Latin American University of Science & Technology

Located in San José, the country’s capital, Latin American University of Science & Technology (ULACIT) brings together academic study, applied learning, and cultural discovery in the heart of Central America. Through project-based learning, collaborative assignments, and practical problem-solving, students explore how academic concepts apply to contemporary challenges, while everyday life offers opportunities to connect with Costa Rican culture. Along the way, students will become familiar with pura vida, an expression that reflects the warmth and appreciation for everyday life associated with Costa Rica. The city’s central location also makes it easy to explore mountain communities, rainforest reserves, and both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.

Bachelor Courses in English

Business Administration, International Relations. Students can enroll in 1 to 5 courses, with 5 being the typical semester load (worth the equivalent of 15 US credits/30 ECTS units). To view the course offerings/descriptions, click here or here. Courses are subject to change by semester. Exchange students receive a tuition waiver for up to 5 courses.

NOTE: It is recommended to have at least a basic level of Spanish fluency to help with daily life.  Enrollment in Spanish-taught courses is only possible with a minimum B2 fluency; a Spanish language interview would be conducted prior to enrollment. If enrolling in Spanish-taught courses, options exist in business, engineering, education and health sciences.

Master Courses in English
Master-level exchanges are not possible.

Language Courses

Spanish language courses are not included in the standard exchange program. Students who would like to develop their Spanish skills may inquire about ULACIT’s separate, fee-based Spanish Immersion Program. The course lasts 15 weeks, includes 45 contact hours, and is equivalent to 6 ECTS or 3 US credits. Group and individual tutoring options are available. For further information, you can contact the Global Education Office.

Accreditations
ULACIT has an established history in Costa Rican higher education and participates in the country’s higher-education quality assurance environment.

Online Registration Process
After being approved for study at ULACIT, students must complete an admissions process with two stages, which students will complete in 4 steps. First, students complete an International Exchange Nomination Form (this form requests important information not included in the Magellan application) and Exchange Admissions Form which has two different batches of documentation.   Once a student has been formally accepted, confirmation is communicated through the relevant academic contact. Final admission is subject to completion of the required documentation and applicable payments.

Orientation

All international students are required to attend the welcome activities organized by the Global Education Office (GEO); activities are held the week prior to the start of classes. You can refer to ULACIT’s fact sheet for additional information.

Internships
Not possible

Part-time Employment
Not possible

Students with Disabilities
ULACIT can generally accommodate a student with a physical or learning disability.  Typical student accommodations as well as shops and services in the community have somewhat limited accessibility.  Students with special requirements should inform ULACIT of their specific needs in advance.

Grades & Transcripts

ULACIT uses a grading system from 0 to 100, with a minimum passing grade of 70 (bachelor level) or 80 (master level). ULACIT’s credit system is equivalent to that of the US. For additional details on transfer of credits, please refer to the Student Guidebook.

Transcripts are sent to the international office of the exchange student’s home university by email.  Students should allow six weeks from the last day of class for the transcript to be ready and nine weeks to be sent.

Health Insurance
Students are required to provide proof of international health insurance to cover emergencies or accidents during the entire stay in Costa Rica.

University Fee & Registration
$550.  This is an administrative admissions fee per semester that covers the admissions process, academic and administrative support, and access to virtual platforms and use of online services.

Textbooks
ULACIT students will have access to digital books through the Blackboard platform.

It is not necessary to visit a consulate. Once in Costa Rica, ULACIT will advise on different options to renew your migratory status in accordance with the applicable migratory policies at the moment. All USA and European Union residents are commonly awarded a 180-day tourist visa that will exceed your semester at ULACIT.  To maintain legal migratory status after 180 days, students can either exit and re-enter Costa Rica with air travel or a land border to renew their tourist visa (e.g., a weekend trip to Panama or Nicaragua) or request a student visa through ULACIT’s migration lawyer ($250); the latter option would automatically suspend the expiration of the 180-day tourist visa until Migratory Authorities process the student visa request, which takes, on average, over 6 months. Use of the tourist visa is a common practice for short term exchange students and would be sufficient to maintain the legal migratory status while the short-term exchange student completes their 105-day semester of studies.

Housing
Host family (other options may be approved). Exchange students are placed with carefully screened local host families prior to arrival. Accommodation with local families helps students improve their Spanish language proficiency and become familiarized with the life, traditions and the culture of the country. The cost is $35 per day, which includes breakfast, dinner and weekly laundry (add $5 per day for special diets).  Other items included are: airport pick-up, assistance on public transportation to learn the route the student will be using to travel from home to ULACIT and back, a private bedroom, shared or private bathroom, use of the kitchen and laundry room, access keys to the house, and Internet access.

Meals
Daily breakfast and dinner are provided by the host family.  Dining services are also available at the ULACIT cafeteria and food trucks on campus.

Transportation

Fly to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO).  Students should provide their flight information to ULACIT so that ULACIT can coordinate an airport pick-up with their host family.

Entertainment

Studying at ULACIT gives students the opportunity to experience life in San José, a capital city where everyday Costa Rican life meets a wide range of cultural, culinary, and social experiences. Students can spend their free time discovering cafés, restaurants, local markets, museums, theaters, and shops. The city also provides opportunities to learn more about Costa Rican history, art, traditions, and contemporary life. Beyond the capital, Costa Rica offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes and destinations. Students may choose to explore places such as Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Reserve, Manuel Antonio National Park, and beaches along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts during their free time.

Shopping
San Jose offers a variety of shopping malls, small shops, and local markets. Most shops in the downtown area are open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Shopping malls have longer operating hours.

Climate
San Jose has a mild climate.  Average temperatures range between 15-30ºC (59-86ºF).  More than 90% of its annual rainfall (1,800 mm/70″) occurs in the rainy season from May to November.

Disclaimer: The information presented on the Magellan website is for general informational purposes only. Although every effort is made to ensure institutional profiles are up-to-date and accurate, it is possible that variation may occur.