Costa Rica: Universidad Veritas

Veritas University, one of Costa Rica’s first private colleges, is a vibrant and creative hub where students dive into art, design, and architecture alongside a close-knit community of about 1,800 local and 320 international peers. With a dynamic campus atmosphere, students can join cooking and dance lessons, yoga classes, conversation clubs, talent shows, welcome parties, and group outings—all led by passionate staff who are eager to help you connect and explore. For those with evening classes or activities, Veritas offers a convenient shuttle system, plus easy access to taxis right outside campus, making it simple to get around and stay engaged. The university also offers excursions their main objective is to make sure students can travel within Costa Rica safely, properly insured providers, and experience some of our natural resources. For more information, please see here. 

Courses: Veritas offers a unique and customized academic program. They offer many English taught courses that students can take in a variety of fields as well as a variety of Spanish language options as well.

 Courses are divided into six areas:

• Intensive Language Courses range from basic to advanced.
• Spanish Electives require an advanced level of proficiency. Classes focus on literature and linguistics.
• Integrated Studies in Spanish with Costa Rican students in the Art, Design, and Architecture Departments are available to students with an advanced level of Spanish.
• English Taught Courses are offered in art, business, economic, communication, science, history, politics, theology, and health.
• Short Term Programs are offered in different fields, such as health or law enforcement.
• Internship Opportunities are available on an individual basis

 Students taking intensive Spanish take one course per month, meeting five days per week from 8 am to 12 pm. After passing the class, students are able to progress to the next level of Spanish. For course offerings of the month-long intensive Spanish, please see here.

English-taught courses meet for 3 months, generally twice per week, and usually include field trips related to the course content. English-taught electives are held in the afternoon and early evening hours. For course offerings of electives taught in English or Spanish, please see here. 

Academic Calendar: Veritas offers a Fall term from October to December. For the Spring Semester, they offer two terms - one from January to March and one from April to June. Students can choose one of those terms or both. They also offer a variety of summer options. To view the academic calendar, please see the Veritas' homepage or in PDF form here.

Credits:
Credits are the same as in the U.S. Most elective courses are 3 credits, and 4 credits if they include a lab portion (usually a weekend field trip). The month-long Spanish intensive courses are typically 4 credits.

Grades:  
Grading scale is the same as in the U.S.

Housing: Veritas typically coordinates host families for UNI students, located within walking distance of the university. Many host families have partnered with Veritas for over 20 years! Students consider host families to be one of the best parts of the program. The Tico (Costa Rican) families go through a selection and evaluation process with Veritas staff to ensure their home meets standards and needs of US students. Host families are required to speak Spanish to students to help improve language skills. Most families, however, do speak some English. Homestays include two meals per day, laundry once per week, Wi-Fi, cleaning service and a private bedroom.

Dining: Included with the cost of your host family will be breakfast and dinner. Students are in charge of their own lunch accommodations, however there are a number of local restaurants, called sodas, that are within walking distance of campus. The university also has two different cafeterias serving meals, snacks, drinks, salads, desserts and more. Most host families provide refrigerator and cabinet space for students if they want to buy food to make their own lunches.

We recommend that students arrive for their program one day before their classes start (traditionally Sunday) and depart one day after their classes end (traditionally Saturday). However, other accommodations can be made by speaking with your host family. Veritas has a big pool of host families, but they also receive hundreds of students from around the world, therefore they prefer that students stay with host families primarily during the time of their academic program.

Health Preparation for Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it also requires careful planning—especially when it comes to your health. To ensure a safe and successful experience, we strongly recommend the following steps:

1. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider Early
At the time you are selecting your study abroad program, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or specialist to discuss:

• Medication Legality: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications that are legal in the U.S. may be restricted or illegal in other countries. Your provider can help you determine if your medications are permitted in your destination and suggest alternatives if needed.
• Chronic Conditions or Health Concerns: Discuss how your health needs might be affected by travel, climate, time zone changes, or access to care abroad.
• Mental Health Support: If you are currently receiving mental health care, talk with your provider about how to maintain support while abroad.

