¡Pura Vida!

Program Description:

ICISP offers a summer language immersion program in San Jose, Costa Rica. Adventure awaits as you explore beautiful Costa Rica, a rugged Central American country with numerous rainforests and scenic coastlines on both the Caribbean and Pacific oceans. Although its capital, San Jose, is home to cultural institutions like the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and biodiversity. Roughly a quarter of its area is made up of protected jungle, teeming with wildlife including spider monkeys and quetzal birds.

At the Costa Rican Language Academy (CRLA) in San Jose, students study Spanish in small classes with native speakers. This total immersion experience includes family home stays and excursions to places such as Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Academics:
Students enroll in 6-7 credits at their home institution. Spanish is offered at six levels: Beginning I/II, Intermediate I/II and Advanced I/II. Students also enroll in Culture and Civilization of Costa Rica, which combines classroom lectures with experiential learning through local excursion to museums, historical sites and wildlife preserves. No previous study of Spanish is required.

Trips, Excursions and Activities:
Included in the program are numerous excursions throughout San Jose and the surrounding areas. Visits to the Central Valley, Heredia and a coffee plantation, the Atlantic Watershed and a banana plantation, Zarcero and a local hot spring, and the Diquis region allow students to experience the vast diversity and agricultural resources of Costa Rica. Students also have free time to explore on their own.

Room and Board:
Students are housed with carefully selected local families in double-occupancy rooms. This is an excellent means to practice and enhancement Spanish speaking abilities and learn about the Costa Rican culture. Daily breakfast and dinner, of typical Costa Rican cuisine and local produce, is provided at the home-stay. Laundry service is also included in the homestay.

Eligibility:

  • 18 years or older
  • 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale for college students
  • Community members are welcome to participate
  • Recent high school graduates are accepted upon review of a HS transcript

Application Deadlines:

  • February 15, 2024 for Summer 2024 program. Space permitting, late applications may be accepted.

To apply or for additional information:
Click here for the program flyer for 2024.

Click here for additional program information from College of DuPage.

Click here for Summer 2024 application, letters of recommendation forms, and COD/ICISP billing agreement. These forms must be submitted to your ICISP representative, who will send to COD. 

Please contact the ICISP representative at your home institution. Click here for a list of all ICISP representatives.

Study Abroad Video Contest
Click here for details. 

 

Skip to content