Alajuela, Costa Rica
Rock Creek Bldg. 5, Rm. 203 | 503-614-7151 | FAX: 603-614-7170 | studyabroad@pcc.edu
Program Highlights
- Open to students over 18 who have earned at least 12 college units with a GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Low cost flights, living accommodations
- Earn 8 credits which are transferable for Bachelor’s Degree credit
- Special life and culture program with field trips
- Financial aid available to eligible students who apply early
Why study in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country's language and culture while surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty and the legendary warmth and friendliness of its people. Costa Ricans are dedicated to promoting harmony between nature, community development and economic growth. They have made a major commitment to protecting the nation's natural resources and beauty while preserving its long tradition of political democracy and stability. Costa Rica offers students a safe and accessible place to study and to explore the peaceful beauty of her natural treasures, an excellent health care system, reliable public transportation, and the highest literacy rate in Central America. Whether studying Spanish or researching rainforest ecosystems, the congeniality of the people, the steaming volcanoes, pristine beaches, virgin forests, and the unique birds, mammals and ocean life all combine to make Costa Rica an idyllic place to live and study.
Known as the Switzerland of Central America, Costa Rica has an abundance of natural beauty and is populated by friendly, highly-educated people. This small country has a lot to offer, whether you seek pleasure or business. Costa Rica has obtained the highest standard of living in Central America by embracing democracy and abolishing its army. The country is a paradise for nature lovers with many national parks, jungles, volcanoes, beaches and rivers. Moreover, the country has a well-developed infrastructure, democratic government and the people speak a clearly spoken Spanish, making it an ideal place for foreigners to learn Spanish.
Spanish language classes will be held at the Instituto de Cultura y Lengua Costarricense (ICLC), Costa Rica’s premier language institute. Class sizes are never larger than 4 students per teacher and the Life and Culture Program provides daily activities. ICLC is set on a hillside surrounded with tropical flowers and fruits in Alajuela, Costa Rica’s second largest city. You will enjoy the countryside of coffee and sugar plantations, while always being within 30-minutes of the capital, San José.
Studying abroad will give you much more than an impressive transcript and résumé. It will give you the opportunity for personal growth and enrichment. The moment you step off the plane, the entire country becomes your classroom. You will become immersed in the Costa Rican culture, language, arts and history in a way unique to those who live and study in the country. Even going to the marketplace will be a learning experience! Your study abroad experience can increase your self-confidence, deepen your understanding of others and enrich your communication skills.
Program Dates
Summer 2008 (June 28- July 29, 2008)
Round trip air is included in the total program fee. The flight will be on a regularly scheduled major airline. The exact schedule will be distributed to all participants at the final orientation. Tickets will be distributed and seat assignments made upon check-in at Portland airport.
- Flights
- June 28, 2008: Portland to San José
- July 29, 2008: San José to Portland
What Next?
- Review the Study Abroad Handbook and the Steps to Study Abroad.
- Complete and submit the Costa Rica Study Abroad application (submit electronically by email) .
- Complete and submit the Release Form.
- Review Program Fees and follow Payment Schedule.
- Email program coordinator Greg Lyons if you have any questions.