Immersive Learning Program in San Jose, Costa Rica

Overview: Located in San Jose, Costa Rica, our program is designed for students who want to improve their Spanish through immersive, hands-on experiences. It combines language learning with essential skills like critical thinking, communication, and cultural awareness. Students will participate in coursework and community activities to reach these goals.

Intercultural Learning:

A key part of our program is the intercultural learning component. Students must complete 45 hours of service work with local organizations, all located in San Jose. This allows students to engage with the local community and understand various cultural and societal contexts, enriching their appreciation of Costa Rican life. Additionally, students will complete reflective assignments to consider their experiences and the lessons learned, meeting the intercultural learning goals of the program.

In addition to the service-learning course, which consists of 45 hours of community work plus online assignments, students will also enroll in either an intermediate Spanish language course (for those who have completed SPN1131 or equivalent), or a Hispanic American culture course (for those who meet the prerequisite of SPN3300, SPN3350, or equivalent). Option to test out of the prerequisites available here ⬅️

By the end of the program, students will have completed 6 credits.

Cultural and Educational Excursions

Our curriculum leverages Costa Rica’s rich cultural and historical backdrop through educational excursions to various significant sites. These visits not only enhance students’ understanding of Costa Rican history and culture but also integrate directly with their language studies, providing a cohesive and enriching educational experience.

San Jose City Tour (Guided)
Don Juan: Chocolate, Sugar Cane and Coffee Tour (https://donjuantours.com/)
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve (https://cloudforestmonteverde.com/home/)
 +Selvatura – Sloth Sanctuary (Guided, Optional) (https://selvatura.com/tours/the-sloth-sanctuary/) 
Toucan Rescue Ranch (https://toucanrescueranch.org/)
Banana Plantation Tour (Guided) (https://www.culturalbananatour.com/)
Organic Pineapple Tour (Guided) (https://organicparadisetour.com/)

The cost for the program is $8, 397.03 +  airfare, class materials, and personal spending. 

• The application is handled through the UF international Center: http://www.abroad.ufic.ufl.edu
  • The deadline to apply to the program is Feb. 2, 2026
• They offer a number of scholarships: http://www.ufic.ufl.edu/SAS/Scholarships.html

*THE BIG NEWS is that Bright Futures is paying for full-time summer study abroad programs for those designated as Florida Academic Scholars.

What’s included?

42 nights in double-occupancy rooms carefully selected by WorldStrides:

• San Jose: 38 nights – Homestays
  Occupancy is typically 2 to 4 participants to a home or residence
  Families will provide three meals per day, as well as laundry service weekly over the duration of the program
• Monteverde: 2 nights – El Establo Hotel or similar (https://elestablo.com/es/inicio/)
• Always Included: Daily breakfasts at your accommodations, Wireless internet, taxes & service charges, and any applicable meal gratuities.