Academic Focus
The Liberal Arts & Sciences Program at Veritas University is designed for students of all language levels who wish to become more comfortable with the Spanish language and acquire knowledge of Costa Rican culture and history. Language courses are taught in 4-week blocks. Each trimester consists of three 4-week blocks. You will be tested at the end of each block and may move into higher language levels during your trimester. In addition to your language studies, you will take one or two electives chosen from a wide variety of subject areas. Electives taught in English are available to students of all language levels, and students who have tested into the advanced level on the placement exam have the option of taking their electives in Spanish. Please note that elective courses are taught for the length of the trimester.
Spanish language classes meet for a total of 80 contact hours for each 4-week block, which is generally worth 5 credits in the US semester program. Electives range from 48 - 60 contact hours, or 3 - 4 semester credits. Students will take either three language courses (one per 4-week block) and one elective, or two language courses and two electives for a total of 16 -19 semester credits per trimester. The language level you participate in and the electives you are eligible to take will be determined by a placement exam. In anticipation of your placement exam results, it is important to obtain approval from your home institution for several levels of Spanish language courses and several alternate electives taught in both English and Spanish. Your final course schedule will be determined onsite.
Early Start
This program also features a unique Early Start option, where you will arrive early and take a four-week intensive language preparation course. This course is focused on grammar and conversation and is designed to help you adjust to the university setting as well as advance your Spanish language skills before you start the trimester. Students participating in the Early Start option will receive an additional 80 contact hours of language instruction, which is usually worth 5 credits in the US semester system.
Schedule Summary
Language courses meet for four hours in the morning, Monday through Friday. Electives meet at various times in the afternoon but typically only meet two or three days per week. Your final course schedule will be determined onsite.
Course Registration
All students are required to complete an online course selection form (with alternate course preferences) prior to departure. This form must be submitted online to the CEA Tempe office by the deadline indicated on your MyCEA Account. The information you provide on your CEA application and the course selection form will give CEA and Veritas University a preliminary indication of the language level you think you are at as well as your preferred courses. The final determination of your level and your eligibility to register for certain courses will be made through the results of the placement exam. Therefore, it is in your best interest to have courses, including alternates, approved be the academic advisor at your home institution prior to departure.
You will take the written portion of the placement exam online 30-40 days before the start date of the program. You will take the oral portion of the exam on the first day of class. Although you will provide us with your preferred course selections prior to your departure for Costa Rica, final registration will not take place until after your language level has been assessed, your eligibility for certain electives has been determined, and final course availability has been announced. Any changes to your course selection after registrations have been finalized must be coordinated through the CEA resident director.
