API (Academic Programs International): San Joaquin de Flores - Instituto San Joaquin De Flores
- Location(s): San Jose, Costa Rica: Heredia, Costa Rica
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad, Volunteer
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(For American Students)
San Joaquín de Flores is a charming, colorful and quaint colonial town located ten miles from San José. It is surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of Costa Rica. The small setting and slower pace of life allow for exceptional opportunities for li... read more
All Reviews
Speaking skills Jessica S - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
I learned a lot about Spanish, period. And that made it completely worthwhile. A student - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
Definitely worthwhile and worth all the money! Learned and improved my Spanish a great deal, made life long friends, and learned a lot more about myself. bre.brookins - University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse View Entire Review
I learned how to adapt to a new way of life. It was amazing to be accepted into another family and exposed to their lifestyle, friends, and culture. It was extremely worthwhile to take Spanish classes, immerse myself in the Costa Rican culture with my host family, and travel the country with great people going to beautiful place... A student - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
I have learned so much about a culture that I knew next to nothing about before, and my language skills have improved immensely. Parts of grammar and just general fluency that didn't make sense to me in the classroom now make complete sense to me just from using and hearing the language so much. Definitely worthwhile! lizzie.jespersen - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
I was a very refreshing experience. I learned so much about spanish culture. By taking a spanish course and having to use it daily helped me learn spanish quickly. I wished I could have stayed longer than six weeks. Olivia T - University of Texas - San Antonio View Entire Review
YEs! Mary T - Longwood University View Entire Review
Lots of Spanish Jason G - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
Absolutely. A student View Entire Review
After studying abroad, I changed my major to Spanish and gave me an even deeper passion to live in Central or South America and teach english. I love everything about the culture and the language. Katelyn K - Colorado State University View Entire Review
It was absolutely worthwhile. I really improved my Spanish and learned a lot about people in general. I feel like I learned a lot about life and culture from my Mama Tica and the other students in my group and even from the professors at the Institute. I plan on making the Spanish language and the Latin culture a bigger part of ... Sara B - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
Yes and no. I think my intense desire to travel outside of America- anywhere outside America- led me to have unrealistic ideas about what it means to live abroad. I have a greater respect for living in the US, but also really enjoy parts of Costa Rica. I would say that this program is geared to people who are very interested in ... Katherine N - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
I gained a whole new set of wonderful people in my life as friends and I gained a whole "second family" who's doors are always open for me. I'm planning to visit them all in January. jamie d - University of Hartford View Entire Review
I learned a lot of Spanish, a ton about Costa Rican culture, but mostly I learned a lot about myself. It was definitely worthwhile! Maliha M - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
I learned to be independent. There were only 3 of us in our entire group so we definitely learned how to be off on our own. Now I feel like I'm ready to take on the world! \m/ Keila L - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
I saw a lot of scenery, and learned a lot about the culture, but the most valuable skill I gained was self-reliance. It helped me explore the less-traveled path with confidence, which ultimately enriched my experience. A student - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
I learned so much about myself and gained a much deeper appreciation for other cultures. It opened my eyes to a whole world I didn't know about. Definitely worth while. I would do it again in a heartbeat! Kelsey S - University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse View Entire Review
Enough to fill more space than a survey response box. It was absolutely worthwhile. I recommend enough that anyone with the opportunity to study abroad does so. Brandon O - University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse View Entire Review
YES! It was a nice break from the craziness of America. I plan on going back very soon. Michelle C - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
My study abroad experience in Costa Rica with API was beyond worthwhile! I feel that, sure you can learn a lot about culture and history inside a classroom, but the best way to understand what you're learning is by actually being present, gaining hands-on experience. Studying abroad was that for me. While I had taken lots of Spa... Riley E - Colorado State University View Entire Review
I wouldn't change a single thing about it and would not trade my experience in Costa Rica for anything! Megan C - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
It's difficult to put my experience into words. I have become a study abroad fanatic. If I hadn't waited until so late in my academic career I would have made it a habit. Joshua K - Washburn University View Entire Review
My entire life has been changed because of this trip. I am a different, better, person and I can't wait to go back. I loved the culture and the people. I could see myself living there in the future :) Kaitlin L - Concordia University - Wisconsin View Entire Review
it was worthwhile. i gained the ability of putting my self in an unfamiliar situation with unfamiliar people and having the confidence to live and learn happily. ashley a - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
Yes. Living with a family is crucial. Sarah D - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
About
San Joaquín de Flores is a charming, colorful and quaint colonial town located ten miles from San José. It is surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of Costa Rica. The small setting and slower pace of life allow for exceptional opportunities for linguistic and cultural integration. Leisurely strolls through the streets lead to encounters with friendly people, young and old. Everything can be reached on foot and along the way students can visit historic landmarks and buildings from the 18th century. It is easy to explore the Costa Rican flora and fauna outside of San Joaquín de Flores. Costa Rica boasts thirteen national parks and six biological preserves where an amazing number of species of plants, animals, birds and butterflies can be observed. API students have the opportunity to explore volcanoes, beaches, rain and cloud forests. Explore endless opportunities and discover the culture, beauty and history of San Joaquín de Flores and Costa Rica.
