Location:

San Jose, Costa Rica

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

*Due to the global health status worldwide, USAC is making programmatic changes to 2021, 2022. and 2023 programs and some options might not be available. These changes are posted on individual program pages on the USAC website.

The San Ramon program is designed for science majors interested in learning more about health, ecology, and conservation biology in Costa Rica. You may stay for one semester or a full year, and choose from courses in tropical ecology, tropical marine biology, conservation biology, environmental policy, and other life science topics within Costa Rica. You may stay for one semester or a full year, and choose from courses in tropical ecology, tropical marine biology, conservation biology, environmental policy, and other life science topics within Costa Rica. You will be able to augment your regular coursework by enrolling in several related field study courses that give you hands-on experience in these subjects. Costa Rica is well known for its extraordinary natural beauty and biodiversity, preserved in its many national parks and reserves, and it is at the forefront of the ecotourism movement. With approval from your university honors program, you also will be able to receive honors credit for certain courses.

A minimum of one year of general biology is required for the above mentioned subjects; therefore, non-science majors interested in Tropical Life Science courses should consider USAC programs in Puntarenas or Heredia. The San Ramon program is also complemented by courses in Spanish Language (you may complete up to one year of Spanish language per semester) and Culture or Area Studies. However- these academic courses are only part of the value of the program. Participation in formal and informal activities also provides valuable learning experiences and interaction with the local culture. These activities include cultural events, village festivals, and field trips around San Jose, to the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the rain forest, nature reserves, to parliament, and governmental entities.

Program fees include tuition, student health insurance, orientation, field trips and some entries to museums and cultural events.

Setting Description:

San Ramón is situated about halfway between San Jose and Puntarenas, in the beautiful Central Valley of Costa Rica. Set against a dramatic backdrop of mountains, San Ramon is truly the heart of Costa Rica, where you will encounter friendly people and a peaceful, relaxed lifestyle. It is an ideal location for students interested in ecology and biology. Manuel Brenes, one of the richest forest reserves in Costa Rica, is located just outside the city. It offers a number of hiking trails and canopy tours where on can explore the cloud forest and spot rare quetzals, hummingbirds, monkeys, coatis, deer, and sloths.

Additional Program Information

Scholarships:

Yes

Scholarships Description:

Learn more about USAC scholarships and discounts at https://usac.edu/money-matters