Costa Rica Study abroad program

Please note that the course selections are made on a first-come-first-serve basis!

*) Small changes possible

Costa Rica study abroad program Courses & Studies

Students can choose up to 4 courses during their study abroad semester. If you would like to take more than 4 courses, you will be charged 425$ USD per additional course. These fees will be payable directly to ULACIT upon semester start.

Students can choose courses from all the following study programs:

• International Relations and Latin American Studies.
• Business Management and Economics.
• Liberal Arts and Humanities.

Please see below for detailed syllabi of Bachelor-level courses offered at ULACIT:

• Cost Accounting
• Costa Rican Political System
• Diplomatic and Consular Law
• Elements of Microeconomics
• Environmental Sustainability and Development in Latin America
• Financial Accounting
• Financial Reporting and Analysis
• Human Resources Management
• International Public Law
• International Relations Theory
• International Trade
• Latin American Cultural Identity
• Management of non-profit organizations
• Managerial Decision Modeling
• Math for Business and Economics
• Peace and War in International Relations
• Poverty, Economics, and Development in Latin America
• Principles of Marketing
• Quality Management
• Theory of the State
• Western Civilization

All courses from these programs are taught 100% in the English language. If you wish to attend courses taught in Spanish, please contact info@asiaexchange.org.

See the course list and course summaries
See the course offering and summary – Autumn semester
See the course offering and summary – Spring semester
See the course offering and summary – Summer semester

SPANISH LANGUAGE COURSES

If you are interested in improving your Spanish skills, there is a possibility to attend the additional Spanish Immersion Program at ULACIT. According to their Spanish proficiency level, the students will be recommended enrollment in any of the entry-level courses:

1. Introductory Spanish
2. Basic Spanish
3. Low-Beginning Spanish
4. High-Beginning Spanish
5. Low-Intermediate Spanish
6. high-intermediate Spanish
7. Advanced Spanish

See the summary for the Spanish courses.

Spanish Immersion language courses cover 60 contact hours, consisting of 3-hour lessons four times per week for five weeks, each Spanish course will earn students 4 US credits or 8 ECTS. The cost per course is 688 USD.

There is also a possibility to take up to three consecutive Spanish courses per season, earning a total of 12 US credits or 24 ECTS credits per academic period. The price for attending three Spanish courses is 1695 USD.

ULACIT will contact the students and ask about their interest in attending the Spanish Immersion program about 1-2 months before the semester start.

eCampus

In addition to the courses mentioned above, you have the chance to attend additional distance learning courses in the fields of Economics, Marketing, Sociology, and Politics. All the courses are taught from a distance and can be joined independently from place and time. This gives you the ultimate flexibility to combine your study abroad experience with various academic courses.

All information about the eCampus can be found here.

You have the chance to opt for distance learning courses during your application process. Please note that each distance learning course is worth 5 ECTS and comes at an additional charge of 199€ / 297USD.

After completing your eCampus courses, you will receive an academic transcript issued by Undiknas University. Additionally, you will receive a participation certificate for each completed distance learning course.

Costa Rica study abroad: ULACIT Credit & Grading

ULACIT works with the US credit system. Each academic course covers 45 contact hours per season (1 lesson each week, for 15 weeks), representing 6 ECTS or 3US credits per course.

You may choose up to 4 courses, which amounts to a maximum of 24 ECTS. ULACIT works annually, with three 15-week academic periods (Spring, Summer, and Fall), with two-week sessions in between. By enrolling in ULACIT, you can cover more credits within a year.

Costa Rica study abroad Program Fees

Part of our DNA is to keep excellent relationships with all our partners. Due to this special relationship with the Latin American University of Science and Technology, you save approximately compared to applying without us. On top of that, you are saving lots of your efforts and time and have the most secure way to get your study place confirmed.

Tuition fee: / Semester
Application fee: .
See what’s included in the fees.

Many of our students apply for national student funding such as PROMOS, BAföG, or CSN.

Are you from North/South America & Oceania? Find out more about the fees.

Benefits when applying via Asia Exchange

• • Confirmation even in one day
  • Orientation days
  • No English proficiency test required
  • Save more than a compared to regular tuition fees
  • additional discount when you apply for two semesters.

To apply to Costa Rica study abroad program you need to have at least

• Minimum age of 18 years
• A high school diploma or similar certificate.
• You are not required to be enrolled at an institution of higher education.

