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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Program Name
Spanish Language & Latin American Literature
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Location
Heredia
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Host University
Universidad Latina
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Term
Summer 2 2019
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Program Dates
Jun 22, 2019 - Jul 13, 2019
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Program Length
Summer
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Application Deadline
Apr 25, 2019
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Credit
45 Contact Hours
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$2,995
- Apply Now
Program Description
Designed for students interested in the Spanish language and/or Latin American literature, this program offers courses to ISA students at the intermediate and advanced levels of Spanish. You will be able to enroll in either one 45-hour intermediate Spanish language course, or two 45-hour advanced Spanish language or literature courses. Your language level will be determined by the number of semesters/quarters of college-level Spanish you have previously taken.
You will benefit from an intimate classroom environment with other ISA students, and enjoy a lovely and quintessential college campus at the Universidad Latina. Courses are taught by the faculty at the university.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
Students must have completed or tested out of a minimum of two semesters (three quarters) of college-level Spanish
To participate in this program, you must be 18 years of age or older.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Site Specialist will assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception
Airport Reception
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to book your flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
Airport reception is not provided for Intensive Month or J-Term programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Site Specialist will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Meals and Laundry Service
Meals and Laundry Service
The amount of meals and possibility of laundry services vary per location. Meals and laundry services are provided with most homestays. For more details, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Program
Bridging Cultures Program
The Bridging Cultures Program (BCP) encompasses the ISA on-site orientation which will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. The BCP is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the BCP, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Subscription to The New York Times
Subscription to The New York Times
As an ISA student, you will receive a one-year digital subscription to The New York Times. This will allow access to thousands of articles, interactive media, videos and archived journalism dating back to 1851, the year the paper was founded. This initiative, created to complement ISA's co-curricular programming, enables you to connect more deeply with the host culture and global community.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Credits
Contact Hours
45
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
3
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
4 - 5
Academic Information
Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the Costa Rica Site Specialist.
Courses
select allclear all
Course Disclaimer
- Availability of courses is based on enrollment numbers. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last minute class cancellations
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
- Please note that there are no beginning level Spanish courses offered in this program.
Support & Funding
U.S. Team
Natalie Laurence
Program Advisor
While Natalie may be a native Texan, the most formative places and memories in her life have been those outside of the Lone Star State. Natalie's last two years of high school were spent in the Black Forest of Germany. There, her days were filled with walks through the towering trees, countless Döner Kebabs, and efforts to understand the Alemannisch dialect. Upon returning to the States, Natalie began her college career at Samford University until later going on to receive her International Studies degree from Texas A&M University. During the fall of her senior year, Natalie studied abroad through ISA's Veritas program in Florianópolis, Brazil. She savors the days of hiking the stunning ocean-side trails and spending time with her ISA and Veritas families. In addition to her love for exploring and language learning, Natalie enjoys soccer, classic film, travel photography, sixties folk music, and experimental cooking. Natalie is overjoyed to now be a part of other students' life-changing stories abroad.
Madeline Hume
Program Manager, Chile and Costa Rica
Originally from rural Minnesota, Madeline earned her B.A in Political Science and Spanish Language from Kalamazoo “K” College in 2016. During her time at K, she first studied abroad in Santiago, Chile for a semester, then returned to write her thesis on youth political engagement in post-dictatorial Chile, solidifying her love for the region. When not thinking about Latin America, Madeline enjoys cooking, camping with her husband and two pups, and practicing yoga. Madeline believes in the importance of global travel and learning abroad because it broadens our horizons, and make us more passionate and empathetic humans.
Svaja Pakalniskis
Site Specialist, Argentina and Costa Rica
Svaja grew up speaking Lithuanian in a western suburb of Chicago. Her family's connection to its heritage allowed her to spend her childhood summers in the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, and instilled in her a passion for travel and language at an early age. She received a B.A. in Spanish and English at The Ohio State University, and studied abroad with ISA in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Since then, she has devoted many months traveling through North America, Latin America, and Europe. Svaja believes that her time in Argentina was one of the most enriching, thrilling, and constructive experiences she has had and is delighted to help others embark on their own journey. In her free time, Svaja enjoys reading books, playing volleyball, attending concerts, and daydreaming of future travels.