2. Schedule a Travel Health Consultation (6–8 Weeks Before Departure)
A separate travel health consultation is essential and should be held at least 6–8 weeks before your departure. During this appointment, a travel medicine specialist can:

• Review your destination-specific health risks
• Recommend or administer necessary vaccines
• Provide guidance on food and water safety
• Prescribe medications for travel-related illnesses (e.g., malaria, traveler’s diarrhea)
• Offer tips for managing jet lag, altitude, and other travel-related challenges

These appointments can be held at the UNI Student Health Clinic. For more information on their services, please visit their website.

Accessibility and Study Abroad: Plan Ahead for a Smooth Experience

If you are a student with a disability or accessibility concern—whether related to mobility, learning, mental health, chronic health conditions, or other needs—we encourage you to connect with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as early as possible, ideally during the program selection process. Early communication allows our team to understand your specific needs and preferences and explore available accommodations in your host country.

Accessibility resources and standards can vary widely by country, so advance planning is essential to help us advocate for your needs and create a positive, inclusive experience abroad.

Reach out to Student Accessibility Services to start a conversation. The sooner we know, the more we can do to support you.

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Meet your Advisor:

Stephanie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to Costa Rica, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more.  From the application process to financial assistance to preparing for your journey abroad, Stephanie will be with you every step of the way providing guidance and reassurance.

Identities Abroad

The Study Abroad Center (SAC) wants to support you as you prepare for your study abroad experience. In addition to course planning and arranging accommodations, it is also important to engage in personal reflection before your departure. There may be certain aspects of your identity that could potentially impact your international experience in ways that you have not faced or thought about previously. As we are here to help guide you, you may want to consider meeting with the SAC staff to discuss this as you plan your abroad experience. Please visit our Identities Abroad page for more information and help.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to Costa Rica.

Immigration Information:

Students going to Costa Rica for less than 180 days do not need to apply for a student visa or to refresh their tourist visa.

Your Study Abroad Advisor will help you through this process but it is the student's responsibility to stay on top of the visa application process and to review the latest updates related to their destination country.

Veritas University offers a few courses for the Winter 2025-2026 session (known at Veritas as the J-Term.) 

Dates

The dates for the 2025 J-Term will be from January 5th to January 16th.  Students should plan to arrive on January 4th and they can depart either the January 17th. 

Course Options: 

• Wholistic Midwifery Skills: A Latin American Perspective course is scheduled for J-term 2026. This unique course offers an in-depth exploration of midwifery practices, combining traditional and modern approaches with a focus on holistic care. Students will gain valuable insights into the cultural, social, and medical aspects of midwifery in Latin America, enhancing their understanding and skills in this vital field. To view the syllabus for the course, please see here.

• Tropical Marine Biology
• Tropical Ecosystems Gallery
• Ecological Photography
• Introduction to Genetics: Current applications 
• Eco Wellbeing: Intersections of Health, Biodiversity & Climate
• Costa Rican Health Care System
• The Role of Women in Latin American Short Stories - Taught in Spanish

Cost

Veritas University offers a few types of programs for the summer. These include monthly programs and field courses. 

Monthly programs

• Four week programs where students take intensive Spanish language courses
• Available May, June, and July

Field Courses

• Three week programs taught in English focused on building immersive hands-on experiences
• Course topics include biology and environmental sciences, sustainable studies, business and economics, and arts and humanities  

Summer Sessions 1 and 2

• A 5-week program where students can take English and Spanish electives
• Session 1: Late May-End of June
• Session 2: Early July-Early August

Veritas Cost Estimate Summer 2025 (2 electives over 5 weeks)

Veritas Cost Estimate Summer 2025 (2 electives over 5 weeks, 1 Spanish learning course over 4 weeks)