API's Response to COVID-19

Summer Spanish Language and Culture in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Waterfall 1
What's Included

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.

What's Included?

Highlights

Pre Departure Services

Advising

@api Online System

Orientation Materials and Resources

Access to International Phone Plans

API Alumni Network

Social Networking

Scholarships

On Site Services

Airport Reception

API Center

On-Site Orientation

Excursions (overnight, day, international)

Tuition

Medical and Life Insurance

Resident Directors

Social and Cultural Activities

Welcome and Farewell Group Meals

Volunteer Opportunities

Tutoring

Housing (including meals and laundry)

Language and Culture Tools

Re-Entry Services

Re-Entry Materials and Support

Post-Program Evaluation

Transcript

Alumni Network and API Ambassador Program
View all opportunities and amenities

Application Requirements

  • Minimum 2.7 G.P.A.
  • Open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
  • Open to intermediate, advanced, and superior-level Spanish speakers
  • Completed API application
  • University Approval Form
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Official transcript
  • Entry requirement: valid passport with supporting documents
  • Applicants who are not U.S. citizens are encouraged to contact API prior to applying for more specific information about entry requirements.
Dates & Fees
Session Program Dates Program Cost Application Deadline Payment Deadline
Summer 1 May, 2021 - Jul, 2021 $5,280 Apr 1, 2021 Apr 15, 2021
Summer 1 and 2 Combined May, 2021 - Aug, 2021 $9,980 Apr 1, 2021 Apr 15, 2021
Summer 2 Jul, 2021 - Aug, 2021 $5,580 Apr 1, 2021 Apr 15, 2021
Excursions

API students participate in several excursions per session designed to help familiarize them with areas of their host city, country, and surrounding region. The following is a listing of all excursions for API San Joaquín de Flores programs. All excursions are subject to change.

  • Cartago

    Cartago was Costa Rica’s first capital until 1823 and is home to Costa Rica’s patron saint, Our Lady of the Angels “Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles” or “La Negrita.” Students visit the most important sites in the city, as well as the Orosi Valley, founded by the Franciscan monks in 1561. It is home to the country’s oldest church still in continuous use, built in 1735.

  • Lankester Gardens

    Internationally recognized for its outstanding collections of epiphytes (air plants), the Jardín Botánico Lankester was established in 1973 as a center for the display, education, conservation and research of tropical plants. Almost 3,000 species of plants live in its 27 acres of gardens.

  • Monteverde

    The area around this world-famous cloud forest is idyllically pastoral, with emerald green mountain pastures grazed by black-and-white Holstein cattle. Students will hike through the rainforest during the day and will also take a night walk in order to see the fauna that only comes out at night. Lying at 1500 meters above the sea level and with a population of around 5,000 people, Monteverde is recognized worldwide for its ecological contribution in the production of oxygen and for sheltering one of the richest and more fragile ecosystems: the cloud forest. This Cloud Forest Preserve has more than 400 species of birds and more than 3000 species of plants.

  • Rio Celeste & Guanacaste

    The beautiful river “Rio Celeste” is named for the light blue waters caused by the presence of sulfur and calcium carbonates. The river winds through the rainforest of Tenorio Volcano National Park, where students will enjoy incredible views and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

  • San José

    Students will spend one night in the historic capital of San José and will visit local attractions such as the Museo Nacional, the Museo de Oro Precolombino, and the Museo de Jade.

  • Cartago

    Cartago was Costa Rica’s first capital until 1823 and is home to Costa Rica’s patron saint, Our Lady of the Angels “Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles” or “La Negrita.” Students visit the most important sites in the city, as well as the Orosi Valley, founded by the Franciscan monks in 1561. It is home to the country’s oldest church still in continuous use, built in 1735.

  • Lankester Gardens

    Internationally recognized for its outstanding collections of epiphytes (air plants), the Jardín Botánico Lankester was established in 1973 as a center for the display, education, conservation and research of tropical plants. Almost 3,000 species of plants live in its 27 acres of gardens.

