Costa Rica - ISC Paris

About
Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s small territory only encompasses 0.03% of the
planet’s surface, but represents nearly 5% of the earth’s
expected biodiversity. Roughly 20% of Costa Rica is constituted
as national parks or reserves and is home to nearly a half million
different species. Sustainability, a model of development for the
country, seeks to meet the needs of society’s current demands
without sacrificing that of future generations. A “land of peace,”
Costa Rica is the oldest democracy in Latin America with more
than 100 years of political stability and home to the Inter-American
Court of Human Rights and the United Nations University of
Peace. The country´s “Pura Vida” (pure life) concept is
embraced by all of Costa Rica’s inhabitants, who enjoy a relaxed
lifestyle.
Costa Rica occupies a privileged position in the heart of the
Western Hemisphere and Central America. With a land portion
occupying only 20 thousand square miles, Costa Rica is divided
into 7 unique provinces which include San José, Alajuela,
Cartago, Heredia, Guanacaste, Puntarenas, and Limón. Each
province is distinguished by a unique climate and landscape,
offering a haven for tourists with varying tastes and interests.
From vibrant blue seas and white sand beaches of the Caribbean,
to steaming hot baths of majestic volcanoes, to lush tropical
rainforests and biological reserves, tourists can enjoy a variety of
activities like surfing, white water rafting, hiking, horseback
riding, snorkeling, sport fishing, and golfing, among others.
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San José
past, present,
and future
The local economy’s long-time dependency on exports of coffee
and bananas has been transformed into exports of
microprocessors and high-tech telecommunications, giving
the city its new identity as the “Silicon Valley of Latin America”.
Large international corporations continue to make sizeable
investments and have located major facilities in San José, taking
advantage of a highly educated workforce and a strong
educational system. In addition, considerable development
and modernization of the infrastructure in San José is enhancing
the city’s appeal to businesses and tourists alike.
San José, the capital city of Costa Rica, is located in the
country’s Central Valley and is surrounded by impressive
mountains, active volcanoes, and lush green hills, honoring the
natural richness and beauty that exists throughout the country.
Founded in the first half of the eighteenth century, San José
today is a city proud of its rich cultural heritage and ethnic
diversity. With residents speaking more than fifty-two
languages, San José is truly becoming a city where visitors
from around the world converge.
Home to world class museums, theatres, parks, hotels, and
historical buildings, San José has also become a popular tourist
destination. The city’s one million residents are known for their
kindness and hospitality, providing an ideal place for tourists and
students to experience the colorful culture of Costa Rica.
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ulacit.ac.cr
ULACIT
in Costa Rica
and Central America.
QS WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS 2012-2013
ULACIT is a bilingual university located in San José, Costa Rica, offering
thirty-two undergraduate and fifteen graduate programs in the fields of
engineering, business, advertising, psychology, health, education, and law.
ULACIT has been ranked for the second year running as the number one
private university of Costa Rica by the QS World University Rankings
2012-2013. This same ranking places ULACIT as the national university with
the best reputation among employers and the educational institution with the
highest ratio of professors with doctorate degrees.
Moreover, ULACIT has been recognized as one of the most prestigious
universities in Latin America, according to the international publication
Estrategia y Negocios (edition 130). In comparison to other private universities
in Costa Rica, employers prefer ULACIT engineers, business graduates, and
English-speaking professionals (Revista EKA, edition 298).
In 2004, the Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce
conferred upon ULACIT the Education Award,
considering ULACIT the educational institution
which had, in the past five years, demonstrated
the highest academic quality. ULACIT was
nominated for the same award again in 2009.
In 2003, a study by the Higher Education
Planning Office (OPES CONARE) reported that
employers considered ULACIT business
graduates to be the best among private
universities.
Its undergraduate programs in business, accounting, information systems,
and law are accredited by SINAES, the internationally-recognized accrediting
body in Costa Rica.
