Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore
Location: Americas, Costa Rica
GPA: 2.5

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Dates & Deadlines

Program Overview

Healthcare in Costa Rica is a four-week program that includes Spanish language study with an in-depth exploration of Costa Rica’s healthcare system. Over the first two weeks, you will take a Spanish course at your level — from beginner to intermediate, or even Medical Spanish for those ready for 300 level Spanish.

During the second half of the program, you’ll shift focus to the Costa Rican healthcare system, examining the structures, practices, and cultural influences of health in Costa Rica. The course is taught in English by faculty from the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica and supported by Arcos Learning Abroad staff.

Optional Extension: Students may apply for an optional four-week extension for either a medical shadowing or healthcare internship experience. Opportunities may include observing in clinics or hospitals, or interning with non-profits and medical providers on administrative or educational projects. To participate, students must complete the Medical Spanish course and either have finished the 200 - level Spanish series at the University of Oregon or be heritage Spanish speakers.

Program Highlights

  • Weekend and day-long excursions to national parks, volcanoes, medicinal plant botanical garden and cultural sites.
  • Two weeks of Spanish language instruction at all levels, including an option for Medical Spanish.
  • Academic course on Healthcare in Costa Rica, taught in English.
  • Cultural activities such as Costa Rican cooking and dance classes, city tours, and host family.
  • Optional medical shadowing extension in clinics or hospitals (observation only, with Spanish level and prior coursework requirements).
  • Alternative internship opportunities with medical providers or NGOs in areas like health education.

Dates and Deadlines

 
TermYearDeadlineArrival DateDeparture Date
Summer20263/15/202606/27/202607/25/2026

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.

Acceptance is based on a holistic review of your application.  This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and the short statement.

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Faculty-Led Scholarship Opportunity

Applicants to this program are eligible for program-specific scholarship funds. Award recipients are chosen based on academic merit, financial need, and overall quality of their essay. Individual awards range from $500-$1,500. To be considered, apply to the GEO General Scholarship by the advertised deadline for the term you will be abroad. Students who apply will automatically be considered for all available funding within the General Scholarship, including this program's scholarship funds.

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

Students will enroll in the following courses:

  1. SPAN 188/288/388: Spanish Language Course (5 credits)
  • SPAN 188 – Beginner Spanish (100-level)
  • SPAN 288 – Intermediate Spanish (200-level)
  • SPAN 388 – Medical Spanish
    • *Prerequisite for SPAN 388: SPAN 203 or heritage speaker proficiency

Note: All Spanish courses use an immersive, communicative approach with instruction almost entirely in Spanish, even at the beginner level.

  1. GLBL 388: Healthcare in Costa Rica (4 credits)
  • Explore Costa Rica’s healthcare system and public health practices.
  • Taught in English by Universidad Latina de Costa Rica faculty.
  • Includes 2 healthcare field trips and 2 hands-on medical workshops.
  1. (Optional) GLBL 488: Healthcare Internship in Costa Rica (4 credits)
  • Four-week extension following the core program.
  • Students may participate in one of two internship tracks:
    • Global Health Internship – Work with community health organizations, non-profits, or educational/administrative projects. No prerequisites, limited opportunities.
    • Medical Shadowing Internship – Observe medical professionals in clinics and hospitals and support service-related tasks.
      *Prerequisites for Medical Shadowing: HPHY 211 and SPAN 388 -- Medical Spanish

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.

Faculty and Staff

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. 

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, laundry once a week and are conveniently located within walking distance of each other and the university classrooms. All meals are provided with host family, except for 2 meals on excursions. 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.