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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Environment, Health & Wellness
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Location
San José
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Host University
Universidad Veritas
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Term
J-Term 1 2026
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Program Dates
Jan 01, 2026 - Jan 20, 2026
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Program Length
J-Term
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Application Deadline
Oct 01, 2025
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Oct 15, 2025
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Credit
40 - 45 Contact Hours
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$4,450
- Apply Now
Study Abroad Program Description
Our Environment, Health & Wellness program allows you to take one course during a two-week, J-Term session (January). Depending on the course, courses range from 40-45 contact hours. This program is perfect for students looking to study abroad during winter break before returning to their home universities, as well as those hoping to get an early start to their San José semester program.
Our J-Term program at Universidad Veritas offers a unique opportunity to experience ecology and health studies through project-based, hands-on coursework. Choose from a variety of subject areas, with a particular focus on environmental studies and wellness.
The majority of courses are taught in English by local faculty. Electives taught in Spanish for advanced-level speakers may also be offered. Classmates will be international students, the majority of whom will be North American.
Students are welcome to enroll in the J-Term as a standalone program or as a precursor to ISA's Spring 1B program. Please contact your Program Manager if you wish to participate in a J-Term in combination with another ISA program. It is not possible to combine this J-term program with the January Spanish Intensive Month in this location.
Housing between the J-Term and semester sessions is not included in the program price but may be secured at an additional cost.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
There is no language prerequisite for this program.
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 Program Manager will also 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 most Intensive Month or J-Term programs, as well as programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager 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 possibility for included meals and/or laundry services vary per location and housing option. Meals and laundry services are provided with most homestays to a degree. For more details, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It 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 Bridging Cultures Orientation, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions*
Excursions*
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
*Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, some summer sessions, as well as some programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
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.
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
40 - 45
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
2 - 3
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
4 - 4
Academic Information
Course Selection
You will take one course in this session. The course is a 2-week intensive course with classes meeting Monday - Friday.
All courses have a field study component, but 4-credit courses may require additional weekend field trips.
Please note that ISA cannot guarantee course placement and availability. For this reason, we ask all students to consider alternate courses in the event that their preferred courses are not available.
This program can be combined with our Spring 1B semester. For more information, contact your San José Program Manager.
Requests for sample syllabi can be made to your San José Program Manager.
Language Level Placement
All students enrolling in an elective taught in Spanish must take a Spanish language placement exam prior to departure. The exam will indicate each student's language proficiency level and determine the courses in which the student is eligible to enroll.
Course Level Recommendations
ISA offers course level recommendations for the courses listed below. Please note that the course level recommendations are solely based on the host university's input, but are not necessarily representative of course levels at your home university. These ISA recommendations are intended to facilitate the determination of course equivalencies by advisers and credential evaluators at participants' U.S. home institutions. At Veritas University, course codes are composed of two parts: an alpha code indicating the discipline or field of study and a numeric code that indicates the type of course and level. The first number indicates the level or degree of complexity of ongoing research.
• Courses that start with a 1 are introductory courses or beginner level language acquisition courses.
• Courses that start with a 2 are courses that require more hours of independent study and are intermediate level language acquisition courses.
• Courses that start with a 3 are courses that require research and presentations, have field trips or visits requiring reports, and are advanced level language acquisition courses.
• Courses that start with a 4 have a very similar level to level 3 courses, but usually are "specialty areas" within a discipline.
Transcript Information
The transcript from Universidad Veritas will reflect contact hours for each course listed below. Please be in touch with your home university regarding credit transfer for this program.
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
Support & Funding
ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating identity questions related to traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.
SUPPORT TEAM
Our U.S. staff is available to support you though every stage of your study abroad journey. Please reach out with any questions about ISA programs or life on-site to your country-specific Program Manager.
Our on-site staff are there for you as soon as you arrive in country and will support you throughout your time abroad.
U.S. Team
Rosina D'Angelo
Program Manager, Costa Rica & Spain
Originally from Houston, TX, Rosina discovered a passion for international education as a teenager after spending a summer studying Spanish in Salamanca, Spain with ISA. Her love of language led her to pursue double majors in English and Hispanic Studies at the University of Richmond, where she had the opportunity to study abroad again in both Córdoba, Argentina and Alcalá de Henares, Spain. After graduation, she moved back to Spain and taught English for 3 years in the bustling city of Madrid and the beautiful island of Mallorca. Now that she’s back in Texas, she’s excited to advise ISA students preparing to set off on their own international adventures! In her free time, she loves cooking and baking, hiking, and exploring new cities.
