Important Program Information
Academic Course Term: Summer Semester 2027
Tentative Travel Dates: May 16 – June 12, 2027
Application Deadline: January 15, 2027
Scholarship Application Deadline: November 15, 2026
Interest Meetings: View on the Office of Education Abroad event calendar here.
Program Description
Experience authentic language learning and rich cultural connection through the UCA Spanish Immersion Program in Costa Rica! Hosted at the Costa Rican Language Academy (CRLA), this program combines intensive academic study with genuine local living, allowing UCA students to earn 6 credit hours of Spanish electives while exploring one of Central America’s most vibrant countries.
Destination Highlights:
- Authentic Cultural Living: Experience true Costa Rican hospitality and daily language practice by living directly with a local host family.
- Tropical Biodiversity: Explore pristine rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and world-renowned Pacific and Caribbean coastlines during your free time.
- Vibrant Local Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in a safe, peaceful nation famed for its warm culture, fresh cuisine, and rich traditions.
Program Highlights & Activities:
- Rigorous Language Curriculum: Attend intensive Spanish classes 5 hours a day (Monday–Thursday) at CRLA to earn 6 elective credits toward your Spanish major or minor requirements (Approval by the School of Languages and Literatures required).
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Free Cultural & Skill Workshops: Complement your morning studies with free, interactive afternoon workshops—including Latin dance classes, weekly Costa Rican cooking classes, and weekly conversation groups.
- Balanced Schedule: Enjoy a dynamic blend of structured group activities and dedicated free time to study, relax, or travel with peers.
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Comprehensive Campus Amenities: Books and course materials included, high-speed Wi-Fi/internet, local phone access, mail service, and complimentary fresh coffee and fruit daily.
Course Offerings
- SPAN 3398 TRAVEL SEMINAR ABROAD
- SPAN 3340 INTENSE ORAL PRACTICE ABROAD SPANISH
HONC 3310 credit may also be offered to students currently admitted to Schedler Honors College and eligible for Junior Seminar. Please contact Dr. Leah Horton for more information.
Please note that Spanish prerequisites are required for this program. Contact Faculty Facilitator, Dr. Travis Sorenson for more information.
Program Cost
Program Costs
View the program’s Cost and Funding page in Via, for more information about the total cost to attend the program, including Student Program Fee and tuition, payment deadlines, and details regarding financial aid and scholarships.
Scholarships
Students attending this program may be eligible to apply for the following institutional study abroad scholarships:
- Office of Education Abroad Study Abroad Scholarship
- The Robert and Carol Adcock Study Abroad Scholarship
- Nicole Wable Hatfield International Study Scholarship
- EDGE Funding
- Travel Abroad Grant (TAG)
Visit our Scholarships webpage for more information about these scholarship and the eligibility requirements to apply.
Faculty Facilitator
Dr. Travis Sorenson
Professor of Spanish
Dr. Sorenson a professor of Spanish Linguistics. He has lived and traveled in more than a dozen Spanish-speaking countries and has taught college Spanish for twenty years. Dr. Sorenson has accompanied students on Spanish immersion trips abroad for several years, mostly in Costa Rica but also in Spain.
Program Cost
For the 2026 program budget, click here.
For information about international insurance coverage: https://uca.edu/globalstudy/health-and-safety/
