Study abroad in Costa Rica this summer

Costa Rica

SAN JOSE: ACADEMICS & ATHLETICS

May 16–June 20, 2026 (five weeks)

Athletes and non-Athletes alike! Join us in San Jose, Costa Rica for a full-immersion summer language program. Addressing the needs of both students and student- athletes, this program takes your learning and training into the beautiful country of Costa Rica, balancing academic, cultural, and athletic activities. Participants will be able to apply their lessons to real life in the houses, markets, and beautiful natural wonder of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world; it contains about 5% of the world’s species. The lush wild natural environment can be experienced all throughout the country and is easily accessible to the curious visitor. Costa Rica provides the perfect place to learn and explore. It is also the home of four World Heritage sites certified by UNESCO.

All participants will have the opportunity to study Spanish in a university classroom and athletes can train in a private gym, as well as attending local cultural events. Participants will live with a Costa Rican family in a homestay setting.

Applications for this program will be available starting December 1, 2025.

LAIS 221

2 units

Intensive Intermediate Spanish
(fulfills General Education Requirement COM2 Second Language Proficiency)

Cost: $6,000

Costs are approximate, do not include airfare, and are subject to change without notice as a result of fluctuations in currency values and other factors. Participants are responsible for arranging and purchasing their own transportation to and from the program site. Airfare and airport transfer costs are not included in the program fee.

• Scholarship Assistance: UR students are eligible to apply for the Holt Summer Study Abroad Scholarship. Selected recipients will receive approximately $2,000 toward the cost of an approved UR Summer Study Abroad program.
• Financial Aid: Students who anticipate needing additional financial aid should view the Nuts and Bolts section of this website and make contact with the Office of Financial Aid with questions.
• Student Athletes: You are eligible to apply for a Weinstein Grant to provide reimbursement toward the cost of airfare. The application deadline is February 16, 2026. More information and the application can be found  here.

 

What's included?

• 2 units of University of Richmond credit
• Course materials
• On-site orientation
• Welcome and farewell dinner
• Home-stay accommodations
• On-site supervision by faculty leader
  
  

Orientation
During orientation in the late spring, participants will meet as a group, receive important logistical and cultural information, and begin to prepare for their exploration of Costa Rica. Attendance at all orientation meetings during the spring semester is mandatory.

Housing and Meals
Participants will be housed in private homes with carefully selected host families. Breakfast and dinner will be provided by the host family. Living with Costa Rican families gives students the opportunity to learn more about Spanish language and culture outside the classroom.

Activities and Excursions
The program cost includes transportation, entrance fees, lodging, gym membership (for athletes), and most meals during excursions, as well as comprehensive health insurance to cover most medical situations students may experience while abroad. The faculty leader and program assistant will be on-site during the entire summer term to assist students.

Application Deadline

February 16, 2026

Applications for this program will be available starting December 1, 2025