Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why study in Costa Rica?
2. What makes IGE different than other programs in Costa Rica?
3. What do the fees include?
4. Do I have to know Spanish to attend?
5. Where do I live?
6. How do I get around Costa Rica?
7. Are there free weekends when I can travel?
8. How many courses should I take?
9. Will the courses transfer to my University?
10. Are the courses taught in English or Spanish?
11. Do I have access to the Internet or do I need to go to an Internet cafe?
12. How safe is Costa Rica?
13. How many students are accepted into the program?
14. Can I have visitors?
15. What is there to do for fun in Costa Rica?
16. What is the weather like?
17. What is traditional Costa Rican cuisine?
18. How much money should I plan on saving for a semester in Costa Rica?
19. What if I need a doctor while I am in Costa Rica?
20. Should I bring travelers checks? Debit cards? Credit cards?
1. Why study in Costa Rica?
The country of Costa Rica has enchanted many a visitor with its coastline of spectacular beaches, cloud forests, bio-diversity and the warm and friendly people of Costa Rica known as Ticos. There are many intriguing aspects of this small republic, including the peaceful existence of the nation amidst a politically and socially turbulent Central America. The democratic government and economic success founded on the coffee export industry, and now based on the microchip and the international service industry, has positioned San Jose as the top city in Central America and is the ideal place to study and to live. Adventure in the lush jungles and great surf are just a bus ride away from the capital.
As a city of rich history and daily growth, San Jose Costa Rica is sure to amaze you with its natural beauty and delightful traditions. Whether you are enjoying the streets of downtown’s famous shopping district, lazing about at the Tabacon Hot Springs or gazing at one of the three volcanoes that circle the city, there is never a loss of inspiration in San Jose.
2. What makes IGE different than other programs in Costa Rica?
Because IGE runs smaller programs than other providers, our students receive individual attention. IGE is the only program that includes both significant travel and an extensive introduction to the country of Costa Rica as part of the standard program. Each week the students meet together with the IGE Staff and sometimes faculty at a local restaurant for dinner. This is an important component of the program because it brings students together in a fun and relaxed environment Our weekly dinners also allow them to experience cuisine that may be out of a student’s budget as well as get to know the directors of the program on a more personal level.
3. What do the fees include?
Program fees include: tuition, home stays, 2 meals per day, travel component, international health insurance, and dinner once a week.
4. Do I have to know Spanish to attend?
Spanish is not a requirement to attend IGE, however it is encouraged that each student makes the effort to learn a few words before arriving in Costa Rica.
5. Where do I live?
Students live with families in Costa Rica that host what are known as home stays. This is a wonderful experience that gives students a chance to enjoy daily immersion in the culture and language of Costa Rica.
6. How do I get around Costa Rica?
Students use either the extensive bus system or taxis to around.
7. Are there free weekends when I can travel?
Every weekend is the student’s to travel as they wish, unless a prior trip has been planned. Students will receive the schedule during orientation week.
8. How many courses should I take?
Most students find that four or five courses provide a good balance. This gives the student plenty of time to devote to each course, while still allowing the student time to travel and learn everything that cannot be taught in a classroom.
9. Will the courses transfer to my University?
An official transcript will be issued by Universidad Veritas in American Semester credits.
10. Are the courses taught in English or Spanish?
Students may study in both Spanish and English on the IGE Cost Rica Program. No previous Spanish study is required but a student capable of studying in Spanish can choose from an extensive list of electives taught in Spanish.
11. Do I have access to the Internet or do I need to go to an Internet cafe?
You will have access to the Internet at the Veritas University through the
computer lab, as well as the wireless access on campus. There are also many Internet Cafes, restaurants and coffee shops that have Wifi access.
12. How safe is Costa Rica?
San Jose is one of the safest cities in Latin America and we encourage
students to enjoy the many sights and events available in the city, however
it still has the challenges that face any major city. Petty crime is a
problem, so we advise students to be very careful with their personal items
such as cameras, laptops, backpacks etc. We give an extensive safety
orientation to students once they have arrived so that they will feel more
prepared to go out and enjoy the city.
13. How many students are accepted into the program?
A maximum of 20 students will be accepted each semester, so apply early.
14. Can I have visitors?
Visitors are welcome, however you are expected to fulfill your
responsibilities as a student and member of the program. As well, your
visitors will be expected to find their own lodgings unless other
arrangements are made with the home family in communication with the IGE team. It is best from the standpoint of time for visitors to come before or
after the semester.
15. What is there to do for fun in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is full of opportunities for fun. It is well known for it’s
beaches, surf, rainforests, canopy tours, hot springs and volcanoes and so
much more. You will have ample opportunity to enjoy these places and
activities during your semester. In San Jose, there are movie theaters,
plays, museums, art exhibits, places to dance, excellent restaurants, parks
and much more. You will not be bored while you are studying in Costa Rica.
16. What is the weather like?
The weather in San Jose is between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. In the rainy season (May-November) it rains most afternoons but each morning is sunny and beautiful. In the dry season (December-April) the wind blows and keeps the heat down. At the beach it is quite a bit hotter and more humid and in the mountains it is cooler and wetter as well.
17. What is traditional Costa Rican cuisine?
Costa Ricans eat lots of rice and beans. A traditional meal is called the
“casado” (married man) which contains black beans, white rice a salad
(usually cabbage) and meat (chicken, beef, fish, pork). The food is not very
spicy, so if you have Mexican food in mind, think again. A good burrito is
not easy to come by in Costa Rica, but the food is delicious, plentiful and
cheap.
18. How much money should I plan on saving for a semester in Costa Rica?
For transportation, travel, lunches and entertainment, you should think
about having approximately $200 – $500 a month, depending on your spending habits and expectations. A cheap lunch can cost you $2-3, a trip to the beach can cost between $50-100 (bus, hotel, food) for two nights, and entrance to a dance club might run $4-10 so it really depends on what you want to do.
19. What if I need a doctor while I am in Costa Rica?
The medical care in Costa Rica is excellent and there are first class
clinics and many drugstores to buy medicine. Costa Rica is a medical tourist destination for many things such as Plastic surgery and dental work, but they also have excellent general practitioners.
20. Should I bring travelers checks? Debit cards? Credit cards?
Best to bring at least one credit card, some cash and a debit card. ATM’s are plentiful so check with your bank to make sure you have an international PIN and review what the charge is per withdrawal. It is often wiser to make big withdrawals so as to avoiding paying a withdrawal fee multiple times.