Required GPA: Heredia
3.0 (4.0 scale) Spanish requirement: 4 semesters of university-level Spanish or equivalentApplication deadlines: November 1 for semester 1 (Jan-Jun)
November 1 for calendar year (Jan-Nov)
April 1 for semester 2 (Jul-Nov)
April 1 for academic year (July-Jun)Program advisor: Eryn Espín-Kudzinski
Study for a semester or a year in one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world. Situated in Heredia, the Universidad Nacional combines excellent academics with extensive opportunities to get involved in campus life and the surrounding community.
New! Ecological Richness of Costa Rica is a new program course available to students beginning semester 1 2013. Click here for more information.
What Universidad Nacional has to offer
An excellent and innovative university in an outstanding natural environmentAn exciting, diverse student body and small class sizesA number of student artistic and athletic groupsCompetitive and intramural athletic teams and clubsA health center, campus library and cafeteria are among the modern amenitiesHousing
Academics
Program includes a mandatory advanced Spanish courseOptional program courses focusing on Costa Rica's diverse ecology and the social history of Costa RicaAbility to cross-enroll in a variety of departments and take classes with Costa Rican studentsAcademic tutors availableAll coursework is in SpanishWhat is the academic structure of UNA?
IFSA-Butler offers a semester and full year study abroad program at the Universidad Nacional (UNA) in Heredia, Costa Rica. The program allows you to enroll directly in classes at UNA with local students. In addition, it offers three program classes designed specifically for IFSA-Butler participants. These classes, taught in Spanish by local professors, are intended to provide you with an understanding of the events and issues that make Costa Rica what it is today.
What program courses does IFSA-Butler offer?
The following courses are specially designed for IFSA-Butler students on the UNA program. You are required to enroll in the mandatory Spanish language class; your placement level will be determined by an oral and written exam after your arrival in Costa Rica. Additionally, you can choose to enroll in one additional program course. Click here to download all program course syllabi, or click on a course title below to download an individual course syllabus.
Advanced Spanish (4 U.S. semester credit hours) This intensive Spanish class is specially designed for IFSA-Butler students and is mandatory. The course is offered at three different advanced levels, and placement is determined by a series of assessments during orientation in Costa Rica. The class is taught intensively during orientation and continues less frequently throughout the semester.
Social History of Costa Rica (3 U.S. semester credit hours) This optional class introduces IFSA-Butler students to Costa Rica's dynamic social history. Starting in the pre-Columbian era, this course guides students through major historical events which helped shape Costa Rica into the peaceful country it is today.
Ecological Richness of Costa Rica: Threats, Challenges and Perspectives (3 U.S. semester credit hours) Due to its location in the tropical zone, Costa Rica hosts one of the largest diversity of species and ecosystems in comparison with other tropical regions in the world. Over 25% of Costa Rica’s territory is under a category of protection, thanks to private reserves dedicated to ecotourism and research. This course is designed to help IFSA-Butler students acquire a basic ecological understanding of Costa Rica’s rich diversity of species populations, communities and landscapes, from tropical natural forests to aquatic resources, taking into consideration the impact of human activity. Classroom lectures and discussion are enhanced by practical hands-on experience through two required field trips where students volunteer to support municipal and community groups that are developing ecotourism initiatives.
What is the Universidad Nacional like?
The Universidad Nacional (UNA) is located on the eastern edge of Heredia, just a few blocks from the downtown area. Very similar to a traditional U.S. university campus, the majority of UNA's buildings are located in one area, surrounded by large trees, tropical flowers, and open spaces where you can relax between classes. Approximately 15,000 students attend UNA; however, small classes and abundant activities offered throughout the semester help give UNA a small-campus feel.
What UNA courses am I eligible to take?
As an IFSA-Butler student, you may enroll in undergraduate courses for which you are qualified and space is available. Additionally, you may enroll in open courses as long as you meet any prerequisites and have the adequate level of Spanish. Most of the UNA facultades offer courses in which you can enroll. While many course descriptions may be found online, course syllabi may not be available until the beginning of your semester.
Keep in mind the following:
Nivel 1 corresponds with first-year courses; Nivel 2 corresponds to second-year courses, etc.I Ciclo (primer ciclo) is a U.S. spring semester (January to July)II Ciclo (segundo ciclo) is a U.S. fall semester (July to December)Anual refers to full-year courses.When the word Latina appears alone in a course title, it means classic, not Latino ethnicity. This applies mostly to literature courses.Where can I find a list of courses that UNA offers?
The Universidad Nacional publishes a tentative list of courses that may be available for students to take while studying at the university. Click here for the online course catalog and follow these steps:
Click here for a listing of Spanish and Literature courses offered at UNA.