  • Monteverde

    The area around this world-famous cloud forest is idyllically pastoral, with emerald green mountain pastures grazed by black-and-white Holstein cattle. Students will hike through the rainforest during the day and will also take a night walk in order to see the fauna that only comes out at night. Lying at 1500 meters above the sea level and with a population of around 5,000 people, Monteverde is recognized worldwide for its ecological contribution in the production of oxygen and for sheltering one of the richest and more fragile ecosystems: the cloud forest. This Cloud Forest Preserve has more than 400 species of birds and more than 3000 species of plants.

  • Rio Celeste & Guanacaste

    The beautiful river “Rio Celeste” is named for the light blue waters caused by the presence of sulfur and calcium carbonates. The river winds through the rainforest of Tenorio Volcano National Park, where students will enjoy incredible views and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

  • San José

    Students will spend one night in the historic capital of San José and will visit local attractions such as the Museo Nacional, the Museo de Oro Precolombino, and the Museo de Jade.

  • Volcán Arenal & Fortuna

    Arenal Volcano National Park is located in central Costa Rica. The park is surrounded by rainforests and cloud forests with waterfalls and hot springs (heated by the volcano) nearby.

  • Cartago

    Cartago was Costa Rica’s first capital until 1823 and is home to Costa Rica’s patron saint, Our Lady of the Angels “Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles” or “La Negrita.” Students visit the most important sites in the city, as well as the Orosi Valley, founded by the Franciscan monks in 1561. It is home to the country’s oldest church still in continuous use, built in 1735.

  • Lankester Gardens

    Internationally recognized for its outstanding collections of epiphytes (air plants), the Jardín Botánico Lankester was established in 1973 as a center for the display, education, conservation and research of tropical plants. Almost 3,000 species of plants live in its 27 acres of gardens.

  • Rio Celeste & Guanacaste

    The beautiful river “Rio Celeste” is named for the light blue waters caused by the presence of sulfur and calcium carbonates. The river winds through the rainforest of Tenorio Volcano National Park, where students will enjoy incredible views and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

  • San José

    Students will spend one night in the historic capital of San José and will visit local attractions such as the Museo Nacional, the Museo de Oro Precolombino, and the Museo de Jade.

  • Volcán Arenal & Fortuna

    Arenal Volcano National Park is located in central Costa Rica. The park is surrounded by rainforests and cloud forests with waterfalls and hot springs (heated by the volcano) nearby.

Program Details

What You’ll Study

TOTAL CREDITS - 6 credits per session (up to 12 total)

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.

TRANSCRIPTS

API students will receive a transcript from the U.S. accredited Fairfield University upon completion of the program.

  • Jh2Ko152Tyeqsumfekfb

    Esteban Lopez

    Esteban Lopez will be your Resident Director in San Joaquin de Flores and a resource for you on-site.

  • Lauras profile pics

    Laura Bahamonde

    Laura will be your Program Manager and prepare you to go abroad!

Courses

COURSE OFFERINGS

Students complete two courses during each summer term. It is important to note that not all courses at the advanced level are offered during each summer session. All courses are subject to minimum enrollment requirements. Students are notified of their course placements prior to departure.

CREDIT INFORMATION

The Instituto San Joaquín de Flores operates on the contact hour system; the number of credits earned depends on the time spent in class with a professor. To determine the conversion of Costa Rican contact hours to U.S. credits, divide the contact hours per course by 15. Almost all courses at the Instituto are the equivalent of 3 U.S. semester credits.

Gramática intermedia del español I (Intermediate Spanish Grammar I)

The objective of this intensive course is the development of four basic skill areas: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The course is centered on the improvement of the student’s vocabulary, the teaching of grammatical rules, and the promotion of a better understanding of the Hispanic culture so as to allow for more effective communication.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Intermediate  

Recommended US semester credits: 6  

View Syllabus   

Gramática intermedia del español II (Intermediate Spanish Grammar II)

The objective of this course is the further development of four basic skill areas: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The course is centered on the improvement of the student’s vocabulary, the teaching of grammatical rules, and the promotion of a better understanding of the Hispanic culture so as to allow for more effective communication.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Intermediate  