Costa Rica study abroad Program Required Documents

• • A scanned copy of the identification page of your passport. Please note that the passport must be valid 6 months after the semester ends.
  • An official transcript of records, or if you are not currently enrolled at an institution of higher education, a copy of your high school diploma. This should preferably be submitted in English, but we also accept these documents in German, French, and Spanish.

Apply to Costa Rica study abroad program at ULACIT

DOCUMENTS
Get the required documents (see list below)

• When you apply for two semesters: 100 EUR discount on the second semester
• Get access to comprehensive information materials such as a Beyond Abroad Guide and an interactive orientation webinar after you apply

INSTRUCTIONS

• Scan all the required documents (1–2) to your computer.
• Finally, fill out the online application form below and submit it with all the documents.

Uploading and submitting the attachments

• Please upload the attachments in PDF format.
• If possible, please submit all the attachments together with the application. If you’re missing some attachment(s) when you apply, you can later send the missing document(s).  However, please note that we won’t process applications without any attachments whatsoever.
• All attachments must be sent to us by the application deadline at the very latest, preferably as soon as possible.
• You can submit all the documents electronically. Please don’t send anything via regular mail.
• There is a late application fee for applications or attachments submitted after the application deadline.

About Costa Rica study abroad program at ULACIT

The Latin American University of Science and Technology (ULACIT) is a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial university committed to preparing students for leadership roles in science, technology, and other vital fields. Through its globally oriented approach, ULACIT equips students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to thrive in the 21st century.

The university places strong emphasis on positive social coexistence, inclusive values, and cross-cultural understanding. Students are encouraged to build international networks while respecting and celebrating cultural, political, religious, ethnic, gender, and ideological diversity.

Campus and facilities

International students at ULACIT have full access to the university’s state-of-the-art campus, including:

• Fully equipped computer labs and multimedia classrooms

• A modern library, printing and copy center, and quiet study areas

• Comfortable student lounges, a cafeteria, and a student health center

• High-speed Wi-Fi throughout campus

Location

ULACIT’s main campus is located in central San José, the vibrant capital of Costa Rica. It sits just 800 meters north of Central Park and 150 meters south of the La República newspaper offices, in the Tournón neighborhood. The university is situated in San José’s banking district, only 20 minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport.

Additionally, the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer is located in Escazú, at Plaza Tempo, a modern commercial and innovation hub just outside the city center.

See the university video here:

Costa Rica study abroad: Accommodation Options

When studying abroad in San José, Costa Rica, you can either stay in one of the accommodation options provided by ULACIT or find your own housing independently. Around 1–2 months before the semester begins, ULACIT will contact all incoming students to confirm their accommodation preferences and share more detailed options.

Host family

Living with a local host family is a great way to immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture and practice your Spanish daily. Costa Ricans, known for their friendliness and warmth, will welcome you as part of the family.

ULACIT works with carefully selected host families, many of whom have partnered with the university for years. All families live in the San José metro area, with convenient access to campus.

• Cost: $772 USD/month (includes meals)

Individual accommodation

Students also have the option to find accommodation independently. San José offers a range of hostels, B&Bs, short-term rentals, and furnished apartments. Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO are commonly used and offer flexible options for short or long stays.

If you choose to rent from a private owner, it’s strongly recommended to visit the property in person before signing a lease. Online listings may not always reflect reality, and location markers can be inaccurate, especially outside the metro area.

Finding housing independently may involve a bit of negotiation, this is part of the local culture and renting norms. Patience, a sense of humor, and cultural openness will go a long way in securing a place you’re happy with.

CO2 OFFSETTING

Unfortunately, traveling by plane to study abroad increases the carbon footprint of each student. Over the past years, it has become more apparent than ever: we face a climate crisis and air transport is responsible for up to 10% of humankind’s contribution to global warming. But should students stop pursuing their dreams of studying abroad and sacrifice their future goals? We don’t think so!

We see it as our responsibility to preserve our environment, live a sustainable life, and minimize the carbon footprint of each of our students. Consequently, Asia Exchange has chosen to work with Atmosfair, a non-profit organization that actively contributes to CO₂ mitigation and offers Co2 offsetting. You can now easily donate a free amount of money to Atmosfair’s projects dedicated to offsetting Co2 emissions. During the application process for your study abroad program, you have the opportunity to donate and mitigate your flight emissions.

Simultaneously, Asia Exchange will support your efforts to reduce their carbon footprint when studying abroad by doubling your donations and contributing equally. Let’s make this world a better place!

Click here to find out more about offsetting your flight emissions