Puntarenas, Costa Rica
USAC Program
Program Focus - Spanish, Ecology and Latin American Studies
Email Address - usac@unr.edu
Web site - www.usac.unr.edu
Program Dates
Submit an application before the Application Deadline.
University Affiliation- The National University of Costa Rica (UNA), Marine Biology Station and The Colegio Universitario de Puntarenas.
Curriculum Type- Intensive Language Studies and Electives
USAC Enrollment Limit- 70
GPA Requirement- 2.75
Puntarenas and Costa Rica- Puntarenas, meaning "Sandy Point" is the capital of the coastal province of Puntarenas. During the 19th century it was Costa Rica's major seaport, but Puerto Limon and Cladera, 18 km to the southeast now have assumed that role. Puntarenas has nearly 100, 00o inhabitants and is two hours by bus from San Jose. Primarily a tourist destination and transportation hub, the city is bustling in the dry season ( November- April), and much quieter during the wet season ( May-October). The city is located at the end of a sandy peninsula almost 5 miles long, but only 120 to 700 yards wide. Consequently one is always close to the ocean and there are many beaches from which to choose. Costa Rica is well known for its peaceful lifestyle, egalitarian society , stable government, excellent medical care, and extraordinary natural beauty. The geography of Costa Rica displays a stunning panorama of nature, which includes the Caribbean, and Pacific Oceans, mountains that soar to 12,00ft., lush rain forests, and smoking volcanoes. (Information taken from USAC catalogue)
Costa Rica Tourism Websites- costarica.tourism.co.cr www.costaricamap.com
Courses
Intensive Language Study
- Track I Elementary Spanish
- Track II Intermediate Spanish, Spanish Composition
- Track III Advanced Spanish, Spanish Composition
- Track IV Advanced Spanish, Literature Courses
- Art History- Colonial Period to the Present (in Spanish)
- Dances of Latin America (in Spanish)
- Hispanic America and its Cultures (in English and Spanish)
- International Political Economy: North South Relations (in Spanish)
- Latin American Social Revolutions (in English)
- Tropical Ecology (in English)
- 20th Century Latin American Cinema ( in Spanish)
Types of Accommodation-
- Home Stays - Students live with families that are located within easy commuting distance to the university. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided daily.
- Apartment or University Dorm - Students who would like to live in an apartment or university residence hall must request information from the Resident Director. It will be student.s responsibility to locate an apartment and to make all rental agreements.
Program Fees
2007-2008 - $5,680 per semester, $10,860 per year
Summer 2008 - $3,280 per session, $6,460 per both sessions
2008-2009 - $5,780 per semester, $11,060 per year
* Does not include room and board, personal expenses, textbooks, and airfare
Loyola Fees- $500 for semester and summer, $1000 for year
Aid Transfer- Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS Loans, Alternative Loans, Federal Pell Grant, IL Monetary Award Program Grant (MAP)