Please note that UNA's online course listings are not complete. Some UNA departments have not posted their courses, while other departments have posted only a few courses that may be available. If a particular department or course you are looking for is not listed, contact your program advisor for more information. Course availability changes every semester.
Are there any restrictions or additional requirements for courses I can take?
While most classes at UNA are available for IFSA-Butler students, please keep in mind the following points:
I need to provide course descriptions and/or syllabi to my home university advisor. Where can I find those?
If course descriptions or syllabi are not available online, contact your IFSA-Butler program advisor for assistance. Please provide the following information in your request:
Please limit your request to 10 courses at a time. Keep in mind that it may take a few days to a month to obtain this information.
How are UNA courses different from the courses at my U.S. university?
The system of higher education in Costa Rica is more specialized than the U.S. liberal arts curriculum, which means that Tico students enter university with some background in the subjects they wish to study. Therefore, local students take most of, if not all, their courses in one faculty and receive a degree in one field. In the U.S. system, students take a little of everything and don't specialize until a couple of years into their studies.
Additionally, you might notice that your Tico classmates know each other very well. This is because students enroll in carreras rather than majors. Carreras are similar to majors in the United States but with a more structured program of study and fewer elective courses. Students from the same carrera enroll in the same courses together during their entire undergraduate career.
How will I register for courses?
Course registration takes place once you arrive in Costa Rica, typically during your second week of orientation. A designated day will be set aside for registration at UNA. During this time, you will receive the updated course catalog and be able to speak with departmental representatives or professors about courses in which you are interested in taking. You will then select your courses for the semester.
Before leaving for Costa Rica, it is a good idea to start thinking about the courses you want to take while you are abroad. A course preference form (see the Forms tab) is provided to help you with this process. While this form is not a final registration document, it is a great tool to help you decide which courses you may want to enroll in for the semester. Be sure to discuss your courses with your U.S. university academic advisor.
The order of registration is determined by your cumulative GPA. International students with the highest GPA register first. Make sure you select more classes than you actually need just in case the class you want to take is already full.
While we are sure that your time abroad will be rewarding, you must be aware of some of the challenges inherent in dealing with the Costa Rican educational system. The resident director will not only discuss these at orientation but will also be available to help you with any problems that may arise during the semester.
Keep in mind that the educational system in Costa Rica is different from the system in the U.S. For example, universities do not usually publish course schedules until just before the start of the semester. In many cases, current course listings are not available until you arrive on site. Registration can be a confusing and frustrating process; remember that IFSA-Butler staff will help you during orientation.
What if I need to take a required course?
Because of UNA's academic schedule, it is difficult to confirm course availability before you depart. If you are flexible in your course choices, you will probably be able to find a course that fits your needs. Keep in mind that if you need a specific course to fulfill your home institution's requirements, we may not be able to confirm the availability of that course or enroll you in it even if it is available. Both academic flexibility and patience are requirements for studying in Latin America.
Science and engineering courses everywhere require a high level of expertise, and students should be prepared for the increased challenge of studying these disciplines in Spanish. As these are fields in which there are generally few international students, visiting students may feel that the support system is not readily apparent. However, previous visiting students at UNA have found science and engineering course professors to be helpful.
What are the registration conditions?
You must take a full university course load as determined by IFSA-Butler, which is 15-16 U.S. semester credit hours per semester. Credit will be awarded on a Butler University transcript based on a typical U.S. full course load. Please be aware that you may be charged additional fees by your home university or host university to take or process additional credits. Taking less than a full course load may jeopardize your student status and result in personal academic repercussions and/or loss of financial aid.
All courses are graded on an A-F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or auditing courses unless pass/fail is the only method of assessment for the course. Students are not allowed to register for on-line, distance education or hybrid courses. See the "Academics" and "Program Fees and Financial Aid" sections in Preparing to Study Abroad for more information.
What do I need to know about exams?Due to the difference in academic systems, your exam schedule will not be available until after you register for courses at UNA. Be sure to confirm exam dates with your professor at the beginning of the semester. You are not permitted to reschedule exams, request alternate assessment or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If this occurs, IFSA-Butler will not be able to assist you in conducting an academic record query on the class in which you made this arrangement. Additionally, all academic obligations, including final exams, must be complete before leaving Costa Rica.
How will my home university know what my classes were and what grades I received?
After you return to the U.S., IFSA-Butler will send a Butler University transcript to your home university. The transcript reflects the courses taken, credits attempted and grades earned at UNA during your study abroad semester or year. We will also send an official transcript to your permanent home address.