Recommended US semester credits: 6  

View Syllabus   

Advanced Spanish Grammar

In this course, Spanish grammar as a second language is studied. The indicative and subjunctive moods are also reviewed. The more in-depth study covers the lexical, grammatical and semantic aspects. This course emphasizes class participation, and students are expected to read assigned texts, discuss them in groups and make class presentations. They are expected to make written reports on the contents of the reading and discussions. The professor gives lectures on each grammatical point and students complete oral and written presentations of each of the points.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

View Syllabus   

Business Spanish

This course focuses on the business world in Latin America. The class also includes helpful vocabulary related to business, how-to information, and common business practices and formalities that are useful to know, such as how to write a formal business letter in Spanish. It is helpful to have some knowledge of the business world, economics, or general concepts related to these topics.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Introducción a la literatura de América Latina (Introduction to Latin American Literature)

This course offers a panoramic view of the main titles and authors of Latin American literature through an examination of their most relevant discursive events and social significance. The group analyzes the literary techniques and aesthetics of some of the most representative writers, in addition to applying some theoretical considerations to the possibilities of literary work in Latin-America and discussing the particular political, economic, and social circumstances of the region.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Cuentos contemporáneos de América Latina (Contemporary Latin American Short Stories)

This course offers an overview of the culture and society in Latin America through its literary works. A selection of short stories will be used to study the configuration of national identity discourses during the 20th century and how they were transformed into the complex and contradictory interaction of marginalization and counter culture of the last decades of the 20th century.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Historia Cultural de América Central (Cultural History of Central America)

["This course explores the complex and diverse nature of Central American culture. The content includes: Indigenous Central America and its geographical context","Spanish conquest of Central America","the colonial consolidation system","economy and society","national identities and modern Central American states","contemporary dynamics of culture and education in Central America."]

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Introducción al análisis cultural (Introduction to Cultural Analysis)

This course introduces the analysis of culture as a concept, practice, and representation, including consideration of the debates that the idea of culture has provoked in different contexts. The course provides analytical and methodological tools to discuss a full range of cultural forms and to develop key skills in the analysis of culture. Special emphasis is given to issues of culture and representation, as well as to the notion of cultural difference(s).

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Introducción a la lingüística (Introduction to Linguistics)

This course will introduce students to the basic characteristics of the linguistic system of the Spanish language, which will be contrasted with other languages, particularly English. Some similarities and differences between regional and social variations will also be discussed. The linguistic study of the language will focus on sounds (phonetics and phonology), work formation (morphology), sentence constructions (syntax), and the history of the language, taking into account the different varieties (historical and regional).

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Introducción al Análisis Literario y la Literatura Latinoamericana (Introduction to Literary Analysis and Latin American Literature)

This course is an introduction to literary analysis. Narrative, drama, and poetry will be studied, along with the history of Latin America. Additionally, students will learn about the basic concepts of each genre so they can analyze, judge, discuss, and reflect on the reading of assigned texts.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Cine latinoamericano (Latin American Cinema)

This course uses film to study Latin American identity. Students are encouraged to use a world perspective in identifying distinct textual expressions of the social function of art. The films introduced in class promote discussion of the changes that have affected a majority of Latin Americans, and also the phenomena that negatively affect the so-called ‘minorities.’

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Música latinoamericana (Latin American Music)

This course offers a vision of Latin American music from the Pre-Columbian time to the present. latin American music will be studied as a cultural manifestation placed inside a specific social and spatial context. Emphasis will be given to the Latin American "New Song," which synthesizes the thoughts, feeling, desires, and actions of the region.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Fonología (Phonology)

This course offers a review of the Spanish phonetic and phonological system. The basic concepts of phonetics and phonology will be covered using examples and practical applications from the Spanish language. The course will also cover the following topics: articulatory phonetics, acoustic phonetics, and Spanish dialectology

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Spanish Composition

The purpose of this course is to help students improve their style and skills writing in Spanish. The course addresses punctuation, orthography, and accent marks. Students have written activities in class as well as papers to be written outside the classroom. Throughout the course, different types of texts will be written: letters, résumés, poems, short compositions, and essays on various topics.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Conversación española (Spanish Conversation)

This community-based learning course is designed to promote interaction between people/institutions of the community and students of the Institute of San Joaquín de Flores while helping students improve fluency in conversational Spanish. Students have the opportunity to learn about the dynamics of the community, to practice Spanish, and to deepen their understanding of daily life in San Joaquín de Flores. Each student completes a total of 20 hours of service within a community organization (schools, libraries, retirement homes).

