San Jose

The City of San Jose

Guarded by majestic volcanoes and green hills honoring the natural beauty that exists throughout the nation's terrain, San Jose is a city that takes pride in its rich traditions and democratic freedom. World class museums, parks, theaters, and historic buildings are only a few reasons this city is worth discovering.

San Jose Facts:

• Location of City: Central valley, surrounded by tropical forests and high mountains
• Population of City: 1,435,400
• Why It's Special: Capital city; one of the highest standard of living and literacy rates in Latin America; year-round temperate climate
• Must-Sees: Plaza de la Cultura, Plaza de la Democracia, Crafts Market

Airport Reception & Return

Students who arrive at the designated airport prior to arrival cut-off time on the arrival day for their program will be picked up at the airport and transferred to their assigned housing. In addition, students leaving on the last day of the program will also receive return transportation their designated airport.

Housing & Meals

All students will stay with a homestay family. All families have been screened by our local resident staff and have been carefully chosen to ensure the best possible living arrangements. Staying with a family is a great way to complement your classroom study, as you have the opportunity to practice your language skills and learn about the Spanish culture.

Tuition & Fees

The CEA program price covers the cost of standard tuition and registration fees at your host institution. Tuition includes the courses indicated in the program.

College Credit

An official transcript from the University of New Haven will be issued at the end of your CEA program. The amount of credit awarded is at the discretion of your home school.

Medical Insurance

CEA Insurance through HTH Worldwide is included in your program cost. This comprehensive medical insurance plan covers a maximum of $250,000 for any illness or accident abroad and does not carry a deductible. Coverage includes most medical expenses, emergency evacuation and a full range of 24-hour medical assistance.

Onsite Orientation

CEA will provide you with helpful resources and advising before you leave home. Once you arrive at your program destination, CEA will hold an in-depth group orientation, where you will explore your new host city, as well as learn more about local customs, extracurricular activities, CEA policies, and health and safety information. In addition, you will have the opportunity to get to know other CEA participants as you begin to adjust to life in your new environment.

Resident Staff

CEA has an experienced and friendly staff to ensure that you have a positive study abroad experience. From securing housing and planning activities to providing academic support and cultural counseling, the resident staff are available to help you make a smooth transition into your new culture and educational environment.

Excursions

As part of your CEA experience, you will receive at least two day trips to locations outside your program destination. These excursions are designed to give you a more in-depth look into the landscape and culture of your host country. All transportation and entrance fees are included.

Immersion Activities

CEA resident staff plan activities throughout the week, designed to help introduce you to local customs, culture and people, as well as to help you explore your new city. Activities may vary weekly and some may require an additional fee.

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Eligibility

• Participants must be currently enrolled in a US High School
• Age: Participants must be at least 16 years of age by the program start date
• GPA: 2.7 (4.0 Scale)
• Language Level: Participants must have taken at least 1 year of High School Spanish

Academic Focus

The Spanish Language Studies program is designed for students of all language levels who are interested in improving their language skills. Your courses will focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing. All students will take a placement exam upon arrival to determine their language level. You will be in class with other US and international students.

Classes meet for four hours in the morning, Monday through Friday. At the end of your four week session, you will have participated in 80 hours of coursework, which is generally worth 5 semester credits in the US university system. Please refer to the Courses & Credits tab for specific course descriptions.

Housing

All CEA students will live in a homestay. Homestays may consist of a single señora (with or without children) or a traditional two-parent household. This housing option allows students to continue practicing Spanish outside of the classroom while learning about Spanish culture. Students may be placed in either single or double rooms with another CEA participant. All families are welcoming and generous with their home, but participants should remember that they are guests and will be expected to adapt to the traditions and rules of their homestay.

You will be provided daily breakfast and dinner and laundry service once a week. All homestays are located within San Jose's residential neighborhoods and are within walking distance from the university.

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Itineraries

Excursions | Immersion Activities | Program Itineraries

Excursions

Students will receive at least two day trips during the four week sessions and one day trip during the two week session. We have described some of the excursion opportunities that may be offered during your session.

	Tortuga Island This small island off the Pacific Coast provides a perfect spot for snorkeling and enjoying the beautiful beaches.
	Arenal Volcano Relax at the nearby hot springs, as well as swim in the cool waters hidden in the jungle while visiting the park surrounding this celebrated volcano.
	La Paz Waterfalls Relax at the nearby hot springs, as well as swim in the cool waters hidden in the jungle while visiting the park surrounding this celebrated volcano.

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Immersion Activities

Below is a sample of the types of activities that students may experience during their program.

INBIO Program
The National Institute of Biodiversity (INBIO) offers you the chance to learn about Costa Rica’s natural wonders in a hands-on, interactive environment.

Latin Dance Class
Learn how to salsa, meringue, cumbia, and swing dance like a true Tico.

Volunteer Opportunities
Improve your language skills and lend a helping hand at a local orphanage or painting houses as part of a local works project.

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Program Itineraries

CEA resident staff plan activities each week to help students become more familiar with their host city and surrounding area, as well as introduce them to the local culture. Please find the sample itineraries below. Note, activities are subject to change onsite.

Calendar of Events

Arrival/Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4

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Courses & Credits

Veritas University

Veritas University was founded in 1975 as a college of the Universidad Autónoma de Centroamérica, the first private university in Costa Rica. With approximately 1,800 students, 300 of which are international, Veritas University is located in the eastern part of the city (Zapote), ten minutes from downtown San Jose and only one kilometer from the Casa Presidencial. The school offers a complete range of subjects and a great variety of cultural, artistic and athletic activities.

The university is housed in a spacious campus equipped with modern facilities, including a computer lab and a well-maintained library. CEA offers a very practical and well-organized Spanish language program, carried out by a highly trained and experienced staff of university professors.

Grades & Transcripts

Students who successfully complete their program will receive an official transcript from the University of New Haven (UNH). Additional details about the transcript process will be available in the upcoming weeks.

Course Descriptions

Course descriptions for the Advanced and Superior levels are available upon request. Please contact CEA for further information.

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