What if I need academic help during the semester?
In addition to the formal Spanish class, IFSA-Butler organizes tutoring sessions for students throughout the semester or year. These may be scheduled at various times during the week, when students meet with the tutor on an individual basis. Please speak with the IFSA-Butler resident staff if you would like the assistance of a tutor.
One the Universidad Nacional program, you are able to take university courses in a wide range of subject areas. Most departments at the university are open to IFSA-Butler students. See the "University Courses" tab for more information on departmental and course restrictions. IFSA-Butler hopes that students will be able to take courses for their U.S. institution degree requirements in order to stay on track for graduation.
Following is a sample list of courses that previous IFSA-Butler students have taken in Heredia during past semesters. Please keep in mind that this is not a complete list. There are hundreds of courses in Heredia from which you can choose. To see full course listings that may be available during your study abroad semester, click on the "University Courses" tab to access the online course catalog.
Accounting:
Analysis and Interpretation of Financial StatementsAnalysis of Production ProcessesGeneral AccountingArt History:
History of Ancient ArtOverview of Pre-Columbian and Costa Rican ArtRenaissance ArtMusic Studies:
Choir PracticeComplementary GuitarComplementary PianoWorkshop on Choral ConductingBiological Sciences:
BioethicsBotanyEvolutionFaunaForest EcologyIndigenous EcologyIntroduction to the Flora of Costa RicaPlant Anatomy and PhysiologyFilm and Communication Studies:
Art in FilmIntroduction to LinguisticsLatin American File Between Art and UrgencyPhilosophy of CommunicationSocial CommunicationDance:
Costa Rican Dances WorkshopDance AppreciationWorkshop on Creative MovementEconomics:
Economic Development of Costa RicaEconomic ThoughtEconomics and EnvironmentLatin American EconomyPolitical Economy of GlobalizationEducation:
Children's Literature in Preschool EducationCosta Rican Development and Educational ModelsEducation for DiversityEducation, Society and EnvironmentIntroduction to Early EducationIntroduction to PedagogyMusic and Dramatic Art for Basic EducationPedagogical ModelsFine/Studio Arts:
DrawingCeramicsPaintingIntroduction to Fine ArtIntroduction to Two-DimensionalLandscape DrawingMetal Engraving IntroductionPhotographyWorkshop on ClayWorkshop on Textiles and PaperFinance:
Public FinancesPublic Relations and AdministrationGeography:
Cities and Urban PlanningEnvironment and HealthEnvironmental EthicsEnvironmental Geography and Natural DisastersGeography of Costa RicaGeography of Latin AmericaNatural DisastersPolitical and Economic GeographyRegional Geography of Costa RicaTourism and Sustainable DevelopmentUse of Renewable Energy Resources and Energy EfficiencyGender Studies:
Discrimination Forms: Construction and DeconstructionFeminine Voices Cultivating Silence: Latin American Women Behind Bars and FearGender, Poverty and Sustainable Human DevelopmentHistory of Women in Costa Rica and Latin AmericaSocial Construction of the BodyViolence and AbuseWomen, Art and CultureWorkshop on Sensitization of Gender Studies and Androcentric CultureHistory:
Ancient History of AmericaColonial History of Central America and Costa RicaContemporary History of Central America and the CaribbeanContemporary History of Latin AmericaHistory of Costa RicaHistory of MedicineHistory of Women in Costa Rica and Latin AmericaInterdisciplinary Studies:
Art and Popular CultureAlternative, Natural, Traditional and Complementary TherapiesImmigration in Costa RicaIndigenous People of Central America and Their LiteratureScience, Humanism, Environment and Sustainability of LifeWorld Religions and International PoliticsMathematics:
General StatisticsLinear AlgebraMathematics for Economic StudiesManagement:
EntrepreneursInternational Human Resources ManagementManagement PrinciplesPhilosophy:
Ethics and PhilosophyGender, Literature and IdentityIntroduction to Hindu and Buddhist MysticismIntroduction to PhilosophyIntroduction to the Problems of Political PhilosophyPolitical Science:
Compared Political SystemsCooperation for Development Between Latin America and the European CommunityDemocracy and Human RightsForeign Policy of Costa RicaHuman Rights and Humanitarian LawHuman Rights and Indegenous Towns of Costa RicaHuman Rights: Truths and LiesLatin America: Evolution of Political IdeasPeace and Conflict in International RelationsPolitical System of Costa RicaPsychology:
Family PsychologySocial PsychologyReligious Studies:
Christian Religious Practices TodayIntroduction to Sacred WritingIntroduction to Theology: PneumatologyIslam in the Middle EastSociology:
Costa Rican Culture and CivilizationThe Costa Ricans: Their Cultural IdentityCulture and Development in Latin AmericaCulture and GlobalizationDevelopment and Social Movements in Costa RicaGender, Literature and IdentityLife-Pain-Death and Mourning: Personal SignificanceMuseum and Sustainable CommunitiesSocial Construction of Identities and Daily LifeSocial Construction of the BodySocial TourismSociology of CommunicationYouth in Latin America: Their Historical LeadershipSpanish Language:
20th Century Hispanic American LiteratureContemporary Costa Rican LiteratureDidactics of Spanish for Basic EducationLatin American LiteratureMedieval and Renaissance Spanish LiteratureModern Spanish LiteratureMorphology of SpanishSpanish Grammar for Modern LanguagesSpanish SyntaxSpanish-American Literature of the 19th CenturyTheories of Gender and LiteratureTopics on Spanish GrammarWorkshop on Literary Expression: Story and Poetry* All courses listed on this page were available to IFSA-Butler students during previous semesters on the Universidad Nacional program in Costa Rica. IFSA-Butler cannot guarantee that a course listed here or on the university's online course catalog will be available or open to IFSA-Butler students during future study abroad semesters. Please contact your IFSA-Butler program advisor if you have questions about course availability.