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Ecología tropical (Tropical Ecology)

This course will provide students with the basis to understand the ecological processes that take part in an ecosystem. In order to accomplish this, the course will cover the main ecological theories that explain the distribution and abundance of organisms in function of abiotic resources, environmental conditions, and the interactions between species (competition and predation). Additionally, the course will cover the way in which these factors alter the functioning of the ecosystem as a whole and the role of human beings.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Gramática intermedia del español I (Intermediate Spanish Grammar I)

The objective of this intensive course is the development of four basic skill areas: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The course is centered on the improvement of the student’s vocabulary, the teaching of grammatical rules, and the promotion of a better understanding of the Hispanic culture so as to allow for more effective communication.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Intermediate  

Recommended US semester credits: 6  

View Syllabus   

Gramática intermedia del español II (Intermediate Spanish Grammar II)

The objective of this course is the further development of four basic skill areas: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The course is centered on the improvement of the student’s vocabulary, the teaching of grammatical rules, and the promotion of a better understanding of the Hispanic culture so as to allow for more effective communication.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Intermediate  

Recommended US semester credits: 6  

View Syllabus   

Advanced Spanish Grammar

In this course, Spanish grammar as a second language is studied. The indicative and subjunctive moods are also reviewed. The more in-depth study covers the lexical, grammatical and semantic aspects. This course emphasizes class participation, and students are expected to read assigned texts, discuss them in groups and make class presentations. They are expected to make written reports on the contents of the reading and discussions. The professor gives lectures on each grammatical point and students complete oral and written presentations of each of the points.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

View Syllabus   

Business Spanish

This course focuses on the business world in Latin America. The class also includes helpful vocabulary related to business, how-to information, and common business practices and formalities that are useful to know, such as how to write a formal business letter in Spanish. It is helpful to have some knowledge of the business world, economics, or general concepts related to these topics.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Introducción a la literatura de América Latina (Introduction to Latin American Literature)

This course offers a panoramic view of the main titles and authors of Latin American literature through an examination of their most relevant discursive events and social significance. The group analyzes the literary techniques and aesthetics of some of the most representative writers, in addition to applying some theoretical considerations to the possibilities of literary work in Latin-America and discussing the particular political, economic, and social circumstances of the region.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Cuentos contemporáneos de América Latina (Contemporary Latin American Short Stories)

This course offers an overview of the culture and society in Latin America through its literary works. A selection of short stories will be used to study the configuration of national identity discourses during the 20th century and how they were transformed into the complex and contradictory interaction of marginalization and counter culture of the last decades of the 20th century.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Historia Cultural de América Central (Cultural History of Central America)

["This course explores the complex and diverse nature of Central American culture. The content includes: Indigenous Central America and its geographical context","Spanish conquest of Central America","the colonial consolidation system","economy and society","national identities and modern Central American states","contemporary dynamics of culture and education in Central America."]

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Introducción al análisis cultural (Introduction to Cultural Analysis)

This course introduces the analysis of culture as a concept, practice, and representation, including consideration of the debates that the idea of culture has provoked in different contexts. The course provides analytical and methodological tools to discuss a full range of cultural forms and to develop key skills in the analysis of culture. Special emphasis is given to issues of culture and representation, as well as to the notion of cultural difference(s).

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Introducción a la lingüística (Introduction to Linguistics)

This course will introduce students to the basic characteristics of the linguistic system of the Spanish language, which will be contrasted with other languages, particularly English. Some similarities and differences between regional and social variations will also be discussed. The linguistic study of the language will focus on sounds (phonetics and phonology), work formation (morphology), sentence constructions (syntax), and the history of the language, taking into account the different varieties (historical and regional).

