Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Incoming UO Freshman
Location: Americas, Costa Rica

Advancing Your Academic Success: Pre-Freshman Studies in Costa Rica

Program Overview

Can’t wait for college to begin? Get a head start on your University of Oregon academic career while studying in one of the most environmentally biodiverse and sustainable countries in the world on Global Education Oregon’s study abroad program: Advancing Your Academic Success: Pre-Freshman Studies in Costa Rica.

This program offers an immersive experience in the study healthcare in Costa Rica, combined with comprehensive Spanish language instruction and engaging excursions. Students will take classes and receive support from the GEO Center in Costa Rica. Over four weeks, students will participate in Spanish courses tailored to all proficiency levels during the first two weeks, followed by an in-depth course on the healthcare system in Costa Rica, in English, in the second half. No prior Spanish knowledge is required, making the program accessible to all students.

A key part of this program is a one-credit course taught by UO faculty Emily Alder Moscada, titled Advancing Your Academic Success. This course is designed to prepare you for college by helping you develop educational goals, think about personal strengths and weaknesses, familiarize yourself with college resources and services and make connections with other incoming freshman.

The Healthcare in Costa Rica course provides you with a comprehensive introduction to the Costa Rican health system and its role in shaping the country’s social, demographic, and human development outcomes. The course examines the structure of the national health system, its guiding principles, and the policies that have contributed to Costa Rica’s recognized achievements in public health and well-being.

Program Highlights:

  • Experience Costa Rica's culinary and agricultural heritage through visits to places like Arenal Volcano, the Pacific Coast, community-based urban permaculture projects and local organic farms.
  • Two weeks of language instruction for all levels, enhancing your ability to engage with the local culture and communities.
  • Enjoy activities such as traditional Costa Rican cooking and dance classes, city tours, and living with your host family.
  • Take an Academic Success course designed to prepare you for college!

Additionally, we will offer a similar Pre-Freshman programs in Costa Rica, Siena, Italy, and two programs in London this summer! Students can apply to multiple programs, but can only attend one due to overlapping dates.

Minimum Age Requirement: Please note that students must be 18 years or older by the program start date (July 24, 2027).

IntroDUCKtion: For Summer 2027, students going to Costa Rica may participate in any IntroDUCKtion session before or after the Pre-Freshman program that does not conflict with the Costa Rica program dates. Please review session dates and register for IntroDUCKtion prior to going to abroad.

*Please note credits earned on this program are earned through the University of Oregon's Community Education Program. Therefore this program is not eligible for federal financial aid, including federal student or parent loans.

Dates and Deadlines

Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Summer 2027 04/15/2027 07/24/27 08/21/27

Application Instructions: To create an application for this program, please click the “Start an Application” button. If you are on a computer, this will be in the upper right hand of the screen, and if you are on your mobile phone, it will be at the bottom. You will be brought to the login page, where you can create an account. Please take the following steps:

  • Choose “I do not have login credentials to this site.”
  • Choose “I am not currently registered at an institution. You are not yet a UO student, and therefore should not plan on using any UO information.
  • Fill out the following form requesting your name, date of birth, gender, and email.

When you submit this form, an account will be generated for you, and an email will be sent to you with your login and password information. If at any point you have issues with this process, please contact geoinfo@uoregon.edu.

This program has a rolling admission application process: GEO staff (and the program faculty leader, if applicable) will complete a review of the application materials of complete applications in the order that they are submitted (“first come, first serve”). Decisions about acceptance will be made shortly after you submit a complete application. There are some programs that fill fast, some even before the deadline. Students are encouraged to complete applications and commit to programs early.

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Hear from Our Students

Preparing for the Journey – Tips for Future Travelers

Person walking on a suspension bridge in the jungle in Costa Rica
Traveling abroad for the first time is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. As someone who recently returned from Costa Rica with the GEO Staff Grant program, I want to share a few insights… read more

Returning From Costa Rica

Lane and 6 friends sitting at a table eating pizza
As I return to daily life in the U.S., I wanted to share some of my experiences coming back into my hometown in Texas after my time in Heredia, Costa Rica. I had the best time in Costa Rica and have… read more

My first week in Costa Rica

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Image Mixing the cheese in for our cheesy tortillas Hi! I'm Lane Decker, and I am an incoming freshman at UO! I identify as a lesbian woman… read more

Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $500 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Academic Details

This is a four-week summer program for Fall 2026 freshmen students that allows you to earn ten credits towards your University of Oregon degree in an international setting. Courses include Advancing Your Academic Success, Healthcare in Costa RIca, and a course in Spanish (100, 200, or 300-level).

Students should be prepared for a rigorous academic experience. You will be expected to demonstrate maturity and critical thinking both inside and outside the classroom. Courses will meet for several hours at a time, three to four times each week, with additional mandatory excursions and performances. You should be prepared for class meetings on all weekdays. 

Students will enroll in the following courses:

GLBL 188 Advancing Your Academic Success (1 credit): This course is designed to prepare you for college by helping you develop educational goals, think about personal strengths and weaknesses, familiarize yourself with college resources and services and make connections with other incoming freshman.

GLBL 288 Healthcare in Costa Rica (4 credits): Explore Costa Rica’s healthcare system and public health practices and includes two healthcare field trips and two hands-on medical workshops. Taught in English by Universidad Latina de Costa Rica faculty. This course can count as 200-level coursework towards Global Studies. This course also counts as a Social Science Core Education Course.