What are my housing options?
Study abroad is much more than academics. Learning takes place not only during class, but 24 hours a day. One of the best out-of-class experiences is the homestay, which is a vital, required component of the IFSA-Butler program. One IFSA-Butler student is placed with a carefully selected, program approved host family for the duration of the study abroad semester or year.
In addition to the program application, be sure to click on the "Forms" tab to download and complete your Family Placement Form. Once finished, submit your Family Placement Form to IFSA-Butler via email, fax or regular mail.
The Universidad Nacional program includes three meals per day.
Is my housing included in the program fee?
Yes. Your program fee includes accommodation with your host family while classes are in session and during short university breaks. If you are studying abroad for an entire year, you will need to find alternate housing during the semester breaks. You will be responsible for the any commuting costs you may incur.
When will I receive my housing assignment?
You will most likely receive your housing assignment one to two weeks before your departure. However, in some cases you may not receive your housing assignment until you arrive in Costa Rica for orientation. Your program advisor will notify you of your housing assignment via email when it is ready.
Please keep in mind that while IFSA-Butler guarantees housing, we cannot guarantee your preferences.
Do I have to pay a housing deposit?
The Universidad Nacional program does not require a housing deposit.
Can I arrange my own housing?
All students who participate on the Universidad Nacional program must live with a program approved host family for the duration of the program.
Living and Studying in Heredia
Population: 103,000 (greater area)
Location: Central Costa Rica, seven miles from San José
City features
A college town with a laid-back atmosphere for studentsA great location to visit historic buildings reminiscent of colonial daysUniversidad Nacional's large campus is located on the east side of town, easily accessible by public transportationOffers a welcoming community with a small town feel, yet close to big-city attractionsKnown throughout the world for its coffee plantations and volcanic national parks just outside the cityDo more!
Explore charming neighborhoods of Santa Lucía, San Pablo, San Rafael, Mercedes Norte, Barva, Fátima, Santo Domingo and San Joaquín, all surrounding HerediaClimb a volcano, visit a butterfly farm and take a tour of Café Britt coffee plantationVisit the tropical forests, picture-perfect waterfalls and gleaming rivers that surround HerediaEnjoy the beauty and serenity of the region when hiking, biking and sightseeingTravel by bus (one leaves every hour) to San José or locations throughout Costa RicaLinks
More about Heredia
Costa Rica National Chamber of Tourism
Lonely Planet Costa Rica
The Tico Times Online
Visit Costa Rica
Embassy of Costa Rica
Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Please wait - Loading Dates...* All students should book their return flight on this date. The flight should leave from San José (SJO).
Your program end date may change due to circumstances beyond IFSA-Butler's control. Upon arrival at your host university, be sure to verify your exam schedule and program end date. We also strongly recommend that you investigate fees and penalties associated with your airline tickets in case you need to make date or route changes.
Program housing is available only until the date listed as “Program ends” on the calendar.
Exams must be taken where and when scheduled. Under no circumstances may students request that an exam time be changed. In Costa Rica, exams are taken under formal examination conditions, and changes cannot be made for individuals.
