API (Academic Programs International): San Joaquin de Flores - Instituto San Joaquin De Flores

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.