Spanish, Ecological and Latin American Studies
Why Study in Puntarenas?
The Puntarenas program is ideal for students who are committed to learning the Spanish language and the diverse cultures of Latin America. Through formal coursework and personal interaction with the host culture, you will greatly expand your language skills and knowledge of Costa Rican society. Puntarenas offers a small beach town environment where you’ll be able to practice your Spanish regularly and immerse yourself in local culture. Costa Rica as a whole is well known for its extraordinary natural beauty, preserved in its many national parks and reserves, which you will have the opportunity to discover first hand. You may choose to stay for one semester or a full year.
The Puntarenas program offers three diverse academic areas: Spanish Language, Ecological and Latin American Studies. The intensive language approach allows you to complete up to two years of university foreign language coursework in only one semester, so you may meet Spanish minor or major requirements. You may also complement your language curriculum by taking courses in literature, political science, economics, history, art history, biology, ecology and dance.
However, the 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 to the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the rain forest, nature reserves and parliament and governmental entities. The program also offers a field study course in Latin America and its cultures. Taking this field study course gives you the opportunity to explore Costa Rica and its culture, environment and contemporary issues on a deeper level outside of the classroom.
The Puntarenas program has a Resident Director who is responsible for the overall operations of the program abroad: securing appropriate student housing, hiring outstanding faculty, organizing exciting field trips and optional tours, and overseeing your general well-being.
Dr. Carlos Salas, a Costa Rica native, is the Resident Director for the Puntarenas program. Carlos earned his Ph.D. from the University of Kansas and is fluent in Spanish and English. He will meet the group flight at the airport, take you to your housing and provide an on-site orientation. The USAC Costa Rica office staff also provide support and resources while you are on the program.