CEA CAPA Education Abroad in San José, Costa Rica

This country is simply amazing! Before coming here I looked at going to South America to places like Argentina but, I took a risk and decided on Costa Rica. I can honestly say that it was the best decision of my life! I am now reaping all of the majestic benefits of that risk. The culture is so relaxed and focused on living every day like it may be your last, and thinking of yes before automatically saying no. They are so humble and willing to open up about their lives and country, with lots of stories to tell. Lots of beaches to visit, culturally rich Caribbean side (I place you MUST visit), but also had places like ASOPROLA a community that is sustainable and ecologically friendly. All in all, it is a place everyone must visit in their life, and definitely a place to go study abroad! Follow your gut and go somewhere that has the whole package of an experience abroad.

Pura vida! Studying abroad was something I knew I wanted to do before starting college; I also knew that I didn't want to get behind by doing so. As a pre-medical Biology major, it was a challenge to find a program that offered Biology classes. After a little searching the web,I found CEA. I was so amazed with the strength of the pre-departure help. CEA matched me up with an amazing host family and roommates. CEA's San Jose staff was such a blessing and invaluable tools throughout my semester (helped with activities in the capital and around CR). The Medical Spanish course was great, and I was able to use it there while I volunteered at the Nacional Hospital de Los Ninos (done thru CEA). I am proud to be a CEA alum; my semester would not have been as amazing w/out CEA.

I loved how San José was at the heart of Costa Rica and offered us the rich culture of the huge city to explore as well as the option to hop on a bus for weekend excursions. The staff at Veritas is extremely friendly with all the foreign students, and they helped me feel like I really BELONGED to the school. The Spanish classes are challenging and, though they are quick-paced, I mastered a lot of topics that I hadn't been able to before. In general, the Costa Rican culture and people are very welcoming, and will make you feel very at home. I really didn't want to leave, because the longer I stayed, the more I realized there was to do, see, and explore! Good thing that many of my Tico and Tica friends invited me to stay with them whenever I chose to return to Costa Rica! :)

Being a pre-med STEM major, I was having such a hard time finding a program that would not make me behind in my hours and would be able to look good on an application, then I found CEA. With CEA, I was able to go to San Jose for a medical spanish and health psychology program that changed my life! Not only was I able to learn spanish that I use everyday at work in a hospital but I also was able to experience adventures like no where else in the world! During my free time, I was able to go ziplining, hike in the rainforest, rappel down waterfalls and go in both the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. The wildlife and scenery in Costa Rica is like no where else in the world and is absolutely beautiful!

What I loved most about CEA and Veritas University was that they gave you opportunities to travel to different parts of the country through sponsored events they planned. In particular, while on a CEA assigned excursion, I had the chance to go to Bocas del Toro, Panama. It was 30 students and two CEA staff members on our way to the international border where Costa Rica and Panama met on the northernmost side. My initial thought was wow, riding in comfort on a AC bus towards Panama. Once we arrived at the border we were asked to grab all our things and get off the bus. It was a vibrant border town dedicated to selling fruits and merchandise. We walked towards immigration and that's when I realized we were crossing the border, walking! The bridge that led us to Panama was what divided the two countires. Once we all got the go to enter the country, we got on another bus that led us to a small boat town in Panama. The sun had already set and we were not able to see the beauty that is Panama yet. On small boats we made our way like sailors to the main island in Bocas del Toro called Isla Colon.

The classes at Veritas University offered hands on experience that related to topics learned in class. For example, in my environmental sustainability course we went to a self-sustaining biological reserve just outside La Amistad national park.

As this being my second study abroad experience I valued it more because it offered an alternative to a class setting. The classes at the university had mandatory field trips to different parts of Costa Rica. As someone who loves traveling and learning I would give this program 5 stars for an all-around best experience to its students.

Pura Vida

When I first decided to study abroad, I looked into many programs. I knew that I wanted to go to Costa Rica, and CEA was the only program through my university (Winthrop University) that went there. I am so glad that I went with CEA, because at every step of the way, they were there with me. After the application process, I received welcome phone calls and e-mails. I was in communication with the academic director for CEA in San Jose, and I had already attended the pre-departure workshop at my school. I was so excited to go! I attended Veritas University in San Jose, Costa Rica for the fall semester of 2012. I had the greatest time of my life there. I loved the school-especially the professors. They really care about their students, and the class size was small, which made it easier to interact with them. Some of my professors there have had a big impact on my life and outlook. Costa Rica has it all- mountains, beaches, forests, and the most beautiful wildlife I've ever seen. I love that I was was able to walk around everywhere and didn't need to rely on a car for transportation. Plus, if you want to go somewhere a little further away, buses are readily available and cheap. My program directors for CEA onsite in San Jose were the most lovely people I've had the pleasure to meet. They were there for me when I was feeling homesick or a little down, and they always made me feel better. I bonded with the other students in our group and now have a few lifetime friends that I am so thankful for. You can't top the experience that you get abroad- it is the best time in your life. I matured, opened my eyes and heart to new experiences, and learned many new things. CEA was a big part of that, because they helped everything run smoothly from departure to return. GO WITH CEA!

This trip was the most amazing experience I've ever had. My host family was amazing, and I was given an amazing roommate that I'm sure I will be close friends with forever. The classes were great and they got us to go out in the city and learn the language first hand. The excursions were great and I wish I could repeat every single one of them.
If you go on this trip though- TAKE TAXI'S AT NIGHT. Don't walk. Trust me.
Also, you'll have a lot of opportunities to meet Ticos (the locals). That was maybe in my top 3 favorite things about this trip and I'm so glad I took the time to make Tico friends. It's good for your Spanish, and your overall awareness of the culture.
The trip was completely amazing and will be something in my heart forever.