Location
With an urban campus in the capital city, ULACIT attracts international
conferences and visitors. ULACIT is determined to promote its global education
outlook and enhance its international reputation. Located in Barrio Tournón,
ULACIT is within walking distance of downtown San Jose’s main attractions
including the central park, museums, shopping, and restaurants. ULACIT’s
campus is conveniently situated near public transportation, which runs
throughout the city and the main highway leading towards the Caribbean zone.
In addition to a privileged location within the city of San Jose, ULACIT’s central
location offers convenient accessibility to the rest of the country. A few hours’
drive and visitors can enjoy all of the top destinations in Costa Rica like Arenal
Volcano, Monteverde Reserve, Manuel Antonio Park, various beaches, among
many others. There are various modes of transportation, including buses,
airplanes, and trains, which leave from San Jose to various locations daily.
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StudyAbroad
Programs
Specific programs for international
students
ULACIT offers a series of programs for international students who wish to
study in Costa Rica for an academic semester or summer program.
Students from any country wanting to study different subjects in Spanish
and English have a range of possibilities, without completing an official
degree; instead, students can take a variety of courses and validate the
credits with their home institution. The Global Education Office (GEO) at
ULACIT offers international students the opportunity to enroll in the
Academic Cultural Exchange (ACE) Program, or enroll in ULACIT’s regular
degree courses.
ACADEMIC CULTURAL
EXCHANGE (ACE) PROGRAM:
For those students who wish to come to Costa Rica to learn the language,
experience the culture and make use of their time to earn credits towards
their degree, the ACE program encompasses a broad list of elective
courses in various disciplines. These courses belong to the regular
academic offer at our University; thus, they may be taught either in English
or Spanish. Students can choose between three and five subjects per
semester, each consisting of forty-five contact hours. At the end of the
program students will receive an accredited transcript of grades which can
be used to validate credits at their home university.
ACE also offers the Spanish Language Immersion program which
includes courses at the low, intermediate and advanced levels with a
communicative approach to learning the four language skills: listening,
speaking, reading and writing. As part of their experience, students will be
traveling to different natural, historic, and cultural destinations within
the country, as a basis for further instruction and engaging with the Costa
Rican culture.
Furthermore, students can enroll in our community work, internship, and
service learning programs or choose to specialize in one of the following
areas: Latin American Studies, International Relations, International
Economics, Sustainable Management and the Environment, and
Business Studies by obtaining an international certification.
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Customized Programs
ULACIT customizes, adapts, and designs academic programs which
meet the individual needs of institutions, third party-providers,
faculty-led groups, or student groups. ULACIT offers additional
services to insure that they have a unique global experience in the
country. Services include trips to local institutions, site visits, speakers,
transportation, housing, field trips throughout Costa Rica and various
other services.
STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM IN
REGULAR STUDIES:
The program does not require a minimum of contact hours and can be
designed and offered in the following areas of study, among others:
ULACIT offers any international student the possibility to participate in
the regular courses offered in more than 69 different programs.
Students will join classes with Costa Rican students and with other
international students who come through this program. Course
lessons will be taught in either Spanish or English, and each student
can confirm the language of instruction for the courses in the catalogue
on our website.
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There are a wide range of subject areas which students can choose
from and many courses are taught each term in:
• Business Administration
• Bilingual Business Administration
• Accounting
• Law
• English Teaching and Translation
• Information Systems Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Environmental and Work Safety Engineering
• Dentistry
• Psychology
• Advertising
Peace Studies
Latin American Studies
International Relations
International Economics
Sustainable Management and the Environment
Business Studies
Spanish Immersion Program
Spanish for Specific Purposes
Service Learning
Internships
ULACIT may offer the entire academic program or share the tuition
with the visiting faculty.
Internships
The Internship Experience allows students to earn credit and gain
international experience, thanks to the partnership between ULACIT
and leading multinational corporations and small and medium
enterprises in Costa Rica. Students work on real-world projects whose
success depends on their intellectual and practical application of key
business concepts supervised by ULACIT´s faculty.