HEREDIA TEAM
Adriana Montealegre Matamoros
Student Services, Costa Rica
Adriana Montealegre Matamoros
Student Services
Adriana was born in San Jose, and studied Arts and Visual Communication in the National University (Costa Rica). Later, she studied as a technician in Graphic Design. She has always loved the languages, so she speaks French, English and Portuguese. She used to be a Scout leader, so, she is used to work in groups and planning brand new activities. If she could, she would be travelling all over the world for meeting new experiences and people. She also enjoys the contact with new people, so when she is in charge of people she enjoys the experience.
María Belén Jiménez
Resident Director, Costa Rica Programs, Costa Rica
María Belén Jiménez
Resident Director, Costa Rica Programs
Originally from San José, Costa Rica, Belén is graduated from the National University of Costa Rica with a major in International Relations. She has worked in various human rights organizations, such as Defense for Children International - Costa Rica and the Inter-American Institute of Human Rights. She also had the opportunity to intern Office of Cooperation at the Costa Rica Institute of Technology where she became passionate about student and cultural exchange programs. In 2011 she started working at ISA and because of her experiences all these years, she truly enjoys meeting and interacting with people from around the world. She likes sharing the history, traditions and food of Costa Rica and all beautiful places her home country has to offer.
Christian Vargas
Director of Latin America Operations, Costa Rica
Christian Vargas
Director of Latin America Operations
Melissa Rodrguez
Student Services and Custom Programs Coordinator, Costa Rica
Melissa Rodrguez
Student Services and Custom Programs Coordinator
Melissa was born in Heredia. She has a degree in Biology from the University of Costa Rica. For many years she was involved with environmental organizations that allowed her to work with environmental education and conservation of natural recourses. Melissa enjoys exploring nature and learning more about the biodiversity of Costa Rica. She loves meeting people from different cultures, sharing their experiences and learning about their traditions. Given her experience with educational programs, she enjoys visiting new areas, meeting people, and hearing more about their stories and reality.
Sylvia Elena Chaverri
High School and Custom Programs Coordinator, Costa Rica
Sylvia Elena Chaverri
High School and Custom Programs Coordinator
Sylvia studied Tourism with an emphasis in Group Management at Alajuela University. In 1999 she began working for the National Biodiversity Institute in its INBioparque project (a wildlife park focused on biodiversity and bio-literacy) as a bilingual guide for three years. This gave her the opportunity to lead many visitors from around the world. Then for three more years she worked with the Education Program where she created informational and recreational workshops, collaborated on exhibitions, trained guides and provided lectures and seminars focusing on themes of nature, biodiversity, conservation, and bio-literacy. Sylvia was promoted to Chief of Operations and then Operations Coordinator at INBioparque. Her trainings include Serving People with Diverse Physical Abilities, Emergency Protocols, Quality Standards, Environmental Interpretation and Group Management. She is certified in First Aid, CPR and Incident Command through the Fire Department and USAID. She is also very fluent in the English language. Her hobbies include gardening, reading, photography, arts and crafts, decoration, and learning about cultures and spending time in nature. Sylvia enjoys meeting and interacting with people of different nationalities sharing their experiences and learning about their traditions, and loves to share her culture and traditions.
Funding Your ISA Program
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships and grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad programs. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Funding Your Program page.
View all Funding OptionsHousing
ISA Housing in Heredia allows students to enjoy an immersive experience living in a Costa Rican (Tico) home with a local family. With an open mind and flexibility, the experience of living in another culture will be both educational and highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations; however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.
Homestay
ISA Heredia homestays allow students to experience aspects of Costa Rican or "tico" lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor. All housing is located in middle to upper class neighborhoods near the Universidad Latina and offers glimpses of everyday life with easy access to city amenities. Homestays include breakfast and dinner every day (except for excursion days) and laundry service once a week. In your homestay you will have your own bedroom, although there may be another ISA student living in the same homestay. This will be a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new place and live as a local would, so take advantage, immerse yourself in the "pura vida", and let yourself become a Tico!
Independent Housing
You may opt to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price. By choosing to opt out of ISA housing, you are responsible for researching and reserving housing, and paying all fees, deposits, and rent directly to the housing facility that you choose.
Excursions
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