San Jose, Costa Rica
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a volcano, a rain forest, a busy city center and a beach all while drinking the world’s best coffee? Then Costa Rica is your place to study. Each year, hundreds of students come to Costa Rica to learn about the “Pura Vida” life from the laid-back Ticos. Costa Rica, by law, is still a Catholic country, but students think religion is outdated and they’re searching for a real, relevant, tangible relationship with the God of the universe.
Come study and help reach some of the most influential Costa Rican’s for Christ, all while being a part of the local ministry and churches led by Ticos!
San Jose, Costa Rica is also home to Cru’s Latin American and Caribbean regional offices. When you come to Costa Rica, your vision will be broadened not just to this beautiful, exotic country of four million, but to what God is doing all around the world!
YOU MAY BE WONDERING…
Where can I study?
University of Costa Rica: The UCR is home to six sloths and 40,000 students. It is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious institution of higher learning in Costa Rica. It is also the most important research university in all of Central America. The UCR is known for its Political Science majors, with the last two presidents having studied there.
Universidad Latina: The U. Latina is Costa Rica’s largest private university with undergraduate and graduate programs in Business, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Social Sciences. Its beautiful campus is located just east of downtown San Jose, only 10 minutes from the UCR and only two hours from the beach!
What types of classes can I take?
Depending on which univeristy you choose, you will have opportunity to take classes in a variety of disciplines. See “Where can I study?” for more information.
When can I go?
University of Costa Rica:
- Spring: March-June
- Fall: August-December
Universidad Latina:
- Spring: January-April
- Fall: September-November
What kind of ministry will I be doing?
Ministry will mostly mean living life with students. Costa Rican’s are extremely relational, so when we talk about “doing life” with students, it truly is going to their houses, drinking coffee together, playing fútbol and studying together. You will also dedicate time outside of your classes to be part of a local church, do initiative evangelism and small groups. Additionally, you will receive ministry training and personal development and you will help lead various aspects within the team. Expect about 15 hours/week of involvement worked around your class work. Don’t worry though, you will still have plenty of time to rest, engage with the culture and travel!
Where will I live?
Most study abroad programs in Costa Rica will allow you to live with host families if you’d like to really get a feel for the culture.
How much will this cost?
The cost will depend on your study abroad program. Costs would include airfare, tuition, books and other fees.
Will there be a language barrier?
Not necessarily. While Spanish is the national language, there are opportunities to learn Spanish while taking some classes in English.
When is the application deadline?
- For fall semesters, please apply here by August 1st.
- For spring semesters, please apply here by December 1st.
- For summer terms, please apply here by May 1st.