Programs in San Joaquín de Flores Includes:
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Spanish Language and Latin American Studies: Designed for American students, the study abroad program in San Joaquín de Flores program at the Instituto San Joaquín de Flores offers advanced and superior level Spanish language courses along with a variety of electives including arts, literature, cultural studies, sociology, and environmental studies taught in Spanish. Students will have the opportunity to interact with “ticos” (as Costa Ricans refer to themselves) outside of the classroom by participating in community service opportunities and cultural activities. All students enroll in 4-6 classes per semester. All students are highly encouraged to enroll in a Spanish language class. Each student’s language level is determined by a Spanish placement exam administered upon arrival by the Instituto San Joaquín de Flores.
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Sustainability and Environmental Studies: The Instituto San Joaquín de Flores offers students an opportunity to take classes alongside other visiting American students in a small-town setting that provides unique opportunities for integration with Costa Rican locals. As a participant in the Spanish Language and Environmental Studies Program, students will perfect their Spanish language skills while completing additional elective courses in English or Spanish. Students must have completed a minimum of two semesters of Spanish at the college level prior to enrolling in the program. Students will complete an intermediate or advanced level Spanish course. Students are free to select among electives offered in Spanish and English at ISDF .
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Summer Spanish Language and Culture: This summer study abroad program at the Instituto San Joaquín de Flores focuses on intensive language and culture for students at the intermediate level of Spanish and higher. Students complete up to two classes for a total of 6 semester credits per session. Each student will complete a placement exam administered upon arrival by the Instituto San Joaquín de Flores.
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Summer Advanced Spanish for Medical Professions: Students in this study abroad program will complete two courses and earn a total of six semester credits. The core course, entitled “Communication for Medical Professions,” is designed to help students to communicate more effectively with Spanish speakers requiring medical attention and to learn how cultural norms can influence interactions between medical professionals and their patients. Students will extensively study the Costa Rican healthcare system. In addition to the core course, students will complete a standard advanced Spanish grammar course. Students who have already completed advanced grammar courses at their home university are welcome to select a culture course from the Intensive Language and Culture Program. Students are advised, however, that the “Communication for Medical Professions” course is very time-intensive and culture course options may be limited due to scheduling conflicts.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadVolunteer
Program Length(s):
- Fall
- Summer
- Spring
- Academic Year
Instruction Language(s):
- Spanish
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Environmental Studies
- Latin American Studies
- Hispanic and Latin American Languages, Literature
- Liberal Arts, General Studies
Minimum GPA:
3.0Year Founded:
1997Website
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API / Academic Programs International Scholarships
API is pleased to support students who are the first in their families to attend a college or university. The First Generation Scholarship award ranges from $250 to $750 per session and is available for academic year, quarter/semester, and summer students.
$250-$750
The API STEM scholarship is offered for API participants who are studying science, technology, engineering or mathematics. The API STEM Scholarship award ranges from $250 to $750 and is available for academic year, quarter/semester, and summer students.
$250-$750
It is not an easy task to juggle the demands of college athletics with academic responsibilities while pursuing other interests on campus. API supports both current and college-bound student-athletes participating on our programs. We welcome student-athletes across all divisions of the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA to apply.
$250- $750
The Gilman Scholarship Program offers awards for undergraduate study abroad and was established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000. This scholarship provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study abroad programs worldwide. Students participating in an API program who have been awarded a Gilman scholarship will be eligible to receive up to $1,000 in matching contributions from API for a study abroad program, or up to $500 in matching contributions from API for an intern abroad program. To receive this award, Gilman winners should indicate their scholarship details on their financial aid information after acceptance to an API study abroad program.
Up to $1,000
This scholarship is offered to API participants who attend a community or technical college in the U.S., and awards range from $250 to $750 per session.
$250-$750
API is proud to provide a diversity scholarship in order to support students from a variety of backgrounds. The API Diversity Scholarship award ranges from $250 to $750 and is available for academic year, quarter/semester, or summer students. In order to qualify for this scholarship, students must be one or more of the following: a U.S. military veteran, a non-traditional student (30 years old or older), a student with a disability, a minority student, and/or a LGBTQ student.
$250-$750
The API regional scholarships (Asia/Middle East, Europe, Latin America) provide awards that range from $250 to $800 per session. All API students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are encouraged to apply. The scholarship is both need and merit-based. We will review your academic record, essays and financial need as stated in your own words. This scholarship is offered to quarter/semester, academic year, and summer students.
$250-$800
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