Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Incoming UO Freshman
Location: Americas, Costa Rica
GPA: 3.0

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 of food within Latin American history, combined with comprehensive Spanish language instruction and engaging excursions. 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 history and cultural significance of food in Latin America, in English, in the second half. No prior Spanish knowledge is required, making the program accessible to all students.

The food studies course explores key topics in Latin American food history, including indigenous agricultural practices, the impact of colonization on food culture, and the modern sustainability movement in Costa Rican agriculture. These topics are brought to life through hands-on activities and excursions to local farms, markets, and food production sites, including a traditional Costa Rican cooking class, a coffee tour, and visits to sustainable agriculture operations like The Ark Herb Farm & Ethnobotanical Garden and Sibo Chocolate.

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.
  • Delve into the rich history of food in Latin America, with a focus on cultural traditions, sustainability, and modern agricultural practices.
  • 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!

Minimum Age Requirement: Please note that students must be 18 years or older by the program start date (July 26, 2025).

IntroDUCKtion: For Summer 2025, 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

 
TermYearDeadlineArrival DateDeparture Date
Summer20254/15/20257/26/20258/23/2025

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.

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 2025 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, Food in Latin American History, 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 Food in Latin American History (4 credits): Explore the history and cultural significance of food in Latin America, with a focus on Costa Rica. Engage in hands-on activities such as cooking classes, farm tours, and market visits. Students hoping to satisfy the Food Studies minor capstone seminar requirement with this program should contact the Food Studies faculty advisor.

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: Survival Spanish (5 credits)
  • SPAN 288: Intermediate Spanish (5 credits)
  • SPAN 388: Latin American Civilization & Culture (5 credits)

Weekend and day-long excursions to volcanoes, national parks, and the beach are included in the program itinerary.

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 26, 2025.

All participants must be enrolled at the University of Oregon starting fall term 2025, as of April 15, 2025. 

Faculty and Staff

Julio Fernández Amon is a seasoned expert in food studies and cultural history, with extensive experience as an entrepreneur and educator. He co-founded Sibö Chocolate, an award-winning artisan chocolate company in Costa Rica, and has lectured on the cultural history of Central America through programs with National Geographic and other institutions. Julio holds a Master’s degree in History from the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied as a Fulbright Scholar.

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.