It seems that your version of Internet Explorer (IE)is out of date. If you are using version 7 or less, please update to IE version 8 or later, or try Firefox or Chrome. Using IE 8 already and still can't see info below ("Please wait - loading...")? Press the 'F12' key to set both the Browser and Document Modes to IE 8 or above. Please do not use a 'Compatibility' mode. Please wait - Loading Fees...What's included in our Costa Rica program fees
Expense calculator
Calendar Year and Semester 1 Payments Due: December 15
Academic Year and Semester 2 Payments Due: May 15
Program Fee Bills
IFSA-Butler will send a single bill for the entire program fee, which includes tuition, services, housing and some meals.
Housing
Each student lives with a carefully selected host family. The program fee includes three meals per day.
Please wait - Loading Personal Costs...Expense calculator
These figures are designed to assist students with financial planning but are only estimates based on past students’ experiences at the current exchange rate. They do not include any entertainment or vacation travel costs.
The above numbers are general estimates of expenses during a program abroad. We recommend taking into account your current spending habits, the cost of living in your host country and the current exchange rate. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor can be helpful as you attempt to work on a personal budget for your experience abroad.
Meals: The program fee includes three meals per day.
Personal Miscellaneous: Covers general expenses of college life, including course supplies, photocopying, toiletries, snacks, personal care, etc.
Commuting: Estimates are for transportation between housing and university. Transportation for personal or recreational purposes is not included in the above estimates.
All costs are in U.S. dollars.
To apply to the Universidad Nacional program, use our easy online application.
Applicants to the Universidad Nacional must complete two additional forms as part of the application process:
Please submit these forms with the remainder of your program application. They can be sent to IFSA-Butler via email, fax or regular mail.
If you have already started an application to the Universidad Nacional program, you can check the status of your application using the Student Portal.
IFSA-Butler has a dedicated team of staff who are here to help students prepare for their program in Costa Rica:
Assistant Director for Student Safety Eryn Espín-Kudzinskiassists with the application process and is here to answer program, cultural and academic questions before departure. Eryn lived abroad in Ecuador teaching English while learning Spanish, and she has traveled extensively throughout Latin America. In 2004, Eryn joined IFSA-Butler in order to help students study abroad and experience new cultures. Contact Eryn at the email link above or at 800-858-0229 ext. 4269.
Student Accounts Coordinator Marty Weinbrecht assists with the financial side of study abroad and processes payments and invoices. Marty can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229 ext. 4218.
Student & Parent Services Manager Donnetta Spears is available to both students and parents for travel questions and information. Donnetta has worked with IFSA-Butler since 2000, and she has traveled through parts of Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. As the mother of 4 college students (one who has studied abroad too), she has a deep understanding of the ins-and-outs of study abroad from a parent perspective. Donnetta can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229 ext. 4252.
Once abroad, our students are in the capable hands of our on-site office, including our resident director. Click here to read more about Resident Director Teresita Camacho.
Upon return from your study abroad program, Academic Affairs Coordinator Sara Bell processes your Butler University transcript and assists with any academic record queries. Sara can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229 ext. 4261.
Volunteering while studying abroad in Costa Rica is an enriching experience, both personally and academically. Students report that even volunteering a few hours per week enhanced their study abroad experience by providing them with access to the local culture and a deeper understanding of problems that face Costa Ricans on a daily basis.
Opportunities to volunteer are available for IFSA-Butler students in many different fields such as environmental projects, working in rural communities or tutoring children after school. Additionally, many of the program excursions and activities in Costa Rica are focused on volunteerism and giving back to the local community.
IFSA-Butler has prepared a list of places where you, as a visiting student, could volunteer to do social service. While this is purely optional, a commitment on your part is needed in order to arrange a placement. Upon completion of your period of volunteerism, you will be issued a certificate indicating the number of hours you dedicated and the type of work you completed. Volunteering does not earn academic credit and will not appear on your Butler University transcript.
Examples of places where students can be placed:
Proyecto Esperanza Joven - Students support rural communities in education, building maintenance and assistance with natural emergencies.Fundación Contra el Cáncer de Mama (FUNDESCO) - Administrative duties supporting FUNDESCO staff.Fundación Oratorio Don Bosco - Work with children from high-risk areas through workshops, tutoring and sports.Asociación Volunatrio en Investigacion y Desarrollo Ambiental (VIDA) - Help rural communities with community and environmental service projects.Inbioparque - Assist with recycling programs, community ecotourism and sustainable development.This is just a sample of the volunteer opportunities available to our students, and these may change from semester to semester. If you have specific interests, please discuss them with your program advisor, who can research other opportunities that may be available in your area of interest. Your program advisor can help you determine opportunities that fit your interests (if they are not listed above), but you will not sign up for a volunteer placement until after orientation.
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