Experience Costa Rica for the Summer!
Institution
In 1976 VERITAS Collegium was born as one of the four founding colleges of the first private university in Costa Rica: the Autonomous University of Central America (UACA). In 1994, the Collegium VERITAS and ITAN (the Technical Institute of Business Administration) merged to become a new autonomous university under the name of VERITAS University. VERITAS University is considered to be the best university in its areas of specialty. Its strategic pillars are excellence, technology and innovation, financial health, social projection and internationalization.
Location
Located in the central valley of Costa Rica, San José is a vibrant urban center in the heart of a serene and beautiful nation. Three volcanoes surround the city, and quaint villages, farms and coffee plantations dot the hillsides. Though the metropolitan area is home to 36% of the nation’s population, one can easily explore the smaller central area of the city and discover its neighborhood markets and local restaurants.
Academic Calendar
- 4 week Spanish Language Terms: Early June to Early August
- Health Summer Program: Late May to Late June
For more information about the academic calendar please visit the
Veritas website.
Housing
Living with a host family is the easiest way for students to experience Costa Rican culture and practice their Spanish. Students will have a private room, and will be provided breakfast and dinner 7 days a week. Laundry service is provided once a week. Lunch can be purchased on or near campus during the week. Housing costs will be billed through Appalachian State though they will reflect Veritas’ rates. For more information about housing please visit Veritas University’s accommodation web page.
Financial
Program Costs
Paid to Appalachian State
1Tuition, Housing, and Fees for this particular institution will be invoiced to Appalachian State and then charged to the student’s bill. Tuition cost will vary by courses selected.
2Homestay housing includes 2 meals per day. Costs will vary by program length.
3Veritas additional fees include a $195 registration fee as well as optional services such as airport pickup and a private tutor.
4The OIED Program Development Fee will be placed on students’ accounts upon acceptance by the Education Abroad Office. The fee payment confirms your spot and is non-refundable.
Estimated Additional Costs
| |
Summer |
| Additional Meals |
$200 - $400 |
| Airfare |
$500 - $1000 |
| 1Personal Expenses |
$300 - $600 |
| Books and Materials |
$81 - $162 |
| Local Transportation |
$50 - $100 |
| Visa (for US Citizens) |
$0 |
| Passport |
$150 |
| 2Personal Travel and Spending |
$800 - $1200 |
1Personal expenses includes but is not limited to: toiletries, cell phone, emergency funds, laundry, basic travel and entertainment, etc.
2Personal Travel and Spending amounts will vary by student and will be affected by how often a student goes out, travels (Veritas offers optional group excursions), and the items they purchase.
Please note that non-billable costs are estimates only and will be affected by personal spending habits, currency fluctuations, etc. Prices listed in USD unless otherwise noted.Students are encouraged to start planning for their study abroad program costs well in advance. Please use the
Student Financial Planning Worksheet to help estimate your anticipated expenses and your anticipated financial resources. When planning for estimated additional costs students are encouraged to research
currency conversion rates.
Financial Aid
Students must be taking at least 6 credits during the summer to be eligible to apply for summer financial aid. For more information please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid web page.
Scholarships
OIED Scholarships
Each semester OIED offers a variety of different scholarship opportunities for students. Scholarship awards range from $250 to $2000.
Benjamin A Gilman Scholarship
The Gilman Scholarship Program application is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.
Fund for Education Abroad
Applicants from groups underrepresented in study abroad and those destined for non-traditional locations are given preference, in an effort to make the demographics of U.S. undergraduates studying abroad reflect the rich diversity of the U.S. population.
For information about additional scholarships please visit our External Scholarships web page.
Academics
With over 20 years of experience, the Center for International Programs (CIP) at Veritas University in Costa Rica offers a wide range of study abroad options that can be customized for different educational needs. During the summer Veritas offers 4 week language courses as well as a 5 week Health Track + Spanish for health professionals programs. To locate specific course offerings in English or Spanish, please visit the Veritas course search web page.
For more information about study abroad enrollment policies, credit approval, and credit and grade conversions please visit the Academics section of our website.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and some programs may fill up before the listed deadline. Each year applications for Fall, Spring, and Summer will open up on August 1st. Once open the deadline will be listed below and an Apply Now button will be available at the top and bottom of this page. Most applications will have a 2 part application process so students are encouraged to complete their OIED application well before the listed deadline.
For more information about deadlines and how to apply please visit our
Guide Me web page.