Academics
- Snow College students will take a selection of academic subjects specifically designed
for them to learn Spanish and explore Costa Rican culture through electives such as
literature, history, and film.
- You can also enroll in 12 credits of Global Inquiry Abroad.
- Spanish language classes are available for Beginner I to Advanced II, so if you are
new to the language, it’s not a problem.
- You can also participate in a credit-bearing internship in Business, Tourism, Animal
Studies, Marketing, Education, Social Sciences and more.
When studying abroad in Costa Rica, students can choose to attend classes in one of
the following:
- International Polytechnic University
- Hispanoamericana University
- Latin University of Costa Rica
Learn more about each institution on the Arcos website.
The semester program in Costa Rica is taught in modules. Most modules are three weeks,
with one module each semester being four weeks. Each class or internship is 45 contact
hours, and you can choose an internship as your fourth or fifth class.
Explore a list of classes on the Arcos site.
Cultural Immersion
While in Costa Rica, you can experience hands-on learning through cultural activities
such as cooking class, dance class, city tours, etc.
There are also opportunities to explore the country on guided rainforest and beach
excursions including a Zipline Canopy Tour through the rainforest, hot springs, and
waterfalls.
You’ll live with a local Costa Rican family, which includes three delicious meals
a day and gives you the perfect opportunity to practice your Spanish skills in a relaxed,
authentic environment.
You may also choose to volunteer with local public schools teaching English or giving back to the locals via projects
to support the community and environment.
Your Schedule
About two weeks prior to the start of your program, you will receive a Program Calendar
that will list program activities such as class times, meal times, cultural activities, and weekend
excursions.
See a sample Program Calendar of a typical week in Costa Rica.
Application Process, Preparations and Deadlines
Requirements
- Students must apply and be selected for the semester abroad program.
- Students should have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
- Students must be in good academic conduct standing at Snow College.
- Students must be 18 years old by the program start date.
- Students are responsible for acquiring the necessary documents such as a passport
and international travel and health insurance.
Good news! Students holding a U.S. passport do not require a visa for semester-long
programs in Mexico, which makes this an easier destination to choose.
Inquire now for more information about the program and how to apply at the Center for Global Engagement (CGE).
Contact CGE to apply
Important Dates
- Fall Semester in Costa Rica runs from September to December.
- Spring Semester runs from January to April.
- Admissions deadlines are typically in November for a Spring start, and in July for
a Fall start.
- Note: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The earlier you apply, the greater
your chances of being accepted and the more time you will have to prepare!
- Orientation dates, departure and return dates are determined annually. Be sure to
speak with your Study Abroad Advisor for details.
- If you are using financial aid or scholarships to help pay for your program, a Financial
Aid Award Verification Form is due by the Application & Payment Deadline.
Apply early to reserve your spot! Arcos Learning Abroad programs fill up before the
application deadlines.
Fall Semester Deadlines
Application & Materials Deadline: July 1
Late applications may be accepted until July 15th, but your program might be full
by then so we strongly suggest you apply before the deadline.
Payment Deadline: July 15
Spring Semester Deadlines
Application & Materials Deadline: November 15
Payment Deadline: December 5
Tuition and Funding
All programs include tuition, room and board with a homestay, weekend excursions,
cultural activities, onsite director support, international medical insurance, transcripts
and much more!
Using financial aid and applying for a scholarship or grant
- Arcos Learning Abroad allows Snow College students to pay for their program with the
use of financial aid, scholarships, grants, loans, and other means of approved financial
assistance. Payment works in the following ways:
- If financial aid will cover your program in full, but with a release date after the
final payment deadline, then we require a Good Faith Payment (GFP) by the final payment
deadline. The GFP is not a fee; it gets deducted from the program price.
- If financial aid is only covering a portion of your amount due, then any difference
not covered by financial aid must be paid in full to Arcos Learning Abroad by the final payment
deadline.
- You may be able to use federal student aid (FAFSA) to pay for your study abroad program.
You’ll need to meet the aid eligibility criteria and fill out a FAFSA form before
you can receive federal student aid to study abroad.
Starting this process early is important to ensure that all necessary paperwork gets
processed on time.
Talk to your study abroad advisor to...
- Determine which types of aid may be available.
- Learn if you can apply your FAFSA funding for studying abroad.
- Find out if you need to provide Arcos with official written confirmation from Snow
College’s Financial Aid Office.
- Check if you need to submit Arcos’ Financial Aid Verification Form.
Pay the Program Deposit when applying
- A non-refundable $200 program deposit is required to reserve your place in an Arcos
study abroad program.
- This amount goes towards your program price (it is not an additional fee).
- If you are not accepted into the program, the deposit is refunded.
- Your application is not considered complete until the deposit has been submitted.
- Payment instructions will be provided to you after your application is received.
- Payments can be made via the Arcos website.
Payments can be made via the Arcos website.
Location
Hola Costa Rica
Looking for an unforgettable study abroad experience? Costa Rica has it all—stunning
landscapes, friendly locals, and endless adventure. From towering volcanoes and rushing
waterfalls to lush rainforests and two incredible coastlines (the Pacific Ocean and
the Caribbean Sea), this country is a paradise for nature lovers and explorers alike.
Costa Rica is also one of the best places in the world to learn Spanish, thanks to
the clear and easy-to-understand accent of its native speakers. Plus, with plenty
of cultural activities and excursions through Arcos, you'll get to experience the country beyond the classroom.
Get to know Heredia
You’ll live in the cool, green highlands of Costa Rica in the charming city of Heredia—also
known as the City of Flowers. Just 20 minutes from the capital, San José, Heredia
gives you the best of both worlds: the energy of city life a mere hop away while surrounded
by the relaxed vibe of a smaller town.
Whether you're practicing Spanish in local cafés, exploring colonial architecture,
or heading off on a weekend adventure, Heredia is the perfect home base for your study
abroad experience.
