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- Universidad Veritas
Universidad Veritas
| Area: | Direct Enroll Program |
| Location: | San Jose |
| Country: | Costa Rica |
| Term: | Fall, Spring, Academic Year, Summer |
| Website: | Veritas Direct Program |
Veritas University was founded in 1975 as a college of the Universidad Autonoma de Centroamerica, the first private university in Costa Rica. Shortly thereafter, Veritas University became an independent university and has since grown to become one of the most highly recognized private universities in the Latin American community. With more than 1,000 students, it is located in the eastern part of the city, ten minutes from downtown San Jose and only one kilometer from the Casa Presidencial.
Veritas offers a comprehensive study abroad program that includes a diverse selection of English and Spanish taught courses, in addition to a Spanish Language program. On-campus extracurricular activities, field trips, excursions, cultural activities and home stays with trusted local families ensure an enriching, unforgettable experience.
Cost: Host institution tuition rates + in-country costs
Requirements: 3.0 GPA
Students on a global direct program will pay tuition and fees directly to Veritas. Students should expect to pay $860 for each 3 credit course, and $1,090 for each 4 credit course. Students are required to live in a homestay as part of the program. The homestay costs $42 per night (about $1,260 per month, based on a 30 day month). Breakfast and dinner is included in the homestay. Students with special dietary requirements (vegan, celiac, allergies) may be required to pay an additional $5/day fee. Other costs will include the registration fee ($195), books ($200 for 4 classes), optional airport pick-up service ($45), and optional lunch package ($40 for 5 lunch tickets).
This is a 12-week semester program. Veritas offers courses over a variety of disciplines, including Environmental Science, Health, Spanish language, and Political Science. Students will have the opportunity to enroll in courses in different topics and are suggested to take 12- 15 credit hours per semester. Optional pre-semester intensive Spanish language programs are also available. Students should meet with an advisor to see the exact courses offered each semester.
Veritas also offers 5 week summer programs. Summer session 1 runs from May 26th - June 27th. Summer session 2 runs from July 7th to August 8th.
To see courses UofSC students have taken at this university, please reference the Registrar's Course Equivalency Table.
Veritas has a great cultural integration program that hosts events and activities. The Student Affairs Office plans different ways for students to get to know Costa Rica outside the classroom. Some cultural activities include dance and cooking classes, yoga, conversation clubs, and more.
Per university policy, all UofSC students will be charged emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance for their time abroad. Contact the Education Abroad Office for more details.
All students will be required to stay in a homestay. Students will have a private room, and will be provided breakfast and dinner 7 days a week. Laundry service is provided once a week. Most families live within walking distance from campus. Veritas also provides a shuttle for students with evening classes or extracurricular activities.
Veritas is separated into two semesters. The spring term runs from the beginning of February to the beginning of May. The fall term runs from the end of September to mid December. Both semesters include an optional 3 week intensive Spanish language add-on.
Veritas also offers 5 week summer programs. Summer session 1 runs from May 26th - June 27th. Summer session 2 runs from July 7th to August 8th.
Orientation sessions are held prior to the start of each semester on-site. Orientation is mandatory for all international students.
Students studying in Costa Rica for less than 16 weeks do not require a student visa.