Enjoy a Unique Latin American Experience
Spend a semester or Spring Break 2025 in one of Central America’s safest countries, where a small-town vibe meets stunning natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the Spanish-speaking culture of Costa Rica while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
If you choose to spend a semester, you will study in Heredia, a charming city nestled between mountains in the heart of the country, offering easy access to explore all of Costa Rica. At the renowned Universidad Nacional, you'll join students from around the world in a dynamic learning environment. After class, discover Costa Rica’s natural wonders — hike through rainforests, relax on the beach, explore coffee plantations, or visit volcanic national parks. ¡Pura Vida!
ACADEMICS During the Semester PROGRAM
You will directly enroll at Mississippi College for Spanish classes taken in Heredia. A full list of courses offered can be found on our partner’s website, USAC. Not all courses listed are available for Mississippi College credit.
2025 Spring break information
New this year is a short term trip to Costa Rica. Join Dr. Ivan Parke March 7 – March 16, 2025. Enjoy the country's stunning biodiversity, vast protected spaces, and warm weather. See the wonders of God’s creation as you explore the mountain cloud forests, tropical rain forests, and the Pacific coast where the jungle meets the ocean. Along the way, you will boat through the mangroves, hike to an active volcano, swim at the base of a jungle waterfall, and tour a coffee plantation. Monkeys, sloths, toucans, and crocodiles are just a few of the many animals that can be seen in their natural habitats. You will be mesmerized by the interactions of the brilliantly colored hummingbirds and butterflies.
You will have plenty of time to relax by the pool at luxurious hotels, enjoy the delicious Costa Rican food, and browse the local markets, boutiques, and artisan shops. But if you are up for even more adventure, you also have the opportunity to zipline through the cloud forests, whitewater raft, and/or snorkel in the Pacific Ocean.
Before returning home, you will certainly know why one of Costa Rica’s favorite slogans is “Pura Vida”….which means “Pure Life”!
Space will be limited. Click Program Details Tab for more.
For more information, about Costa Rica, contact maccenter@mc.edu.
Adventure highlights*
Fri 3/7 Depart Jackson for Monte Verde for Group Welcome Dinner
Sat 3/8 Breakfast followed by hike in the cloud forest and coffee plantation tour with optional horseback riding
Sun 3/9 Group breakfast and canopy tour and/or hanging bridges
Free afternoon in Monte Verde and Bat Museum or Night Hike
Mon 3/10 Breakfast and travel to Manuel Antonio for Jungle River Boat Tour on the Tárcoles River Overnight in Manuel Antonio
Tues 3/11 After breakfast tour the jungle waterfalls and end the day with a catamaran sunset tour
Wed 3/12 Spend the day at Manuel Antonio National Park beaches, hike and/or shop in town
Thurs 3/13 Choose a catamaran dolphin tour or incredible white water rafting trip
Fri 3/14 Travel to Heredia for free time
Sat 3/15 Breakfast before visiting Poas Volcano and lunch at La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Sun 3/16 Return to Mississippi
*changes are possible
ESTIMATED PROGRAM COST
Cost includes:
Roundtrip airfare from Jackson, MS
8 nights at luxurious hotels
Breakfast and all but one dinner in Costa Rica
Experienced guides
Entry fees
Travel and tips
$4375
$500 Deposit to reserve space due October 1
Second payment November 1
Balance due December 1
