The Heredia program in Latin American Studies and Ecology is an ideal path if you are committed to learning about diverse Latin American cultures and the Spanish language. For a semester or full year, your language proficiency and insight of Costa Rican society will greatly improve through formal coursework and interaction with locals.

This program places emphasis on diverse academic areas: Latin American Studies, Ecological Studies, and Spanish Language. The latter follows an intensive approach, which involves completing up to two years of university foreign language coursework within a semester. Upon completion, you will meet Spanish minor or major requirements. You will complement the Spanish Language curriculum with courses in Biology, History, Literature, Economics, Political Science, and other subjects.

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

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.

Participate in your host university’s organizations and clubs.

Practice your Spanish through constant interaction with locals, including the students in your host university.