Service Learning
The complete list of available
courses can be found at
www.ulacit.ac.cr; select
Academic Programs, your area
of interest, the degree, the
program and finally access the
study plan, where you will find
a pdf with the course offer.
In order to take part in this program, students must confirm transferability
of credits with their home institution before enrolling and take the online
Spanish language assessment test regardless of the courses they are
going to take (English or Spanish). This information is valuable for
academic advisors when insuring they have necessary proficiency level
in the language needed for their courses of choice and as part of their
profile. Upon completion of their academic program students will receive
an official transcript which can be presented to their university to obtain
the appropriate credits for their degree. ULACIT does not hold any
responsibility in the validation of credits with students’ individual home
institutions.
UL ACIT’s most importa con
tribution to the success of the
Pea ce Stu dies cou rse wasntthe
working with internation al studknowledge and experience in
ents who are coping with learnin
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IT’s service learning progra m.
San dy Krell-An dre, M.S.W., Coo
Che mical Depen dency Cou nse rdinator
Southeastern Com mu nity Collegelor Tra ining Progra m
P.O. Box 180
West Bu rlington, IA 52655-01
80
(319) 208-5218
Service learning is an educational proposal that combines learning and
community serving processes in a whole articulated project, so the
participants receive training by working on genuine needs of the social
context with the aim of improving it. These real-life experiences go
beyond traditional volunteering as it integrates the following:
· Interaction within local and disadvantaged communities
· Serving in public or non-profit, non-governmental organizations
· Firsthand the community needs, expectations and strengths
· Exploring and reflecting on course content
· Providing concrete service, ranging from hands-on tasks to strategic
advice
· Rural and urban field experiences available
Services
Living arrangement, facility and equipment usage, and social activities
may also be part of the program and may include, but are not limited
to:
Housing: Accommodations in San Jose may include hotels, shared
homes, apartments, hostels or homestay with local families,
depending on your preference and length of stay.
Meals: Dining Services and facilities at the cafeteria on campus.
Leisure and Cultural Activities
Sa n dy K re
ll-A n dre, M
.S.W., Coord
in ator
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Sightseeing throughout San José
Dining out and group reservations
Day and weekend tours and site visits
Guest speakers
Transportation services
Accommodations and meals
English/Spanish guides
Homestay
Students accepted in the ACE Program are lodged with native families whose homes
have been carefully selected by program administrators at ULACIT. Homestay services
include: private room, internet connection, 2 meals per day on weekdays, and 3 meals
on weekends, linens, laundry services once a week and use of kitchen throughout their
stay. Accommodation with local families helps students improve their Spanish
language proficiency and familiarize with the life, traditions and culture of Costa Ricans.
Special consideration is awarded, according to the interests and needs of all students
during the host assigning process.
The main advantage of this program is that international students who are not fully
confident in their Spanish language skills can enhance them while also benefiting from
regular elective courses taught in English. Students in courses taught in Spanish are
expected to be proficient in the language to fulfill all course requirements.
ACE customized packages
include the following
services:
Program does
not Include:
» Airport transportation (pick-up and departure)
» Airfare to and from Costa Rica
» Tuition
» International Insurance
» Homestay
» Personal Expenses
» Digital class materials (available in the platform)
» Official transcript
» Travel and leisure (as requested)
» Cultural Activities
» Costa Rican Airport Exit Fee ($26/pp)
» Student Visa Fees
» Travel and Leisure (weekend
and day tours)
Service for ACE students
ULACIT makes its top-of-the-line facilities available to students in the ACE Program,
including high technology computer labs, wireless Internet throughout campus,
multimedia equipment, cafeteria, library, health center, lockers, dental clinic, and other
services, such as money exchange, copier, mail, and fax.
Furthermore, our Global Education Office provides constant assistance and advises
visiting students with every aspect of their study abroad experience, including tours.
How to apply:
» Universities or groups interested in study abroad programs can contact the Global
Education Office advisors at the addresses provided, on the back page.
