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Programs : Brochure

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  • Locations: Heredia, Costa Rica
  • Program Terms: Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: IFSA 
  • Restrictions: Rhodes College applicants only
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2025 11/01/2024 11/01/2024 02/20/2025 06/20/2025
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Program Cost: Rhodes' Tuition, Room, and Full Board Area of Study: Anthropology & Sociology, Area Studies, Art, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Commerce and Business, Economics, Education, English, Environmental Studies & Sciences, Gender & Sexuality Studies, History, International Studies, Latin American Studies, Mathematics & Computer Science, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Spanish, Theatre, Urban Studies
Language of Instruction: Spanish Type of Program: Academic Study
Minimum GPA: 2.75 Housing Type: Homestay
Program Description:

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Study Abroad in COSTA RICA
Universidad Naciona



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About the Program

Nestled between mountains, Heredia offers a unique Latin American experience. You'll find great academic opportunities at top-ranked Universidad Nacional, all within the reach of ecological sites, national parks, beautiful beaches, and nearby hiking trails. So, sit back and enjoy a fresh cup of Costa Rican coffee as you embrace the Pura Vida.

About Heredia
Heredia offers a small town feel, yet close to big-city attractions. Located in central Costa Rica Heredia is known throughout the world for its coffee plantations and volcanic national parks. Visit tropical forests, picture-perfect waterfalls and gleaming rivers that surround the area. 

Program Benefits
  • Universidad Nacional combines excellent academics with extensive opportunities to get involved in campus life and the surrounding community
  • Join an exciting, diverse student body in smaller class sizes at an innovative university
  • Take advantage of special concentrations that focus on teacher education and environmental studies
  • You may cross-enroll in a variety of departments and take classes with Costa Rican students
  • Academic tutors available throughout the semester
  • Great program for ecology and environmental studies majors
  • Live and learn in one of the safest countries in Central America, a place with a small town feel and an outstanding natural environment
  • Great location to increase Spanish proficiency, and immerse in the local culture

Scholarships
IFSA scholarships are primarily need-based and factor in any additional cost your study abroad program might have over home school tuition. The awards are $500 for summer programs, $1,500 for semester programs and $2,500 for full year programs. These scholarships may apply to any IFSA program, with the exception of our custom programs.

Take the Next Step!


Contact Us
6201 Corporate Drive, Suite 200 
Indianapolis, IN 46278
800.858.0229
studyabroad@ifsa-butler.org




 

Study Abroad Costs 

The following information has been compiled by the Buckman Center for International Education at Rhodes College. This is not an end- all, be-all of costs for off-campus study. Information is not limited to what is listed and all things are subject to change. Any organizations linked are simply there as a means of price comparison – the Buckman Center is not promoting or opposing any particular organization. While we have provided base resources, it is your responsibility to complete sufficient research and finalize your budget model for your program. Everyone has different spending habits; therefore, your personal costs can vary greatly and are subject to the individual. 

 

We appreciate your help in keeping these links live. We ask that you report any broken links to internationalprograms@rhodes.edu with the broken URL or the location of the broken link. 

 

Costa Rica 

General Costs 

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Visa  

Be aware in the steps of acquiring a visa any hidden fees such as transportation, travel, time off of work, etc. 

Student Visa Fees and Costs around: $52.00 

Though most visas have online applications, there will be in person appointments at consulate offices 

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Passport 

Passport book: $110  

Passport card: $30 

Passport Book and Card: $140 

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Academic Supplies 

Power adapter: Costa Rica uses a different adapter from the US 

If you plan on traveling to other locations, consider purchasing a universal power adaptor. 

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International Phone Use 

You might run into issues with phone use in other countries, but this usually depends on your phone service provider. Many have international options/packages that will allow you to use your phone in a different country or you can also buy a separate phone made for international use. If you fully own your phone, it should not be difficult to acquire an international sim card once you arrive, and if not, you could use an old phone still in your possession. Work with your own phone service provider to find the best option for your situation. 

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Airfare (Greatly depends on location) 

If flying from Memphis to San Jose, cost is between: ~$350 to ~$500 for a round trip 

These are generalizations, but a ballpark estimate assuming you are leaving from Memphis. We recommend purchasing refundable/changeable airfare, for unforeseen situations. We recommend you purchase the “Cancel for Any Reason” trip protection insurance mentioned on the Buckman Center’s website. Once you purchase your airfare, you have 14 days in which you can add your ticket to this insurance policy so as to be able to recoup some of its expense in the event you are unable to travel. 

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Immunization - travel vaccinations are not normally covered by many private health insurance plans (although some plans will cover them) and are not covered at all by Medicare.  

Please review the CDC’s site for required and recommended vaccinations and medicines well in advance of travel. 

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Additional Insurance 

Make sure you have medical and accident insurance while outside the US. Check with your program, as most programs offer this protection. If your program does not include medical and accident insurance, you must ensure that you purchase adequate coverage. The Buckman Center can help identify insurance carriers for students.  Alternatively, if you are included in your guardian’s/parent’s insurance plan, you should check with that insurance carrier to see if you remain covered while outside the US.  

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Food/Room (if not included) 

Rooming: Dependent on choice of stay and program cost coverage  

Be aware that some programs require housing deposits that could cost several hundred dollars. This is the case for most ISEP programs. 

Private room in a hostel: average $5 - $137 per month 

Private Flat: average $400 per month 

Be sure to do ample research on housing options with your program in my mind 

Food:  

Meal cost average ~$7 

Note that if you spend above average on food in the US, you will most likely do the same abroad 

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International Bank Account and ATM fees 

Students will most likely continue to use their domestic banks unless they are staying for over a year (most students do not open a new bank account for a semester or year-long stay) However, if you are interested in opening a foreign bank account, do extensive research before making any decisions. Be aware of ATM fees that your personal bank may have in foreign countries. 

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Public Transport 

Commuter Train tickets: $1.00 USD (One-Way) 

Taxi Fare: $1.00 USD (per km) 

Bus tickets: $1.00 - $18.00 USD (Depending on length of travel) 

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Personal Costs 

This is subjective but be aware that these are costs that will come up. Average entertainment costs include sports, cinema, excursions, shopping, souvenirs, etc. Be aware of any independent travel on weekends (transportation, hotel, meals, entrance fees to museums, etc.).