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Introducción al Análisis Literario y la Literatura Latinoamericana (Introduction to Literary Analysis and Latin American Literature)

This course is an introduction to literary analysis. Narrative, drama, and poetry will be studied, along with the history of Latin America. Additionally, students will learn about the basic concepts of each genre so they can analyze, judge, discuss, and reflect on the reading of assigned texts.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Cine latinoamericano (Latin American Cinema)

This course uses film to study Latin American identity. Students are encouraged to use a world perspective in identifying distinct textual expressions of the social function of art. The films introduced in class promote discussion of the changes that have affected a majority of Latin Americans, and also the phenomena that negatively affect the so-called ‘minorities.’

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Música latinoamericana (Latin American Music)

This course offers a vision of Latin American music from the Pre-Columbian time to the present. latin American music will be studied as a cultural manifestation placed inside a specific social and spatial context. Emphasis will be given to the Latin American "New Song," which synthesizes the thoughts, feeling, desires, and actions of the region.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Fonología (Phonology)

This course offers a review of the Spanish phonetic and phonological system. The basic concepts of phonetics and phonology will be covered using examples and practical applications from the Spanish language. The course will also cover the following topics: articulatory phonetics, acoustic phonetics, and Spanish dialectology

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Spanish Composition

The purpose of this course is to help students improve their style and skills writing in Spanish. The course addresses punctuation, orthography, and accent marks. Students have written activities in class as well as papers to be written outside the classroom. Throughout the course, different types of texts will be written: letters, résumés, poems, short compositions, and essays on various topics.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Conversación española (Spanish Conversation)

This community-based learning course is designed to promote interaction between people/institutions of the community and students of the Institute of San Joaquín de Flores while helping students improve fluency in conversational Spanish. Students have the opportunity to learn about the dynamics of the community, to practice Spanish, and to deepen their understanding of daily life in San Joaquín de Flores. Each student completes a total of 20 hours of service within a community organization (schools, libraries, retirement homes).

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Ecología tropical (Tropical Ecology)

This course will provide students with the basis to understand the ecological processes that take part in an ecosystem. In order to accomplish this, the course will cover the main ecological theories that explain the distribution and abundance of organisms in function of abiotic resources, environmental conditions, and the interactions between species (competition and predation). Additionally, the course will cover the way in which these factors alter the functioning of the ecosystem as a whole and the role of human beings.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Gramática intermedia del español I (Intermediate Spanish Grammar I)

The objective of this intensive course is the development of four basic skill areas: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The course is centered on the improvement of the student’s vocabulary, the teaching of grammatical rules, and the promotion of a better understanding of the Hispanic culture so as to allow for more effective communication.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Intermediate  

Recommended US semester credits: 6  

View Syllabus   

Gramática intermedia del español II (Intermediate Spanish Grammar II)

The objective of this course is the further development of four basic skill areas: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The course is centered on the improvement of the student’s vocabulary, the teaching of grammatical rules, and the promotion of a better understanding of the Hispanic culture so as to allow for more effective communication.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Intermediate  

Recommended US semester credits: 6  

View Syllabus   

Advanced Spanish Grammar

In this course, Spanish grammar as a second language is studied. The indicative and subjunctive moods are also reviewed. The more in-depth study covers the lexical, grammatical and semantic aspects. This course emphasizes class participation, and students are expected to read assigned texts, discuss them in groups and make class presentations. They are expected to make written reports on the contents of the reading and discussions. The professor gives lectures on each grammatical point and students complete oral and written presentations of each of the points.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

View Syllabus   

Business Spanish

This course focuses on the business world in Latin America. The class also includes helpful vocabulary related to business, how-to information, and common business practices and formalities that are useful to know, such as how to write a formal business letter in Spanish. It is helpful to have some knowledge of the business world, economics, or general concepts related to these topics.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Introducción a la literatura de América Latina (Introduction to Latin American Literature)

This course offers a panoramic view of the main titles and authors of Latin American literature through an examination of their most relevant discursive events and social significance. The group analyzes the literary techniques and aesthetics of some of the most representative writers, in addition to applying some theoretical considerations to the possibilities of literary work in Latin-America and discussing the particular political, economic, and social circumstances of the region.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Cuentos contemporáneos de América Latina (Contemporary Latin American Short Stories)

This course offers an overview of the culture and society in Latin America through its literary works. A selection of short stories will be used to study the configuration of national identity discourses during the 20th century and how they were transformed into the complex and contradictory interaction of marginalization and counter culture of the last decades of the 20th century.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Historia Cultural de América Central (Cultural History of Central America)

["This course explores the complex and diverse nature of Central American culture. The content includes: Indigenous Central America and its geographical context","Spanish conquest of Central America","the colonial consolidation system","economy and society","national identities and modern Central American states","contemporary dynamics of culture and education in Central America."]

