A perennial spring like climate and an average temperature of 22' C or 72' F make Costa Rica a very attractive destination in a tropical setting. This warm and friendly country has more than 621 miles ( appx. 1,000 km) of shoreline. Each has a beauty and character of its own, in every hue and texture. Four kinds of tropical forests, beautiful beaches on both coasts, seventeen micro-climates, 855 species of birds, 221 species of animals, and 12,000 species of plants, are among the natural assets of this small paradise.
Somewhat unique in what has often been an otherwise politically and socially turbulent part of the world, Costa Rica's history holds the keys to the "Tico" national character. A stable country politically, Costa Rica has no need of an army; in fact its army was constitutionally abolished in 1949.
San José, the country's capital and home to the University Veritas, has a large number of excellent museums, restaurants, pubs and theaters.
Originally founded in 1975 as a college of the "Universidad Autónoma de Centro America (UACA)" - the first private university in Costa Rica - Universidad Veritas is now an independent university, highly esteemed within the Latin American academic community.
Located in the eastern part of San José, ten minutes away from downtown, Universidad Veritas has a student enrollment of around 1,500. Courses and degrees awarded by the Universidad Veritas have been transferred to universities around the world.
Host families have been selected for their interest in cultural exchange and experience with foreign students. Most of the families who participate in this program live within walking distance of the university. Home stay arrangements include half pension (breakfast and dinner); there are also several small "sodas" or restaurants very close by. The University's cafeteria serves lunch specials which include rice, beans, salad, chicken or beef and beverage for about US$3.00.
The Veritas International Programs offer can also lend assistance in locating independent living in apartments. Such assistance can be provided only after the student's arrival in Costa Rica. Students should arrange to spend a few nights in a hotel or hostel upon arrival to allow adequate time for arranging more permanent housing for the semester. Students are responsible for any extra costs above and beyond the program fee.
Airport pickup is included in the program fee.
Costa Rican medical insurance for foreign students is included in the program fee. This insurance covers you only while you are on Costa Rican soil. All students should also continue their standard health insurance.
The Department of International Programs at the University Veritas offers a "total immersion" experience with an opportunity to participate and share in everyday Costa Rican life and culture.
The Universidad Veritas, fully accredited by the Ministry of Education in Costa Rica, stresses academic excellence as well as a practical and well-structured program enabling students to earn college credits while enjoying all that Costa Rica has to offer.
All levels of Spanish Grammar, Composition, and Conversation courses are organized into four-week study-units, consisting of 20 hours per week, following a natural progression through the levels. In order to measure students' actual level of proficiency in Spanish, a written and oral placement test is administered the first day of class. Students are then assigned to the corresponding level
Intensive Spanish language classes are offered in the morning. After the four week module, students will have completed 80 hours of instruction. In the afternoon, the twelve-week optional classes in Spanish and English are offered. Most students studying at the University Veritas for one semester take 3 four-week modules of Spanish in the morning (progressing through 3 levels of Spanish) and one afternoon module in the afternoon. Students generally earn 12-15 credits per semester session. Variations to this schedule are possible. Some students, for example, may wish to stay for additional 4 week sessions.
Please note that in reality, the University Veritas offers three trimester sessions which most students convert semester sessions at their home campus: Spring, Fall, and Winter.
If students take at least 12 credits during the trimester, the session should convert to a full-time semester session at the home campus.
Intensive 4 week modules are offered year round.
Intensive Spanish Semesters and Elective Courses (12 weeks)
Winter: Early January - Beginning of April
Spring: Early April - Late June
Fall: Late September - Mid-December
Summer Sessions
Summer I: late May through late June
Summer II: a.: early July - late July
Summer II: b.: early July - early August
Summer III: a.: early August - late August
Summer III: b.: late August - late September
Spanish language courses are offered in 4 week modules. Electives during the summer session are offered in an intensive 5 week schedule, Monday - Friday. Electives are subject to enrollment.
