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

Program Overview

The Education and Psychology in Costa Rica program combines Spanish language learning, academic coursework, and an internship. Over the course of three modules (each three weeks long), you’ll build a strong cultural foundation and gain real-world experience in education or social services, all while living with a local host family.

Module I: Spanish Language and Cultural Immersion
Your program begins with a focus on cultural immersion and language development. You’ll move in with your host family (all meals provided) and take one Spanish course (5 credits) at your appropriate level—Survival Spanish (100 level), Intermediate Spanish (200 level), or History & Culture of Costa Rica (300 level). Whether you’re a complete beginner or already have a background in Spanish, this module is designed to prepare you for your coursework and internship.

Module II: Educational Psychology and Part-Time Internship
In the second module, you’ll begin your internship while also taking Educational Psychology (4 credits, taught in English). Classes are held in the afternoons so that you can spend your mornings at your internship site. Internship options include teaching English in local elementary schools or working with nonprofits/NGOs in the social services sector. You’ll be placed at one site that aligns with your interests and past experience, allowing you to develop deeper relationships and skills as you continue your internship into the next module.

Module III: Full-Time Internship
The final three weeks are fully dedicated to your internship. You’ll work full-time alongside local professionals in your chosen setting—whether in education or social services—applying the concepts you’ve learned in class and gaining practical, hands-on experience that will strengthen your understanding of cross-cultural education and psychology.

Additional Program Highlights:
• Two weekend excursions and several day-long trips to locations such as Poás Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, and Arenal Volcano.
• Cultural activities like traditional Costa Rican cooking and dance classes, as well as guided city tours.

Dates and Deadlines

 
TermYearDeadlineArrival DateDeparture Date
Winter202611/15/20251/17/20263/21/2026

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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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

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

  • SPAN 188 – Beginner Spanish (Survival Spanish)
  • SPAN 288 – Intermediate Spanish (200-level)
  • SPAN 388 – History & Culture of Costa Rica (300-level)
    Equivalent to SPAN 301, 303, or 305, and it can also count as a SPAN elective
    • Prerequisite for SPAN 388: SPAN 203 or native/heritage speaker proficiency.

Educational Psychology (4 credits):
This course, taught in English through Universidad Hispanoamericana (UH), examines cognitive, social, and emotional development in children and adolescents, along with key learning theories such as constructivism and behavioral approaches. The course emphasizes cross-cultural perspectives on education and prepares you to integrate theory with your internship experience.

  • Family and Human Services -- This course has been approved to count towards the FHS Professional Depth degree requirement.

GLBL 488: Internship (4 credits, 120 hours):
Gain practical, hands-on experience through a supervised internship that spans Modules II and III. Internship placements are customized to your interests and background, with opportunities including teaching English in local elementary schools or working with nonprofits and NGOs in the social services sector. You will engage in meaningful cross-cultural learning, contributing to community projects while developing professional and intercultural skills.

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.

Faculty and Staff

Faculty from the International Polytechnic University (UPI) and Hispanoamericana University (UH) 

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. All but two meals will be provided each month, 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.