semester or academic year in San José, Costa Rica's vibrant capital city, studying at Universidad LCI Veritas, one of Latin America's most highly respected universities. This AIFS Abroad program immerses you in Spanish language learning and a diverse range of academic disciplines while living with a local host family—often described by participants as the most rewarding aspect of study abroad.

You'll choose from multiple program tracks designed to match your academic goals. The Spanish Language, Liberal Arts and Environmental Sciences program lets you strengthen Spanish skills at any level (Beginner through Advanced) while taking electives across art, architecture, business, communications, economics, environmental sustainability, health, history, literature, photography, psychology, tropical ecology, and marine biology. Spanish courses run in intensive 4-week blocks with small classes (15 hours/week, 60 contact hours), while afternoon electives span the full semester. Most electives are taught in English, with specialized options for health professionals and law enforcement. You can earn 13–16 semester credits (or up to 19 on the extended semester option), with flexibility to emphasize language study or electives based on your needs.

If you're ready for professional experience, the Spanish + Internship track combines language study with an unpaid placement in companies or NGOs near campus or within the Central Valley. You'll work minimum 30 hours/week over 4–16 weeks, earning 3–12 suggested credits. Recent placements span business (travel agencies), education (public schools), social work (daycare, NGOs), international relations, digital fabrication, biomolecular research, and conservation biology. The Certificate of Knowledge program lets you specialize in one field by completing one Spanish course and four electives in disciplines like sustainability or creative industries.

Your experience extends far beyond the classroom. The inclusive program fee covers tuition, homestay housing with breakfast and dinner daily, three major excursions (3 days to Manuel Antonio National Park with wildlife and beaches, 3 days to Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest, 1 day to Poás Volcano with a coffee tour), weekly cultural activities and social events, 24/7 emergency support, comprehensive insurance, and access to the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment. You'll participate in walking tours of San José, Costa Rican cooking classes, indigenous reserve visits, Latino dance lessons, language exchanges with Costa Rican students, and optional activities like the Sarapiquí rafting and chocolate-making experience.

Costa Rica itself is a gem destination—a country leading in clean energy, biodiversity, and the "pura vida" lifestyle. San José pulses with culture, commerce, and natural beauty within reach. Your AIFS Abroad Program Director, Karla Carballo (trained in psychology and a study abroad alumna herself), provides continuous academic guidance, cultural orientation, and support navigating life abroad. Housing in a homestay accelerates Spanish acquisition and gives you authentic insight into Costa Rican family life and values. Internet is included in all housing. The program welcomes high school graduates through non-students with a minimum 2.5 GPA; internship placements require 2.6 GPA, age 20+, and advanced Spanish proficiency (with exceptions for specific research internships). Whether you're beginning Spanish or polishing advanced skills, exploring multiple disciplines or diving deep into one field, or combining academics with meaningful work experience, this program offers the flexibility and support to make your semester abroad transformative.