Study Abroad in Costa Rica
College of Health Professions and Sciences
Experience Costa Rica while Earning Credits towards Your Degree
As part of the UCF Costa Rica Center, students get the chance to experience San Jose, Costa Rica while earning credits towards their degree during the summer. Students register for UCF courses, and then travel with their professor who will teach the course in San Jose, Costa Rica. San Jose, Costa Rica is just a 3-hour flight from Orlando and acts as a gateway to locations in central and South America!
In addition to learning the course content, students learn from and interact with local experts through site visit and guest lectures. The program also includes weekly cultural excursions to fully embrace the study abroad experience. Studying abroad in Costa Rica offers students invaluable experiences that will greatly enhance students’ academic, personal and professional growth.
Program Information
The following courses are offered abroad through this program:
(May 31 - June 21, 2025) offered during Summer A
- PEM2104 Personal Fitness & Wellness
(June 28 - July 19, 2025) offered during Summer B
- HUN2201 Fundamentals of Human Nutrition
PEM2104 Personal Fitness & Wellness
This 3-credit course encompasses basic human physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, health science, and behavior change concepts derived from various academic disciplines, as well as examines health and wellness in the US as compared with that in Costa Rica. It allows students to develop life habits for a successful happy and healthy life.
The course also includes academic and experiential learning activities in Costa Rica such as visit to local parks, recreation, fitness center and sports complexes, as well as guest lecture from local expert on fitness and wellness.
For course inquiries, please contact the Faculty Leader:
Dr. Anna S. Valdes
anna.valdes@ucf.edu
HUN2201 Fundamentals of Human Nutrition
This 3-credit course allows students to learn first-hand about Costa Rican and the Blue Zone (Nicoyan) eating patterns, through tailored instruction, cultural tours, food tastings, and culinary experiences. Students will explore how the local, regional, and seasonal foods in Costa Rica contribute to the health and well-being of individuals who consume them. Students will also cultivate cultural sensitivity and awareness towards Central American eating behavior to better serve a diversity of patients and/or clients in their future professions.
The course also includes academic and experiential learning activities in Costa Rica such as visit to Costa Rican Farm/Plantation, culinary experience, lecture or farm tour of organic or regenerative farm.
For course inquiries, please contact the Faculty Leader:
Dr. Cheryl Cavaliere
Cheryl.Cavaliere@ucf.edu
Highlights
- Earn credits towards your degree
- 3 weeks in an incredible city – San Jose
- Weekly cultural excursions
- Academic and experiential learning activities include site visits, guest lectures, etc.
- Experience Central American diverse culture and vibrant lifestyle
- Gain global and international perspectives
- Engage with local experts/students/faculty
Program Costs
Application and Selection Process
Application Deadline: February 15, 2025
Once you complete the application, you will be notified of the status of your application and the next steps in interview process.
For general information, please contact Suha Saleh: suha.saleh@ucf.edu
