This program will not run in Winter 2027.
Costa Rica, San Jose
Live and learn la vida local through the culture and language of Costa Rica! Whether your Spanish skills are at the 101 level or the advanced level, you'll be able to further your Spanish language in Costa Rica on this summer or winter program. You will attend Maximo Nivel, a language school in San Jose offering Spanish language education at all levels.
You can choose to go on either a three-week program during winter intersession or a six-week summer language program. The UW Spanish Language Program is specifically designed to match the Spanish course offerings at UW-Madison.
In addition to courses, Maximo Nivel offers you cultural activities, and opportunities to take advantage of the local scenery, including a visit to a nearby volcano.
San Jose is Costa Rica's capital city with a population of 370,000 people. Maximo Nivel is located in San Pedro, a neighborhood east of downtown San Jose. You'll be a short bus ride from the city center. San Jose is a city where visitors of the entire world converge; a metropolis full of interesting places, faces, and colors reflecting the history of a population.
Learning Objectives
We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:
- Gain competence with the Spanish language and Costa Rican culture
- Engage with fellow UW students
- Experience intentional immersion in a supportive environment
- Develop a literacy in day-to-day life in San Jose
- Achieve personal development and the ability to adapt to a new culture
Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.
Sustainability
We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.
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Eligibility
- 2.0 cumulative GPA
- 3.0 cumulative GPA in all Spanish language courses. No Spanish language GPA is required if enrolling in Spanish 101 on the program.
- Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
- Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
- Good academic and disciplinary standing
- At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution
Advising Location
Program Structure
UW Signature
Subjects
Spanish language, literature, and civilization.
Classroom Language
Spanish
Housing
Local Hosts
Program Duration
Summer: Late May - Early July
Winter Intersession: Late December – Mid-January
Application Deadline(s)
Future durations will be posted at a later date.
APPLY NOW
From the overly helpful staff to the wonderful classes and professors, I could not have asked for a better experience. -Ryleigh C
All classes at Maximo Nivel meet Monday through Friday (and Saturdays in the Winter session) and are taught in Spanish by local faculty. Maximo Nivel's methodology is based on the communicative approach emphasizing conversation. You'll take your classes with other UW program participants. While you will not take classes with local students, Maximo Nivel coordinates a Tandem Conversation Program that will allow you to connect with local students. Class sizes vary from 1-8 UW-Madison students, depending on levels of other participants.
Available Courses
Prerequisites must be completed before studying more advanced levels. All courses are 3 credits, except for Spanish 101-204, which are 4 credits. The following courses are offered during winter intersession and summer:
Spanish 101: First Semester Spanish
Spanish 102: Second Semester Spanish
Spanish 203: Third Semester Spanish
Spanish 204: Fourth Semester Spanish
Spanish 226: Intermediate Language Practice w/ Emphasis on Writing & Grammar
Spanish 325: Advanced Conversation
Spanish 328: Medical Spanish
Spanish 329: Spanish for Business
In addition to the above courses, the following are also offered in the summer:
Spanish 311: Advanced Language Practice
Spanish 460: Topics in Literature
Spanish 468: Topics in Culture
Summer Language 6-Week
You will take one or two courses, each lasting for the full 6-week period.
- Students taking 101, 102, 203, or 204 will take only one course.
- Students taking courses 226 and above may enroll in 2 courses.
You will take one course during the three-week winter intersession (3-4 credits).
Affiliate Institution(s)
Costa Rica Spanish Institute Maximo Nivel (school where classes take place)
Course Equivalents
Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents