Dates and Schedule
Tentative Dates: Late May - Early July
Note: You should not attempt to purchase any flights until you are accepted into the program and provided instructions as to arrival details.
Schedule
The program is an intensive program where students will be in the classroom, visiting sites and listening to guest lectures. Students are expected to attend class on-time and participate in all program activities.
In the beginning of the program, there will be an on-site orientation that will help familiarize students to the unique setting of Heredia, Costa Rica, and introduce students to basic aspects of Spanish language and culture. Orientation will include a walking tour of Heredia and San Jose, discussions regarding health and safety, cultural expectations, and program expectations, and a visit to a site of cultural interest. There will also be time to connect with your new host family and opportunities to bond with the other students on the program.
After orientation, classes will meet regularly for the duration of the five-week program. Because this program fits a full semester of class into just five weeks, each of the two courses meets for 1.5-3 hours per day, four days per week. This means that students can expect to be in class 15-30 hours per week. This intensive academic schedule allows students to learn the material in-depth within a short period of time. Some weeks, especially towards the beginning of the program, have heavier class schedules while other weeks, such as those including study tours and site visits, have lighter class schedules to allow time for academic site visits.
Academic excursions during the program will include site visits to locations which may include Monteverde, Liberia, Sarapiqui, and others. Students are expected to participate on all academic and cultural excursions. Class will be taught from excursion locations on days that the group is not in Heredia.
If you have questions about the daily schedule on Brandeis in Heredia, please contact Ari Kramer.