| Institution | Universidad Nacional Autonoma |
| City and country | Heredia, Costa Rica |
| Language(s) of instruction | Spanish |
| Term | Semester |
| Approximate dates | Fall term: Aug– Dec Spring term: Jan– May |
| Population: city/university | 74,000 inhabitants 15,000 students |
| Program description | Costa Rica is an island jewel that boasts gorgeous views, an excellent university, and ecological awareness. Called the "Switzerland of Latin America," Costa Rica's long-standing stable political environment, democratic institutions, and commitment to regional peace make it exceptional within the community of developing nations. Its dedication to conservation, evident in its national parks and biological preserves, have made Costa Rica a magnet for eco-tourism. This stunning natural beauty creates an uncommon environment for a study abroad experience for the Spanish-speaking student. The town of Heredia combines the essential ingredients for an ideal Latin American study abroad experience: hospitable people, an attractive setting, and a university of the first rank. Students in Heredia have easy access to the capital city of San Jose (population: 1 million). Created in 1973, UNA is a public university offering a full curriculum of undergraduate and graduate level courses-- including the areas of Latin American Studies, Sociology, Economics, Business, Environmental Studies and Ecology. |
| Housing options | Host families |
| GPA requirement | 3.0 GPA You must have at least this GPA at the time of application and a 2.7 the semester prior to exchange. Failure to maintain adequate academic standing will result in your removal from the program. |
| Language Requirements | Fluency or near fluency is required to participate as all courses are taught in Spanish. |
| Language Notes | Intermediate ad Advanced language courses are counted as Advanced Liberal Arts. |
| Credit Load | 5 courses/15 credits per term |
| Credits per course | 3 credits per course |
| Scholarships available | IFSA-Butler offers both scholarships ($500-$2000) and travel grants. For more information, visit the IFSA-Butler website. |
| Non-credit internships | No |
| Other academic notes | All participants are required to take a Spanish language course and a 3-credit survey course on Costa Rican Institutions, Society and Culture. |
URL address | www.una.ac.cr |
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| Comments | The University runs on a Southern Hemisphere calendar, so their first semester begins in January and ends in May, and their second semester begins in August and ends in December. It is best to begin attending their first semester, which begins in January |
