Environmental Science & Biology in Costa Rica Summer Abroad
Spend six unforgettable weeks in Costa Rica. Home to lush rainforests, volcanoes, and rich ecosystems all while earning academic credit in Environmental Science and Biology. Through Expanish’s Summer Sessions at Veritas University in San José, students explore the natural world both in the classroom and in the field. This themed summer program blends hands-on coursework with cultural immersion in a setting unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Students choose 2 elective courses of environmentally focused topics, including:
Tropical Marine Biology
Environmental Impact and Social Development
Ecotourism: The Costa Rica Case
Engage with Costa Rican culture and landscapes through exclusive program experiences:
Guided walking tour of San José
Traditional Costa Rican cooking class
Salsa dance class
One-day excursion to Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs
Classes are taught in English and are offered through Veritas University - you'll have the chance to study alongside international students.
How You'll Earn Credit this Summer
During your summer in Cost Rica, you will complete 2 courses total and earning 8 U.S. credits.
Classes are hosted at Veritas University - take a look at the options available!
Language of Instruction:
English for core content classes
Spanish language courses
Weekly Schedule:
Classes run Monday through Thursday
Requirements
2.5 GPA
Current College Student
18 years old at program start
Visa Requirements:
No, this program does not require a student visa
Costa Rica Student Life
Make Costa Rica your classroom. From exploring rainforests and coral reefs to connecting with fellow international students, your experience will be as transformative personally as it is academically.
Earn 8 U.S. semester credits in just 5 weeks. All coursework is designed to align with U.S. credit transfer policies: perfect for science majors looking to stay on track while gaining global perspective.
We offer cost-effective program options and scholarship opportunities to help you fund your experience in Costa Rica. Reach out to explore your financial aid possibilities.
Explore Financial Options here.
No prior Spanish required
Minimum 2.5 GPA
Open to students from freshman to senior year
Must be at least 18 years old by the program start date
Enrolled in a U.S University
Student Success Stories
I love the environment in Expanish created by the people working there, everyone was very sweet and welcoming, they were very approachable and kind! I loved coming to expanish after class to eat or do homework and watching TSITP is definitely a core memory!
Genuinely the best experience and was more than I could've ever imagined. Overall, an amazing and unforgettable experience that you will not regret at all!
Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and my experience with Expanish in Buenos Aires was nothing short of incredible. If you’re considering studying abroad or learning Spanish in Buenos Aires, I cannot recommend Expanish enough.
One of my favorite parts about studying abroad was living with my host mom. Expanish did a really good job pairing me and my friend with her because we have a lot of the same interests and we had a lot to talk about.
Frequently Asked Question about Summer Study Abroad in Costa Rica
Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about our Summer Sessions program in Costa Rica. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to contact us directly, we’re happy to help!
What is the weekend excursion?
Will my credits transfer to my home university?
Is Spanish required to join the program?
How can I ensure my university will accept my credits from Expanish Costa Rica?
From the blog
Read more about what's going on and get tips on preparing to study abroad with Expanish.
Studying Overseas: Nuances You Need to Know
Spoken by over 500 million people worldwide, Spanish accentsand language differences are as unique and varied as the people who speak it. For many people, it may be quite obvious that the Spanish spoken in Spain sounds different than the Spanish spoken in Argentina.
How Long Does it Take to Speak Spanish Fluently?
A common question for people starting out mastering Spanish is: How fast can I become fluent in Spanish? There’s no single answer to this as it depends on a number of factors such as your initial level, your language objectives and the method of study. In this guide we’ll break down the key things to know about the time needed to improve your Spanish.
