USAC Costa Rica: Life and Health Sciences, Spanish and Culture Studies in San Ramón

San Ramon, Costa Rica

Dates and Deadlines

Term:

Spring

Start Date

See Advisor

End Date

See Advisor

Deadline

9/15/2023

Information

Area of Study:

Anthropology, Biology, Comparative Literature & Cultural Studies, Dance, Economics, Environmental Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, Political Science, Spanish, Women Studies

Program Type:

Intensive Language, Non-UNM Program

Language of Instruction:

English, Spanish

GPA:

2.5

Language Prerequisite:

General knowledge/interest to learn local language is preferred

Advisor Name:

Study Abroad Advisor

Advisor Email:

studyabd@unm.edu

Overview

The San Ramón program is designed for science majors interested in learning more about health, ecology, and conservation biology in Costa Rica. You may stay for one semester or a full year, and choose from courses in tropical ecology, tropical marine biology, conservation biology, environmental policy, and other life science topics within Costa Rica.

You will be able to augment your regular coursework by enrolling in several related field study courses that give you hands-on experience in these subjects. Costa Rica is well known for its extraordinary natural beauty and biodiversity, preserved in its many national parks and reserves, and it is at the forefront of the ecotourism movement. With approval from your university honors program, you also will be able to receive honors credit for certain courses.

A minimum of one year of general biology is required for the above mentioned subjects; therefore, non-science majors interested in Tropical Life Science courses should consider USAC programs in Puntarenas or Heredia. The San Ramón program is also complemented by courses in Spanish Language (you may complete up to one year of Spanish language per semester) and Culture or Area Studies. However, these academic courses are only part of the value of the program. Participation in formal and informal activities also provides valuable learning experiences and interaction with the local culture. These activities include cultural events, village festivals, and field trips around San José, to the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the rain forest, nature reserves, to parliament, and governmental entities.

Vertical Tabs

Academics

Host University for San Ramon, Costa Rica

The Sede de Occidente (UCR) is located in San Ramón, Alajuela, with an enrollment of more than 2,200 students. It is the oldest satellite campus of UCR. All USAC classes are held at this site. Students have use of the campus laboratories, teaching collections, herbarium, and research collections, as well as access to a small reserve on campus. The University also provides easy access to Alberto M. Brenes Reserve, administered by UCR, with a biological field station

NOTE: GEO works to provide the most accurate academic information for each program, but please confirm on the host institution website. This is particularly important for program dates, as study abroad students may be asked to arrive early for orientation, language immersion, or other activities.

Location

San Ramón is situated about halfway between San José and Puntarenas, in the beautiful Central Valley of Costa Rica. Set against a dramatic backdrop of mountains, San Ramón is truly the heart of Costa Rica, where you will encounter friendly people and a peaceful, relaxed lifestyle. It is an ideal location for students interested in ecology and biology. Manuel Brenes, one of the richest forest reserves in Costa Rica, is located just outside the city. It offers a number of hiking trails and canopy tours where one can explore the cloud forest and spot rare quetzals, hummingbirds, monkeys, coatis, deer, and sloths.

Within the city, you will find an impressive church, many excellent restaurants and shops, a variety of banks, a mall, and theatres. Just north of the main square is the Museo de San Ramón, which showcases the important role the city has played in Costa Rican history and culture. Known as "the city of presidents and poets," San Ramón has been home to many of Costa Rica’s great political and literary figures, such as former President Jose Figueres Ferrer, who abolished the country’s army and granted women the right to vote.

Most San Ramón residents are involved in farming and agriculture, so the weekly Saturday morning farmers markets, or "ferias del agricultor," are not to be missed. You will find a delicious variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables and coffee. Another festive San Ramón tradition occurs in August: San Ramón Day is a day of citywide celebration that includes music, dancing and parades of saints.

Housing

Homestay

You will move in with your host family upon arrival. The families are located within easy commuting distance of the university and will provide you with daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’ll have a private bedroom and laundry service. Your family will be interested in you and your activities and they will serve as a good source of local practical information and advice; you’ll get to live and learn the “Tico” culture from the perspective of a local family. Boarding with a family provides an unmatched opportunity for speaking Spanish and learning Costa Rican customs and is highly recommended.

To live in an apartment (San Ramón does not have many furnished apartments), USAC will help identify the options, it will be your responsibility to locate it and to make all rental agreements and payments.

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