Answers to some common questions

How is the program accredited?

This is a University of Costa Rica program. The classes are listed in the UCR course catalog and can be applied toward a UCR degree. The credits will come on a UCR transcript and will be sent directly from the UCR office of the registrar to the corresponding office of the attending student’s university. An English translation along with a conversion table from the UCR number grade to letter grade will accompany each transcript.

Which Universities have accepted credit from this course of study?

Texas A&M University
University of Pennsylvania
Colorado College in Colorado Springs
Reed College in Portland, Oregon
University of Rhode Island
Ohio State
Penn State
University of Iowa
Iowa State
University of California - San Diego
University of Oregon - Eugene
University of Oregon - Corvallis
Benedictine University
University of Calgary
University of Northern British Columbia
University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
Montana State
University of Texas - Austin
University of Colorado - Boulder
and many others

Do you offer financial aid?

The University of Costa Rica is heavily subsidized by the state. Almost all Costa Rican students receive some amount of financial assistance. However, foreign students must rely of financial assistance from their home institutions. If you currently have financial aid the following statement should apply.

Generally, for financial aid to be "portable" to a study abroad program, the student must carry at least a half-time load at the foreign institution and receive credit for the program toward his or her degree. The study abroad program must advance the student toward a degree and not merely be providing an enrichment experience. There may also be other eligibility restrictions, depending on the financial aid program. But as a general rule, many students will be able to take their Title IV funding (Pell, Stafford and PLUS) overseas with them. If the study abroad program is approved for credit by the school, and the student meets the usual eligibility requirements for federal aid, the school is not allowed to deny federal aid to the student just because he or she is participating in a program of study abroad. Institutional aid, however, is subject to the school's own policies.

Students who participate in study-abroad programs that cost more than the usual cost of attendance for their school may be able to get an increase in their Federal Pell Grant to help cover those costs.

How many students usually attend the program?

We have had as few as seven and as many as sixteen but will accept as many as twenty-one.

How does this program differ from other similar opportunities?

Most other programs are not based at a major university.  The extensive facilities of the University of Costa Rica provide a far richer educational environment than can be found in a program based entirely in the field.  This program has an excellent balance between extensive hands on field experience and the optimal facilities of a major educational center.  No other program has as many field trips to as wide of a range of diverse ecosystems.  All of the professors have phds, are for the most part Costa Rican who have worked in the field with foreign students and proudly consider this program a feather in the cap of the department of biology. There is a computer lab with internet e-mail and specialized software to suit the needs of field research biologists.  There is a library, gym, infirmary, cafeteria, and a surrounding college town community that is most welcoming.

The interaction between thousands of Costa Rican students give our students an opportunity that can not be found outside of a major University.  The UCR campus has a student population of 30,000.  Programs that are based outside of San Jose cannot take advantage of the central bus transportation.   Many other programs do not have you stay with Costa Rican families. 

How much does the program cost?

There is a $15 application fee. If you are accepted you will need to deposit $500 to secure your participation in the program. Thirty days prior to the start of the program the remaining portion of your fees will be due. The total program price including the deposit is $8,000.

What does the price include?

The price includes your tuition, field excursions, home stay, all meals except lunch while in San Jose, textbooks & materials, e-mail / computer lab, health & liability insurance, academic and social director. Price and conditions are subject to change. This program is the product of a Costa Rican national university. As such, all goods and services that are purchased for this program are done so on a tax-free basis. In addition, we are in a much better position to negotiate the best prices with suppliers. You may find that other programs are more or less expensive but none other than those run through Costa Rican institutions can provide as much value for the price.

The price does not include your airfare or your personal spending money. If you do not plan to socialize a great deal you should be able to get by with about $600. If you plan to be out a lot then you could spend as much as $1500.

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