Universidad Latina de Costa Rica

Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, a Laureate International University, was founded in 1979 and is the largest private university in Costa Rica, with 6 undergraduate schools Health Sciences, Engineering, Architecture & Design, Information and Communication Technologies, Business, Social Science, Hospitality, and a Graduate School with 12 Master programs. Our mission is to develop, inspire and aid ethical, innovative and entrepreneurial leaders to reach their potential in order to take an active role in today's world.

Life in Costa Rica: Costa Rica is a tropical country comprised of the largest amount of micro-climates in the world and containing 5% of world-wide biodiversity. In and of itself, living within this environment is an incomparable learning experience. There is no winter or summer as such and most regions have a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. Temperature is more a matter of elevation than location with a mean of around 72 degrees in the Central Valley, 82 degrees on the Atlantic coast and 89 degrees on the Pacific coast. And what will you find in Costa Rica? Life, Good life, Pura Vida life. Costa Ricans (known as Ticos) are a people-oriented culture, rather than the task orientation so prevalent today. In the words of a 2016 international student: “Ticos are so very willing to help you no matter how simple your questions are. They always go an extra mile for you”.

Airport pickup: Bi-lingual staff from our International Office will meet students at the airport once they clear immigration and customs. Transportation to host families or Universidad Latina de Costa Rica campuses will be provided.

Homestay with Costa Rican families: Living with a host family deepens the study abroad process, allowing the student to experience first-hand Costa Rican culture and traditions, while practicing their Spanish. Many of our students remain in touch with their Costa Rica family after leaving the country, creating lifetime friendships. Host families are within walking distance of the campuses or a short bus ride away. Students will have a private room, and be provided with two meals a day. Laundry and cleaning service is provided once a week.  Additional meals can be purchased on or near the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica campuses for a minimum of $5.00. Our staff can share information for alternative housing in hotels or hostels. In this case, the students will need to make their arrangements individually.

Orientation: All students will receive an orientation session. Class information, extra-curricular activities, student services and campus facilities is just some of the information that will be shared with the students as part of our welcoming process.

Excursions: One day and weekend excursions are offered to the students based on their interests and fields of study. These excursions, both national and within Central America, have either a recreational or an academic orientation, based on student preferences.

Visa Support: Universidad Latina de Costa Rica offers support with the student permit necessary to study in Costa Rica.