Costa Rica: Heredia - Spanish Language, Ecological, and Latin American Studies

Name: Costa Rica: Heredia - Spanish Language, Ecological, and Latin American Studies
Brand: USAC
SKU: 19264
Rating: 4.79 (33 reviews)

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4.79 Rating

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Location

Costa Rica
- Heredia

Term

Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer

Subject Areas

Anthropology Biology Cultural Studies Ecology Food Science and Nutrition History Latin American Studies Political Science Sociology

Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships

Health & Safety

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Program Details

Program Type

Provider

Housing

Host Family

Language

English

Last Updated: Sep 24, 2024

Last Reviewed: Mar 31, 2025

Wish List

23 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Study abroad next summer, semester or academic year with USAC in Heredia, Costa Rica. All USAC courses during the Spanish, Ecological and Latin American Studies program are taken at the National University of Costa Rica. Needless to say, Spanish language and literature, as well as ecology and Latin American studies dominate the course options.

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Video and Photos

Explore the Markets of Heredia, Costa Rica with USAC

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Diversity & Inclusion 💙

LGBTQIA+ Support

There are LGBTQIA+ friends, colleagues, and allies throughout the world. However, cultural understanding of gender identity and sexuality does vary from country to country. USAC has compiled a lot of resources to help you through that learning process.

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Accessibility Support

USAC is dedicated to working closely with students with disabilities to ensure the best study abroad experience possible. You may request reasonable accommodations after your initial application is complete. We routinely receive requests for scheduling, material, and environmental accommodations for the classroom setting, which may include assistive technology, scribes and readers, printed material, and interpretation.

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Impact 🌎

Sustainability

Environmentally-conscious students choose USAC because many of our programs are held in some of the most sustainable countries in the world. There are options to take coursework in sustainability and the environment, as well as field trips and studies where students can leave a lasting impact on their host country.

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Program Highlights

Explore the cultural, historic, and urban highlights of the capital city, San José; visit the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean, and Bocas del Toro, Panama; and participate in a field study to Cuba.
Join clubs, organizations, and volunteer activities within the university community, all of which will help you practice your Spanish by spending time with Costa Rican students.
Enrich your cross-cultural experience through internships, field studies, and volunteer opportunities in the local community.
Practice your Spanish by spending time with local students.
Discover other parts of Costa Rica and neighboring countries on the optional tours.

Program Reviews

4.79 Rating

based on 33 reviews

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Rating Spread Study

5 rating 78.79%
4 rating 21.21%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Academics 4.4
Support 4.85
Fun 4.75
Housing 4.85
Safety 4.5

Good for Students, Adventure travelers, Photographers

Showing 1 - 8 of 33 reviews

My study abroad trip in Heredia, Costa Rica will forever be one of the best decisions I made during college. I decided to go on this trip because some of my sorority sisters went on it the previous year and couldn’t stop raving about it. On the trip, I got to immerse myself in Costa Rican culture. I met ticos (Costa Rican natives), developed better Spanish-speaking skills, and got to try all kinds of different foods. At the same time, I was also earning 7 credits towards my college transcript. The teachers were extremely patient and helpful when correcting my Spanish, and the campus is beautiful. I had to learn how to ride the bus everyday to campus, which was a meaningful experience in itself. My USAC advisors planned trips and activities for my group and I, including playing indoor soccer, roller-skating, going to the city, and exploring tropical rainforests. Overall, studying in Heredia, Costa Rica made me develop life skills and try new things that I wouldn’t have the chance to try anywhere else, making it a truly transformative experience. I recommend the Heredia, Costa Rica study abroad trip to anyone who wants to deepen their cultural understanding and have unforgettable experiences.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

The most unfamiliar thing I ate was definitely Guaba. Most people think it’s an exotic fruit, but it’s actually a big legume related to peas and lentils. Guaba is very sweet however, and in order to eat it, you have to crack the husk open. After you’ve cracked it, there will be little fuzzy white things inside. You’ll grab one of these and suck the white fuzzy part off of the black/dark brown pit in the middle, and that’s how you eat it. Guaba is unlike anything I’ve ever eaten before.

Pros

Coffee
Fruit
Nature

Cons

Rain

When I embarked on my study abroad program in San Ramon Costa Rica, little did I know that it would be one of the most meaningful and significant experiences in my life. The plane landed and I had entered my journey of studying abroad! I spent four months immersed in Costa Rica's rich culture and breathtaking natural wonders. Learning Spanish was a goal that I was eager to work towards while abroad. My language skills improved tremendously and I learned to speak more of the language each day. I built irreplaceable connections with my host family, and professors, and met some of my best friends. I felt at ease knowing I had the support of my program while abroad. When faced with unfamiliar situations, I embraced new experiences and found ways to adapt. I think about my time in Costa Rica every day and I feel so grateful to have experienced a completely different way of life. I have gained a powerful new perspective, and I have more faith in myself and my abilities. I highly recommend studying abroad with USAC to anyone who might be curious about the opportunity. - Sienna Gordon

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

Fruits id never seen before! I tried a Grenadine.