SAN JOSÉ TEAM
Adriana Caravaca
Resident Director, Costa Rica, Costa Rica
Adriana Caravaca
Resident Director, Costa Rica
Adriana studied Bilingual Preschool Education at the Universidad Central. She has worked as a coordinator of camps and recreational activities with youth groups from Costa Rica, the United States and Canada. This experience helped her share ties of friendship, communal work, and cultural exchange. Adriana is an active person who loves to meet new people from different cultures. She also enjoys teaching Spanish and English and has been involved as a tutor of children, youth and adults for 10 years. Thanks to her experience working with students and languages, she is very excited to be able to share and help students to adapt and learn from Costa Rican language and culture.
Sylvia Chaverri
Director Heredia Programs, Costa Rica
Sylvia Chaverri
Director Heredia Programs
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 which gave her the opportunity to lead many visitors from around the world. Sylviaheld various roles at INBioparque and has experience 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 fluent in English and her hobbies include gardening, reading, photography, arts and crafts, decoration, and learning about cultures and spending time in nature.Sylviaenjoys meeting and interacting with people of different nationalities and loves to share her culture and traditions.
Christian Vargas
Director of Latin America Operations, Costa Rica
Christian Vargas
Director of Latin America Operations
Originally from San José, Costa Rica. Christian discovered his passion for international education while volunteering during summer programs, helping teach computer classes to low-income students in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, as well as rural areas of Costa Rica. Christian studied business administration at the Universidad Veritas in San José, as well as information technology. He began working with ISA in 1999 and has enjoyed assisting all students in having a unique experience in Costa Rica. His experience and dedication to international students have motivated him to share his knowledge with the rest of ISA's programs in Latin America.
Identity Resources
Accessibility & Accommodations
With our wide portfolio of program types and locations, we’re confident there is a suitable, accessible program for each student.
Securing accommodations abroad can take time, so we ask that those with requests inform ISA early in the advising process. We recommend reaching out to your Program Manager or our Accessibility Team (accessibilityteam@worldstrides.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.
Destination Information
Our diversity pages for each ISA destination include information on Indigenous communities, languages, race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+, and disability access. We hope it will help when reflecting upon and contextualizing intersectionality in your host community.
Identity Blog
ISA offers students the opportunity to blog about their experiences abroad from their own diverse perspectives. These posts can be found on the ISA Student Blog, and interested students should email diversity@studiesabroad.com for more information.
Funding
All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, ISA offers a variety of scholarships to help cover your study abroad costs. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarships & grants page!
If you receive financial aid from your home university, you can likely use those funds for study abroad, as well. Speak with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about your options. Check out steps for using financial aid.
Questions about scholarships and funding? Email us at higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org
Housing
Living in ISA housing will allow you the opportunity to experience aspects of the Costa Rican (Tico) lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor. Regardless of your housing option, you will have a short commute to your university. Travel times to the various university buildings generally range between 15 and 30 minutes depending on housing and class locations. With an open and adaptable mind, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
Homestay
Homestays are best if you are seeking full linguistic and cultural immersion during your time abroad. Each host family has been carefully selected by ISA's resident staff in order to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. All housing is located in nice neighborhoods near the Universidad Veritas 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!
Apartment
Apartments are a great housing option if you are seeking complete independence during your time abroad. Apartments are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability is limited. Each apartment is fully furnished and rent is included in the program price. Apartments, located in San José, typically house four ISA students and are made up of single occupancy rooms. Meals and laundry service are not included.
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
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
Excursions are not included in this session, however, while you are abroad, you will have the opportunity to take part in cultural activities offered by the ISA resident staff.
Cultural Activities in San José
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the culture of Costa Rica. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Costa Rica special. These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included cooking classes, a tour of the National Theatre, a visit to the art museum and picnic, a screening of a Costa Rican film, etc.
Cultural Activities in San José
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the culture of Costa Rica. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Costa Rica special. These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included cooking classes, a tour of the National Theatre, a visit to the art museum and picnic, a screening of a Costa Rican film, etc.