The Department of Foreign Languages coordinates a study abroad program for intensive Spanish language study (SPAN 200 and SPAN 300) that is specifically designed to provide students with an immersion experience. Students receive four hours of language instruction per day at Conversa Language Center in Santa Ana, Costa Rica. For additional cultural experiences, students live with Costa Rican families and have the option of participating in excursions. Most programs are for four weeks, earning six hours of credit.

Education majors may participate in a two-week field experience following their intensive language program.

See the AU in Costa Rica brochure below! Also, for students interested in specialized language training for a particular career field, see the Spanish for Special Purposes brochure!

Important Note: Students who want to study on the Ashland University in Costa Rica Program must attend all four pre-departure orientation meetings. They are January 27, February 24, March 24 and April 28 from 4:00-6:00 in Schar 140.

Orientations include the following: Introduction to fellow travelers, Program syllabus, Checklist, Introduction to Costa Rica, Traveler's Ten Commandments, What is culture, Alumni Panel: Making the most of your experience, Helpful tips, Health & Safety, Culture Smart Chapters, Arrival, Host Families, Social Behavior Self Evaluation, and more!

The AU Global Education Office offers Global Ed Grants! Deadline: March 1st - contact global@ashland.edu for more information.

AU in Costa Rica Alums Speak Out: "There is absolutely no better way to learn a language than living it. You can study in a classroom, take tests, and read through a text book, but all of these pale in comparison to spending time in a Spanish speaking country. Studying in Costa Rica was, without a doubt, one of the best decisions I have ever made." - Jake Ewing

"A trip like this only comes once in a life time. Embrace it and step out of your comfort zone. There is more to our world than just this small pocket of the Northern United Sates. My view of the world is so much wider now. I am so thankful for everything I have here and of my talents and passions. Being away from everything familiar for almost two months really puts things into perspective, especially as I move toward graduation. Real life isn't always easy but knowing more about it can help make it more fun." - Caitlin Adams