Pros

Everything! New adventures
Learn a new language
See new things

Cons

Sometimes its not as clean as the United states
It can be overwhelming
Being aware of your surroundings is important

My time in Heredia, Costa Rica is one I will NEVER forget, and I am walking away with a whole new family thousands of miles away. The USAC staff were reliable, caring, and attentive. I never at any point felt that I didn’t have the adequate support to be safe and have an amazing. My host family went above and beyond to make me feel safe, welcome, and loved. My professors were knowledgeable and fantastic. I felt like I experienced all of the best things Costa Rica has to offer—whether that’s city life, fútbol, the ocean, or the rainforest. I was able to experience these on my own time, in course field studies, and trips hosted by USAC! I am eternally grateful for this experience and everyone that made it possible!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Bring a portable charger! While I had an amazing experience, I am a chronic worrier, so I always wanted to make sure my phone was charged in case of an emergency. I didn’t bring a portable charger, so I had to really preserve my phone battery during the day. It definitely added a little stress to my time there!

Pros

The people are so nice
The food is delicious

Cons

Really humid
Public transportation is intimidating!

Crossing a sky bridge in Sarapiquí during a course field study!

I loved this program! The program director was super supportive and helpful and the professors were also great. There is a lot to explore and do in Heredia and beyond. Classes kept me busy, but I still had time to explore and travel around Costa Rica during the weekends. If you are interested in increasing your confidence in Spanish or in Medical terminology in Spanish, I 100% recommend that you participate in this program. You will enjoy every second of it. Plus my Spanish has improved a ton since being here!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Don’t overpack! Pack light, you don’t need to carry around the extra weight.

Pros

Host families are awesome
Explore a beautiful country
Good public transportation

Cons

Somewhat expensive
Can be scary if new to spanish
Long class periods

Heredia, Costa Rica was the perfect studying abroad destination for me. It had the perfect blend of Spanish and ecology courses that provided real-world interactions outside the classroom. My housing accommodation was with a host family that provided me with the perfect environment to practice my Spanish, continuously try local food, and immerse myself in the culture. While Costa Rica’s diverse environment is great for the ecology courses, it also was an amazing way to spend my free time. I learned how to take advantage of the public transportation to take me all over the country and experience hiking in mountains to swimming at the most beautiful beaches. Along the journey, I had memorable interactions with locals that grew my appreciation for local culture. Costa Rica has left me feeling more independent, resourceful, and appreciative to learn about other cultures than my own.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

Navigating the bus system. It took a lot of trial and error and getting on the wrong bus and off the wrong stops. Talking to locals and asking them questions saved me from a lot of trouble. Once I got the hang of it, I was able to use public transportation with ease and go all over the country for an inexpensive price!

Pros

Cultural
Transportation
Landscape

My experience in Costa Rica was great. I met new lifelong friends and gained mentors as well. My professors were amazing and always available for any questions. The staff for my program were tremendously helpful and kind. The trips that staff set up for the students were perfect; they were so memorable and in beautiful, breathtaking places. I would highly recommend studying abroad to anyone who has the chance to do so. I will forever cherish the memories I was able to make on my study abroad trip.

Pros

National parks are gorgeous.

Cons

The city of Heredia is a lot of concrete & does not have much greenery.
The place is not as advanced as other places in the world (can't flush toilet paper).

This program exceeded all of my expectations. I was impressed with every part from our resident directors to our group trips as well as our professors. Our directors always had their office open if we wanted to just come in and chat, needed help planning a trip, or had any concerns about our homestay or academics. Our included trips were extremely fun, and I always learned something new. My classes contributed significantly to my Spanish fluency, and our professors really cared about us and our success.

Pros

Beautiful city and landscapes
High quality food

Cons

Public transport not always reliable

I had a great time while exploring the country. One of my top two favorite places to go was Monteverde and Quepos. I have always dreamed of going ziplinning and finally got to experience the very best for three hours! All while being pretty cheap for all that we got to see and do. In Quepos some of my friends I made while in program went on a catamaran with me and we had a blast, saw dolphins and made the best of our time there. The school program was very challenging for me but overall I'm glad I did it.

Pros

Great traveling experiences, making new friends, learning the language, new foods, and seeing new animals unique to the region.

Cons

The class programs can be intense and long, ajd challenging.
Traveling is fun but can be very tiresome with the language barrier at first.

