API in San Jose, Costa Rica: Universidad Veritas Latin American Studies and Internship Program

Description

The Latin American Studies and Internship Program at the Universidad Veritas provides an opportunity for students to improve their Spanish language skills, gain professional experience, and earn academic credit toward their degree plan by studying and interning abroad in San José, Costa Rica. Students must enter the program with a minimum of a high intermediate level of Spanish.

Standard quarter program:
Students will complete a 4-week intensive Spanish course, along with one or two additional courses at the Universidad Veritas, during the quarter program. Upon completion of the intensive Spanish course, students will begin an 8-week internship. The internship will require a minimum commitment of 4-6 hours per day, five days a week. Students will balance the internship hours with their ongoing courses.

The internship completed must be in the area of the student’s academic specialty or major. A professor at Veritas, who guides the student through the completion of a major project, supervises each intern. At the conclusion of the internship experience, students present their projects for final assessment and grading. Each U.S. semester credit offered for the internship requires a minimum of 45 hours of work within the local business, non-governmental or non-profit organization, or government agency.

Early start or extended quarter programs:
Students wishing to complete an intensive month of Spanish prior to the start of the standard quarter are encouraged to select the early-start option. During the first month, students will concentrate solely on the improvement of their language skills. The internship placement will begin at the start of the second month and will last for either two or three months, depending upon the placement and the number of credit hours desired.

In addition to the internship and intensive Spanish course, early-start students will complete one or two courses at the Universidad Veritas in a wide variety of academic subjects. Pre-Departure Services: Advising, @api Online Resources, Orientation Materials and Support, Mobile Phone, Peer Mentors, Social Networking, Scholarships On-Site Services: Airport Reception, Resident Directors and Staff, API Center, Housing (including meals and laundry with host families), Tuition, Tutoring, Language and Culture Tools, Medical and Life Insurance, Excursions (overnight and international), Social and Cultural Activities, Welcome and Farewell Group Meals, Volunteer Opportunities Re-Entry Services: Re-Entry Materials and Support, Post-Program Evaluation, Transcript, Alumni Network and Development Opportunities