SPAN 188/288/388: Spanish Language Course (5 credits): Choose one Spanish course to take during the first two weeks of the program:

  • SPAN 188: Beginner Spanish (5 credits)
  • SPAN 288: Intermediate Spanish (5 credits)
  • SPAN 388: Medical Spanish (5 credits)
    • Equivalent to SPAN 301, 303, or 305, and it can also count as a SPAN elective

Note: All Spanish courses are taught using an immersive, communicative approach in which instructors speak exclusively in Spanish — even at the beginner level. This can feel challenging at first, but it typically becomes easier over time, and research shows this method is highly effective for language learners.

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Additional Requirements

Program participants must be 18 years or older as of July 24, 2027.

All participants must be enrolled at the University of Oregon starting the fall term of 2027, as of May 1, 2027. 

Faculty and Staff

Emily Adler Mosqueda is an associate clinical professor of pediatric speech-language pathology at the University of Oregon. She is a two-time graduate of the University of Oregon, for both her undergraduate and master's degrees in the top-ranked College of Education speech-language pathology program. Emily is a life-long traveler starting when she was 6, including a study abroad in Argentina at 18. She also loves to cook and learn new recipes with her family. As a bilingual and multiethnic woman, she has a deep appreciation of cultures and people. Emily is a strong believer that travel opens minds and wholistically enhances one's education. 

Janiva Cifuentes-Hiss – Director of Strategic Partnerships (Arcos Headquarters)
Janiva Cifuentes-Hiss has over 20 years of experience in study abroad designing and leading transformative programs across Latin America, Africa, and Europe. Janiva graduated from Pomona College with a B.A. in Latin American Studies and studied abroad at the University of Salamanca in Spain. She served as Costa Rica Resident Director from 2007–2020 and currently works for Arcos Headquarters where she collaborates with GEO to create immersive customized programs and internships for University of Oregon students. 

Catalina Ovares – Costa Rica Resident Director
Catalina (Cata) is a native of Atenas, Costa Rica. She is a certified naturalist guide with extensive experience leading study abroad programs in Costa Rica. She is CPR and First Aid certified and enjoys soccer, horseback riding, and adventure sports. Catalina is responsible for reservations, logistics, and "behind the scenes program" planning for GEO programs for University of Oregon students. 

Angélica Pérez – Costa Rica Program Director
Angélica (Angie) is from San José, Costa Rica, and has decades of experience leading study abroad programs in Costa Rica. She is a certified bilingual tour Guide, is First Aid and CPR certified, and is trained in leading groups with disabilities. She is very knowledgeable about culture, biodiversity and natural history. Angie leads all Arcos cultural activities and excursions, and is available to support University of Oregon students abroad with health, safety, and cultural immersion. She is on-call in case of emergencies 24/7. 

Adriana Campos – Costa Rica Program Director
Adriana Campos is from Heredia, Costa Rica, and is a certified tour guide and has many years of experience in ecotourism, volunteer coordination, and environmental education. She is First Aid and CPR certified, has led workshops at the National Biodiversity Institute and is a certified children’s yoga instructor.  Adri leads all Arcos cultural activities and excursions, and is available to support University of Oregon students abroad with health, safety, and cultural immersion. She is on-call in case of emergencies 24/7. 

Spanish faculty are from the International Polytechnic University in Heredia, Costa Rica.

Housing Description

Students will be placed in groups of two to three students per homestay in Heredia, Costa Rica. Homestays provide three meals a day and are conveniently located within walking distance of each other and the classrooms. Almost all meals are provided, but students will likely want to go out to restaurants for a few nights on their own.

This arrangement offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture, practice their Spanish language skills in a real-world setting, and experience the warmth and hospitality of a “Tico” family. Homestays also provide a safe and supportive environment, helping students to fully engage with their surroundings and make the most of their study abroad experience.

Budget and Price

Global Education Oregon Logo

Advancing Your Academic Success: Pre-Freshman Studies in Costa Rica

2026 Summer

GEO Program Fees
Description Amount
UO Study Abroad Fee* $500
Program Tuition $5,298
Housing & Included Meals $1,454
Insurance $98
Estimated Additional Expenses
Description Amount
Estimated Airfare from Eugene $900
Estimated Additional Meals $100
Estimated Cell Phone Expenses $100
Estimated Travel Clinic & Pre-departure Physical** $50
Estimated Cost of acquiring passport $150
Estimated Additional Living Expenses $200
Total
Description Amount
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance $8,850
Sub-Total: GEO Program Fees (Billed to UO Student Account) $7,350
Sub-Total: Estimated Additional Expenses $1,500

Included in Program Costs: Program Tuition, Medical insurance, Pre-departure and on-site support, Excursions, Housing, Most meals, On-site orientation

*Non-UO Students: study abroad fees and application fees vary by campus; check with your home campus study abroad office.

Please visit GEO Billing Information for information about how you will be billed and when payments are due.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to program

Student agrees to $500 program deposit. This deposit is fully refundable until May 1, 2026 at which point it becomes non-refundable.
8 weeks before program start date

Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees
45 days before program begins

Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees
Note that scholarship funds are not able to be applied to program deposit.

IMPORTANT: The GEO Cancellation Policy is effective from the time a student agrees to pay their non-refundable program deposit or electronically signs the program commitment form, regardless of application or acceptance status. It is essential to read this policy before a potential cancellation takes place, to fully understand the withdrawal and cancellation penalties, and to understand what it means financially to commit to a study abroad program.

To view the program specific cancellation policy dates and penalties, click the term budget dropdown menu.

Students who cancel their participation must notify GEO in writing. Email is acceptable (geoinfo@uoregon.edu). Verbal notification to GEO or notification given to a non-UO campus study abroad office is not sufficient.

For full details, see the complete GEO Cancellation Policy.

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