• Overview
  At a glance
  • Program at a Glance
• Academics
  Courses, transcripts & more
  • University
  • Academics
  • Courses
• Living Abroad
  Housing, meals & more
  • Living Abroad
  • Housing & Meals
  • Resident Director
• Beyond the Classroom
  Travel, excursions & activities
  • Cultural Excursions & Travel
• Dates & Fees
  Itinerary, flights & discounts
  • Itinerary
  • Program Fees

Students take a Spanish language course plus 3 courses in English or Advanced Spanish during the 12-week program and 2 Spanish language courses plus 3 courses in English or Advanced Spanish during the 16-week/17-week program. Previous Spanish language study is not required; however, AIFS students must have at least two years of college-level Spanish and must pass a placement test for the advanced level in order to take regular University courses.

Spanish Language Courses

These courses will be taught during morning sessions for a total of 80 hours (5 credits) on the 12-week program or 160 hours (10 credits) on the 16-week/17-week program. Please note that the extra week in the 17-week spring semester option is a mid-semester break therefore courses are held for the same duration as 16-week program. Each level lasts for 4 weeks. Students will be placed into the appropriate level depending on a written test taken on-line prior to departure and an oral test taken upon arrival in San José. All courses are subject to a minimum enrollment of 5 students. There is a maximum of 10 students per language class.

Elective Courses (taught in English)

These courses will be taught during the 12-week program only. Students selecting the 16-week/17-week program will either begin with Spanish language for the first 4 weeks or will continue with Spanish language for the last 4 weeks. American course numbers are listed first followed by the Veritas course numbers.

Elective Courses (taught in Spanish)

These courses will be taught during the 12-week program only. Students selecting the 16-week/17-week program will either begin with Spanish language for the first 4 weeks or will continue with Spanish language for the last 4 weeks. Please note that the extra week in the 17-week spring semester option is a mid-semester break; therefore, courses are held for the same duration as for the 16-week program.