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Introducción al análisis cultural (Introduction to Cultural Analysis)

This course introduces the analysis of culture as a concept, practice, and representation, including consideration of the debates that the idea of culture has provoked in different contexts. The course provides analytical and methodological tools to discuss a full range of cultural forms and to develop key skills in the analysis of culture. Special emphasis is given to issues of culture and representation, as well as to the notion of cultural difference(s).

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Introducción a la lingüística (Introduction to Linguistics)

This course will introduce students to the basic characteristics of the linguistic system of the Spanish language, which will be contrasted with other languages, particularly English. Some similarities and differences between regional and social variations will also be discussed. The linguistic study of the language will focus on sounds (phonetics and phonology), work formation (morphology), sentence constructions (syntax), and the history of the language, taking into account the different varieties (historical and regional).

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Introducción al Análisis Literario y la Literatura Latinoamericana (Introduction to Literary Analysis and Latin American Literature)

This course is an introduction to literary analysis. Narrative, drama, and poetry will be studied, along with the history of Latin America. Additionally, students will learn about the basic concepts of each genre so they can analyze, judge, discuss, and reflect on the reading of assigned texts.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Cine latinoamericano (Latin American Cinema)

This course uses film to study Latin American identity. Students are encouraged to use a world perspective in identifying distinct textual expressions of the social function of art. The films introduced in class promote discussion of the changes that have affected a majority of Latin Americans, and also the phenomena that negatively affect the so-called ‘minorities.’

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Música latinoamericana (Latin American Music)

This course offers a vision of Latin American music from the Pre-Columbian time to the present. latin American music will be studied as a cultural manifestation placed inside a specific social and spatial context. Emphasis will be given to the Latin American "New Song," which synthesizes the thoughts, feeling, desires, and actions of the region.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Fonología (Phonology)

This course offers a review of the Spanish phonetic and phonological system. The basic concepts of phonetics and phonology will be covered using examples and practical applications from the Spanish language. The course will also cover the following topics: articulatory phonetics, acoustic phonetics, and Spanish dialectology

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Spanish Composition

The purpose of this course is to help students improve their style and skills writing in Spanish. The course addresses punctuation, orthography, and accent marks. Students have written activities in class as well as papers to be written outside the classroom. Throughout the course, different types of texts will be written: letters, résumés, poems, short compositions, and essays on various topics.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Conversación española (Spanish Conversation)

This community-based learning course is designed to promote interaction between people/institutions of the community and students of the Institute of San Joaquín de Flores while helping students improve fluency in conversational Spanish. Students have the opportunity to learn about the dynamics of the community, to practice Spanish, and to deepen their understanding of daily life in San Joaquín de Flores. Each student completes a total of 20 hours of service within a community organization (schools, libraries, retirement homes).

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Ecología tropical (Tropical Ecology)

This course will provide students with the basis to understand the ecological processes that take part in an ecosystem. In order to accomplish this, the course will cover the main ecological theories that explain the distribution and abundance of organisms in function of abiotic resources, environmental conditions, and the interactions between species (competition and predation). Additionally, the course will cover the way in which these factors alter the functioning of the ecosystem as a whole and the role of human beings.

Language of Instruction: Spanish    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

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Highlights
  • All classes taught in Spanish
    • Transcript from U.S. accredited institution (Fairfield University)
      • Community service opportunities
    Housing

    Students in San Joaquín de Flores live with local host families. Host families serve as a unique introduction into Costa Rican culture and may be made up of a married couple with children, a divorced or widowed woman with children still at home, or a family with some members living at home and others living outside of the city during the work week. As API places one student per family, all students have a private bedroom. Students are provided with 2-3 meals per day, as well as laundry service once per week.

    Host Family 1 35455588110 O
    Host Family 1 35711588741 O
    Host Family 1 35711589311 O
    Host Family 1 35711589551 O