» Independent students must be at least 18 years or older to apply. Students under the age
of 18 are only accepted with a group or sponsor school.
» Complete all application forms (provided on the web or through our academic advisors)
and send to the Global Education Office at least two months before program starting
date.
» Send a $78 non-refundable application fee at least two months before program starting
date.
» Once accepted, an international insurance coverage is mandatory.
School Calendar
Each term consists of 15 weeks
First Term
Start: Second week of January
Finish: April
Second Term
Start: Second week of May
Finish: August
Third Term
Start: Second week of September
Finish: December
ulacit.ac.cr
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Agreements of international
cooperation
Aachen University of Applied Sciences • Americampus- Universidad de
Zaragoza • Anyang University • Arkansas State University • Blaise Pascal
University • Canadore College • College of Charleston • Delta State
University • Eastern Kentucky University • ESC Rennes School of
Business Fairleigh Dickinson University • Foro Europeo- Escuela de
Negocios de Navarra • Hanze University Groningen • Instituto de
Estudios Bursátiles
Instituto Universitario de Estudios Marítimos • Midwestern State
University • Missouri State University • Missouri University of Science &
Technology • Morehead State University • Northern State University •
Northwest Missouri State University • Oklahoma State University •
Provinciale Hogeschool Limburg • Rotterdam University of Applied
Sciences • Rovaniemi University of Applied Sciences • Satakunta
University of Applied Sciences • Schmalkalden University of Applied
Sciences • Southeast Missouri State University • Tennessee
Technological University
TUFTS University • UNIBE-República Dominicana • UNICEUB •
Universidad Americana • Universidad Católica Redemptoris Mater •
Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua • Universidad de Alicante •
Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina • Universidad de El Salvador •
Universidad de Grenoble • Universidad de Málaga • Universidad de
Monterrey • Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala • Universidad del
Valle de Guatemala Universidad Nacional de Honduras • Universidad
Nacional de Nicaragua • Universidad Tecnológica de El Salvador •
Universidad Tecnológica de Honduras • Universidad Tecnológica de
Panamá • Universidade da Coruña • University of California in Los
Angeles (UCLA) • University of California, Irvine • University of Cologne •
University of Georgia • University of Liege • University of North Alabama •
University of North Carolina University of Southern California (USC) •
University of Wisconsin • Valencia Polytechnic University • Vorarlberg
University of Applied Sciences Washburn University • Zuyd University
Luis Gonca
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ULACIT
Students, lecturers, and foreign staff coming to ULACIT will undergo a
welcome and orientation session upon arrival to the university. The
Global Education Office (GEO) will guide visitors through the admissions
process and help to resolve any concerns before and during their stay.
Additionally, GEO assists in completing legal paperwork, obtaining
visas, answering any questions regarding courses or schedules,
assisting with transportation and accommodations during the stay, and
providing an updated schedule of activities or trips taking place on
campus.
Study Abroad Program Policies
Rules and regulations regarding these international programs can be
found at www.ulacit.ac.cr/international/, under Admissions, Terms and
Policies.
How to Enroll
If you are interested in joining one of ULACIT’s international programs,
please visit us at www.ulacit.ac.cr/international/, under Admissions or
contact the Global Education Office (GEO) at [email protected]
Staff
Eliza beth Wuerz and
Jennifer Batton in Costa Rica
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proble ms we mi men d working with UL ACIT’s Glob ght be intere sted in
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Jennifer Batto ge, Clevela nd, Ohio, USA
Co m munity Colle
M. Ed. Verónica Castro
Academic Director of International Programs
(506) 2523-4041
[email protected]
M.B.A. Gabriela Tijerino
Director of External Affairs
(506) 2523-4018
[email protected]
Apply
Online
www.ulacit.ac.cr / international
Find
us at:
@ulacitcostarica
/ulacitcostarica
[email protected]
P.O. Box 10235 San José 1000, Costa Rica
Phone: (506) 2523 4041 | 2523 4018
Fax: (506) 2233-9739