* SPN-101/1120 Basico 1 (80 Contact hours)
* SPN-102/1121 Basico 2 (80 Contact hours)
* SPN-201/2200 Intermedio 1 (80 Contact hours)
* SPN-202/2201 Intermedio 2 (80 Contact hour)
* SPN-210/2100 Intermediate Conversational Spanish (80 Contact hours)
- Pre-requisite Intermedio II
* SPN-301/3300 Avanzado 1 (80 Contact hours)
* SPN-302/3301 Avanzado 2 (80 Contact hours)
* SPN-310/3100 Avanzado Conversational Spanish (80 Contact hours)
Pre-requisite Avanzado 1
* SPN 340/3340 Oral Expression Techniques (80 Contact hours)
Pre-requisite Avanzado I
* SPN 410/4010 Rhetoric and composition - Pre-requisite Avanzado II
* SPN 344/3440 Business Spanish (60 Contact hours)
* SPN 3200 Introducción a la Herencia Cultural en Latinoamerica
ARCH 3112-3: History of Art and Architecture in Latin America
ARCH 3113-3: Theory of Latin American Cities
ARCH 3200-3: Tropical Architecture
DA 1020-3: Introduction to Drawing
DNCE-2500-3: Introduction to Latin American Tropical Dance
HUM 3513-3: HUMANIDADES: COLOQUIO COSTARRICENSE 3 cr.
ETH-3100-3: Selected Themes in African-American Studies
PHIL 3100-3: Comparative Classical Philosophy
(Taught in Spanish or English)
PHOT 1161-3: Basic Photography
(Taught in Spanish or English)
Pre Req. SPN 202 MUST BRING OWN CAMERA
Not for transfer to Cinema & Photography
PHOT 2100-3: Ecological Photography
Not for transfer to Cinema & Photography
PHOT 2600-3 Digital Photography
(Taught in Spanish or English)
COMM 3200: Intercultural Communication
GEB 3350-3: Introduction to International Business
GEB 3500-3: Eco-Tourism – The Case of Costa Rica
ECON 3403-3 Intro to the Latin American And International Economy
Prereq. ECON 1000, o ECON 2010 y 2020.
MGMT 3021-3 Logistics Administration
MGMT 3030-3 Critical Aptitudes for Leadership
* ENV 3044-3 Introduction to Tropical Ecology and ENV3044L-1 (laboratory)
* ENV 3190-3 Introduction to Tropical Marine Biology and ENV3190L-1 (laboratory)
* ENV 3005-3 Environmental Impact & Social Development and ENV3005L-1 (laboratory)
* ENV 4040-3 Sustainable Development and Environmental Conscience ENV4040L-1 Laboratory
HIS 3290-3 History of Economic Development in Costa Rica
HIS 3300-3 The Cold War
POL 2500-3 Human Rights in Latin America
POL 3100-3 Tradition in Costa Rica: Peace & Democracy
SPN 3020- LECTURAS SELECTAS DE LA LITERATURA LATINOAMERICANA 3 cr.
(En Español)
Prereq. SPN 301 or placement exam
SPN 3050 Fonética y Fonología
(48 horas)
SPN 4110- ESCRITORAS CONTEMPORANEAS COSTARRICENSES
(48 HORAS). (En Español)
SPN 301 or placement exam
SPN 4390- El CINE Y LA LITERATURA LATINOAMERICANA 4
(48 HORAS). (En Español)
Prereq. 301
SPN 4330- TEMAS ESPECIALES EN LA LITERATURA PENINSULAR
(48 HORAS) (En Español)
Prereq. 301
SPN 4430- TEMAS ESPECIALES EN LA LITERATURA LATINOAMERICANA
(48 HORAS) (En Español)
Prereq. 301
SPN 4161- EL MOVIMIENTO REALISTA EN LA NARRATIVA LATINOAMERICANA
(48 HORAS). (En Español)
Prereq. 301
Volunteer Program
The University Veritas offers a volunteer program in a national park or reserve. The program includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, transportation to the site, and very basic accommodations with park rangers. This program can only be arranged after arrival at the University, after the student's proficiency in the Spanish language can be measured. Payment for this program would be made directly to University Veritas. Students can expect to pay approximately $500US for the experience (subject to change).
Due to the strength of the USD, study at University Veritas is extremely affordable for most U.S. students. In fact, in some cases a semester of study at the University Veritas is less expensive than a semester in the U.S., including airfare and living expenses. To obtain exact costs, contact Study Abroad Program at Southern Illinois University Carbodale.
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