91̽»¨

Under construction

The 91̽»¨ Spanish and More, Learning Opportunities in Costa Rica program generates excitement around Spanish language studies and international education in a variety of fields, including but not limited to Hispanic studies. The 2026 program will reestablish a biennial study abroad program in Latin America to alternate with the established program in Spain and offer intensive language and culture education, as well as international experience, to 91̽»¨â€™s students. By design, this program highlights the many ways that proficiency in Spanish and familiarity with Latin American cultures can enrich careers and lives across a broad spectrum of professions, fields of inquiry, and personal interests.

Tentative Itinerary

Saturday, July 4: Group flight Departure from Cleveland for San José; arrival at homestays

July 5: first day includes: 

• group neighborhood tour by Dr. Gingerich

July 6-10: First week

• Group meeting on Tuesday to exchange impressions of university, families, neighborhoods; set up and discuss agenda for weekly individual meetings; walk to Mall San Pedro
• Bus trip together on Thursday to visit downtown San José: Mercado Central, Avenida Central Pedestrian street
• Saturday excursion to Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Garden, Doka Coffee plantation
• Free day on Sunday

July 13-19: Week 2 

• Tuesday afternoon group meeting: sustaining conversations with your hosts, making acquaintances
• Individual meetings
• Thursday afternoon tour of Teatro Nacional
• Weekend excursion: Limón and Cahuita, National Park

July 20-26: Week 3

• Individual meetings
• Weekend may include excursions associated with classes. Other students are free to plan their own activities
• Individual meetings
• Weekend may include excursions associated with classes. Other students are free to plan their own activities with director input and notification
   

July 27-August 1: Week 4

August 2-8: Fifth, final week 

• final exams
• Group dinner on Thursday evening
• Saturday, August 8: Return flight from San José to Cleveland 

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• be in good standing* and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater (or 3.2 if a graduate student)
• completed SPN 102 or its equivalent with a B- or better by May 2026
• completed at least one semester at 91̽»¨
• conversation with a faculty co-director about the rigors and expectations of the program (can be completed after submitting an application)
   

*Good standing means
- Not on academic probation or warning
- No financial holds in CampusNet
- No outstanding or egregious sanctions resulting from adjudication of an infraction(s) against the

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Students may apply for Summer 2026 financial aid through All-in-One (BH 116) and with a 2025-26 FASFA. Financial aid includes loans, grants, and scholarships. 

1.  is for undergraduate, Ohio residents with at least a 3.0 GPA. The deadline is March 15.
2. CISP General Education Away scholarship is due March 1.  
3. If majoring in a program within the College of Arts and Sciences, there is . Click the last link their page
4. 2025-26 Pell grant recipients may apply for . Applications are due March 5
5.  
6. Contact Michael Almony in All-in-One Enrollment Services with any financial questions and to determine how your current financial aid package may be applied
7. Check out other scholarship opportunities here and here. 

Insurance

Cleveland State has an membership with International SOS (11BCAS000010) as part of the IUC Inter-University Consortium of Ohio's public universities. Any 91̽»¨ traveler going abroad with university approval may use International SOS services and benefits before, during, or after travel. Easily access their services by downloading the  to your phone. You may also obtain information from their website or by calling the dedicated scholastic client line in Philadelphia (215) 942 -8478. Once abroad, there are additional International SOS call centers around the world waiting to assist.  Call the Philadelphia or Mexico City Assistance Centre +52 55 4166 2808.

Travel accident and sickness insurance secured by Cleveland State on your behalf through Zurich is included in your program fee as a secondary policy to any current health insurance you carry. The policy information is available upon request and will be distributed at a pre-travel class session.

For general information on pre-planning considerations including insurance please visit our health and safety resource page.  We urge every student to purchase an international accident and sickness insurance or check their current health insurance policy has international coverage.   (CFR) or travel insurance is also something to consider acquiring.

Safety 

Students will be registered as group through the U.S. State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program or STEP. Additionally, students will receive an emergency card with important contacts to carry with them when in Costa Rica. The mandatory pre-travel sessions and online modules will include safety recommendations and tips for students.  

For the health and safety of the entire 91̽»¨ community, all travel will comply with guidelines, best practices and any in-country and/or program-specific requirements.

Passports and Visas

All participants will be required to carry a valid passport with an expiration date at least 6 months beyond the end of the program. Presently, processing times are running 4-6 weeks for standard processing or 2-3 weeks with expedited processing (extra $60). It is the student's responsibility to verify their passport validity and/or apply for one in time to purchase airline tickets for travel (passport needed by January 5, 2026). Please contact the CISP for assistance. 

If you are not a United States citizen (even if you are a Permanent Resident), you may need a visa for Costa Rica. Visit the e to determine if you will need to apply for a visa; If you have any questions regarding visas, please contact the CISP.  At the time of this post, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for this 35-day program.

Contacts

Stephen Gingerich, PhD 
Program Director and Professor of Spanish
Department of World Languages, Literatures & Cultures RT 1628
s.gingerich@csuohio.edu

Julie Good ( or through Starfish Service: Education Away)
Center for International Services and Programs (CISP) BH 412 
216-523-7531
j.a.good88@csuohio.edu