Internship & Study Abroad:
Pre-Health
San José, Costa Rica
Highlights
Our Pre-Health Program offers a unique opportunity for students to gain immersive international experience while continuing to train for their sport, develop lasting friendships with fellow interns from across the U.S., and enjoy a life-changing experience abroad.
Interns will enroll in a custom "Introduction to Costa Rican Healthcare" course while interning at either a local hospital or physical therapy clinic. We help students align their placement with their career goals in order to gain hands-on experience that will boost their resumes.
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Internships are available to both athletes and non-athletes of all majors. This internship is particularly catered to students with the following career interests:
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Physical Therapy
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Sports Medicine
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Nutrition
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Healthcare
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Nursing
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Psychology
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Social Work
Program Description
Students will enroll in a custom "Introduction to Costa Rican Healthcare" course we have co-created with Veritas University to meet the needs of student-athletes looking for an immersive, short-term educational program to prepare them for their post-graduate endeavors.
This course offers both pre-healthcare and pre-physical therapy students a comprehensive overview of Costa Rica’s healthcare system, blending classroom learning with hands-on experiences. Students will explore the differences between public and private healthcare, compare Costa Rican and U.S. systems, and examine specific health challenges within the country. The "Introduction to Costa Rican Healthcare" course is 48 hours (equivalent to 3 academic credits) and will have the following structure:
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Week 1: Overview of the Costa Rican Healthcare System
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Week 2: Field Experiences: Field trips to key healthcare institutions
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Week 3: Specialized Investigations
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As part of their capstone presentations, students will prepare their own investigations according to their field of study. Pre-healthcare students will focus on tropical diseases prevalent in Costa Rica, with in-depth research into their causes, treatment, and prevention strategies, while pre-physical therapy students will focus on common sports injuries in Paralympians, as well as athletes involved in popular Costa Rican sports like football and surfing, with an emphasis on rehabilitation and injury prevention.
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If you'd like a copy of the course syllabus, please reach out to our team.
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In the afternoons, students will compliment the course with hands-on experience as interns under the supervision of professional healthcare providers in San Jose. Students can choose from one or more of the following settings:
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Physical Therapy
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Hospital (nursing or physician's assistant)
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Community Health
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By the end of the program, students will have gained a deeper understanding of Costa Rica’s healthcare challenges and innovations, while developing practical insights relevant to their fields.
Our local staff will provide guidance throughout the placement process and offer ongoing support during the program.​ For students seeking academic credit, we collaborate closely to ensure the course aligns with their home university’s requirements.
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Life in San José
Lodging & Meals
Students will be warmly welcomed into our network of host families, offering them a unique immersion experience into local customs and language. Each homestay includes:
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Breakfast & dinner, daily (dietary restrictions accommodated)
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Private bedroom with essential furnishings: bed, linens, bath towels, closet, & nightstand
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Private or shared bathroom
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Laundry, available weekly
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At least one English-speaking family member
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After enrollment, students will complete a housing questionnaire to help our local team match them with the most suitable host family, based on their preferences and needs.
Sports Abroad
Students will be given access to a centrally located gym, allowing them to maintain their individual fitness routines with 4-5 workouts per week.
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In addition, students will have opportunities to engage with local sports teams and participate in training sessions alongside U.S. and international athletes, depending on their sport and location.
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Our team is committed to supporting each student’s athletic goals. We will work closely with students to craft a personalized training plan, based on availability, which can be discussed during the interview process.
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We will ensure the best possible facilities that a location can offer.
Excursions
Two weekends of the program include guided excursions led by SAA staff, with all lodging, meals, and transportation provided.
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One weekend will feature a trip to the stunning Pacific Coast to visit Manuel Antonio National Park, renowned for its array of Costa Rican wildlife and pristine beaches. Students can also enjoy optional surfing lessons at world-famous surf spots or sun-bathe on the beach.
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Another weekend will take students to the town of La Fortuna, where they will zipline through the rainforest, hike around the iconic Arenal Volcano, and unwind in the world's largest naturally heated hot springs—perfect for soothing tired muscles.
Program Details
Dates:
Session I: May 30 - June 21, 2025
Session II: July 4 - July 26, 2025
Tuition: $5295
Included:
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Tuition and fees for one course at Veritas University
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Official Transcript from Veritas University
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Homestay accommodation
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Breakfast & dinner, daily
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Round-trip airport transfers (on arrival & departure days)
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Two weekend excursions
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Gym membership
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Sport-specific training opportunities (varies by sport)
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International Health Insurance
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SAA Program T-Shirt
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Internship placement
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Additional professional development opportunities
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Full pre-departure support & orientation
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Local Support Staff 24/7
Not Included:
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Roundtrip airfare to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO)
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Passport/associated fees, if applicable
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Lunch, daily
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Snacks, souvenirs, & optional entertainment expenses
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Card fees associated with tuition payments (ranging from 3-5%, varies by card). Card fees can be avoided by paying with a US Checking Account.
Payment:
​If accepted, a $250 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. The remaining balance will be paid in installments. Exact payment dates and amounts are outlined in registration. ​
Capacity:
This program is capped at 16 students. Programs are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Admission Process
1. Apply
Fill out a free application form. We are looking for students who are invested in their professional and personal growth.
2. Interview
Applicants selected to move forward will receive an email to schedule a 20-minute phone interview with our admissions team.
3. Register
If selected, you'll receive the link to register for your program. A $250 deposit is required to reserve your spot.
Questions?
Schedule a call with our team or check out the additional resources on our website!
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