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I decided to go to Costa Rica because it was much cheaper than anywhere else. The first city I decided to spend a semester was called Puntarenas, I choose there because it was cheap and was next to a beach. The second place I went to was Heredia. I chose Heredia because it was cheaper than Puntarenas and had more to offer my Spanish learning.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

My program university helped me set up classes. I learned later that they had no Idea how the system worked and I had to redo my entire class schedule. The program took care of all the legal work and visa things I needed to get done. They offered to organize your flight for you, but the costs were very high. Through their program, It would have cost me almost 1200 dollars to get there and come back and do it yourself cost around 600, for the same flights.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Download a ton of music on to your phone. You will be on 3 to 4-hour bus rides every time you want to visit somewhere. Music will make the trip amazing. Also, do not get rid of your Spotify account before you come, You cant get a membership started in Costa Rica, But you can have one. Bring a knife, you will feel safer. bring great sandals and shoes, you will walk a lot. Bring a smaller travel backpack, you will use it a ton.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Wake up to a meal made by a Costa Rican family. I had a good family so, I would wake up to a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice, some fruit, a pastry, and a thermos of hot tea. would head to school usually with a packed lunch and take Spanish classes all day and during the afternoon a science class. would get home and usually go out. On weekend I would head to a beach in Costa Rica and have an amazing time.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

The only real fear that I had going into Costa Rica was that it would not change me. I was very worried about going into the country for a year and not growing as a person. While in Puntarenas I realized that I could only grow if I wanted to grow and put in the effort to do it. So I decided to switch to a more intense program with less of a party scene. I cut back on my bad habits and surrounded myself with good people. Came to the end of the year and realized that I am whoever I want to be, If I want to be a great person, Then I can be one I just have to stop getting in my own way.

Are there anything more you'd like us share about your experience?

I would have been more careful with what I ate, I got a pretty bad sickness and lost almost 30 pounds when I had no fat to lose. I would also be less patient with my host families, My first family was not great but I was too afraid/unaware to realize they were not good. We fought constantly and she refused to give me a normal amount of food. I did not think this was bad until I go to my second family, and within a week I felt like I was a member of the family. I can barely believe I put up with my first family now knowing how big of a difference a good family can make.

Alexandra Hanton

2016 Alum

Ben Sandberg

2014 Alum

Casey Edmonds

2009 Alum

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Tell us about yourself, Leanne.

I was born in Maryland and raised in Nevada, I’ve enjoyed living on both coasts of the US, as well as in France, Ireland, and Chicago. I graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a Bachelor’s degree in French and English Literature and a minor in Women’s Studies, and I love writing, history, and hiking in the Sierra Nevadas. I have studied abroad in Pau, Galway, and Cork.

What is your favorite travel memory?

One of my favorite travel memories is of performing in the Galway Arts Festival Macnas Parade in Galway, Ireland along with my fellow theater students and enthusiastic local Galwegians.

We rehearsed for weeks in the buildup to the grand event. On the day of, we spent hours getting into makeup and costumes, then walked through the streets of Galway performing for locals before the parade began.

One of the best moments was during the parade: I looked into the crowd and saw Irish actor Cillian Murphy with his son on his shoulders, enjoying our performance. It was surreal.

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How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I’ve learned so much since my first day at USAC, but I think one of my most significant areas of growth is in confidence. Despite the strides I’d made studying abroad in France, I came to USAC as a shy Peer Advisor, ready to share my experience with fellow students but still a bit nervous and unsure.

Since then, all that I’ve been trained and trusted to accomplish along with the patience and support of the organization have made me decisive and unafraid. USAC has proven to me that I’m capable of great things.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Some of my favorite stories from abroad are love stories — romance that blossomed on a USAC program. We actually did a blog post at the USAC blog on that topic for Valentine’s Day 2017. The stories and photos are total tearjerkers — in a good way!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

This is like picking a favorite book or movie – so many good ones, so little time! But still, if I were forced to choose, I could see myself going to Chengdu, China.

I advised for China for a while, and I was fortunate enough to get to visit the program site. A week and a half there convinced me that I was ready for the beauty and challenge of life in China. The language, the food, the people, the courses — everything about the program seems like an exciting adventure. Plus, it was completely different from the European places I’d studied before. Sign me up!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

USAC is special because we really do put the concerns of the student first. We’re a not-for-profit; we choose non-traditional locations with more cultural immersion in mind; we have a “USAC family” of experienced, caring on-site staff on each of our specialty programs.

I was especially proud of my department last year when we processed nearly 750 visa applications at no additional cost to our students. It might sound like a small detail, but the pre-departure stressors like visas can be one of the lowest points of the study abroad process. Making every little thing better for our students is one of our proudest accomplishments.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

The heart! I think no matter how great the business practice, if your core ideals aren’t built on solid foundations of integrity, truth, and good intentions, you’re sabotaging your idea from the start. Stay true to those beliefs and you can’t go wrong.

About USAC

USAC is a non-profit consortium of U.S. universities that collaborates to offer affordable, academic and authentic study abroad programs. There are abundant opportunities to immerse in the culture, history, and academics of other countries providing an unforgettable experience. Each program is designed to help you grow into an engaged citizen of...