Overview
(9 - 15-credit units)
Late August – Early December
University of Peace is the United Nation’s university, located near Ciudad Colon, Costa Rica.
- USask students will take 3 - 5 courses and earn 9 - 15 USask credit units.
- Your program fee does not include the cost of home-stay accommodation; however, it is approximately $150 USD per week which includes breakfast and dinner during the week.
- You will live with a family among UPeace's roster of 250 vetted and approved families
In partnership with the UN's University for Peace students will travel to Costa Rica to learn about the principles of peace, the structure of the United Nations, contemporary issues in environment and development, and the “ripple” effects of water on local communities through classroom learning and field work.
Home-stay provides a wonderful opportunity to enhance your learning by staying in an immersion environment. Through homestay, you will also experience Costa Rican family life and get a better sense of the city's society and culture. UPeace also organizes a series of optional excursions to other cities and sites of special interest, available at extra cost.
Here are a couple of quotations from our past student participants:
Program
All of the identified course numbers are for USask courses. Please see the Course and Program Catalogue for course descriptions and prerequisites.
Courses are structured as 2 or 3-week intensive courses. Participants will take one course at a time, consisting of daily 3 hours class time, plus reading, preparation and eventual field visits. UPeace courses make use of a diversity of guest speakers and field visits within their unique location in Costa Rica to situate your learning in on the ground realities.
Students will select the matching USask courses appropriate to their interests and requirements for the UPeace Certificate (if applicable). The GEOG 421.3 course is mandatory, chosen from:
UPEACE Certificate in Environment, Development, and Peace
COURSE
|
Matching Course for USask Credit |
DATES |
ORIENTATION ACTIVITIES FOR NEW STUDENTS
|
AUGUST 20 – 21, 2025 |
|
UPM 6001 UPEACE Foundation Course
|
GEOG 451.3 Origins and Development of Peace Studies
|
August 25 –September 12, 2025 15 sessions |
[OPTIONAL for Certificate] UPM 6003 The UN System and UPMUNC
|
GEOG 481.3 The United Nations System
|
September 17 – 30, 2025 10 sessions |
DED 6007 Environment, Conflicts, and Sustainability
|
GEOG 461.3 - Environment Conflict and Sustainability
|
October 6–24, 2025 15 sessions |
DED 6038 Water Security and Peace REQUIRED COURSE
|
GEOG 421.3 Local Water Securities REQUIRED COURSE
|
October 29 – November 18, 2025 15 sessions |
DED 6022 Sustainable Agriculture
|
No USask equivalent
|
October 29 – November 18, 2025 15 sessions |
DED 6034 Forests, Forestry, and Poverty
|
USask Course GEOG 471.3 Forest Forestry and Poverty
|
November 24 – December 12, 2025 15 sessions |
DED 6097 Coastal Resources Management
|
No USask equivalent |
24 November –12 December 2025 15 sessions |
Prerequisites
To be eligible for acceptance to the UPeace Term Abroad Program students
- are required to have a minimum Cumulative Weighted Average (C.W.A) of 70%
- must have completed or be in the process of completing 30 credit units at the time of application
- must meet individual course prerequisites, GEOG 120.3, GEOG 125.3 or GEOG 130.3; and 6 cu senior Arts and Science courses. No exceptions for PREREQ requirements.
-
- Please see the USask Course and Program Catalogue
-
Cost
1. USask Tuition (9 - 15 credit units - Tuition Category 1)
2. Program Fees*
*The above fees do not cover the following costs of participation:
- your return airfare and local transportation costs
- accommodations
- travel and medical insurance
- study materials (including textbooks), personal expenditure and optional field trips organized by UPeace
UPeace Term Abroad Cost
Payments Per Student to Study Abroad Office:
-
- $2,300 – UPeace Administration Fees
Payments Per Student To Manage Themselves:
-
- ~$3,955 USask Tuition (tuition varies year to year – this is 2024-25 rate)
- ~$1,200 – Flights
- ~2500 USD ($2,920- $3,475 CAD) - Accommodations
- Based on the rate of $500 USD/month x 5 months
Payment Schedule:
- The program deposit of $1000 CAD will be due upon receiving your official acceptance letter into the program. This deposit is non-refundable.
- Tuition payments as per regular Fall Term add/drop deadlines
- Balance: payable in full by September 1.
Cancellation Penalty:
$1000 program deposit is non-refundable. If the student withdraws after the program fee has been paid, then only the costs that can be recouped will be returned (not including deposit). If the College of Arts and Science cancels the program, then all funds will be returned to the student.
Financial Assistance:Students accepted to participate in the program are eligible to apply for the $1000 - $2500 Global Engagement Scholarship to help offset costs related to studying abroad.
For further information please visit: https://students.usask.ca/academics/study-abroad/awards.php
Living in Ciudad Colon
Living in Ciudad Colón, Costa Rica, offers a unique blend of tranquility and convenience.
Nestled in a lush, natural environment, this small town is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and a biological reserve, making it a haven for nature lovers1. Despite its serene setting, Ciudad Colón is just a short drive from the bustling capital, San José, providing easy access to urban amenities.
The town is known for its multicultural community, partly due to the presence of the University for Peace, which attracts students from around the world.
Residents enjoy a variety of dining options, from local "sodas" to international cuisine, and benefit from a lower cost of living compared to more developed areas.
The community is friendly and vibrant, with frequent cultural events and a strong sense of local pride.
Weekend excursions may be organized by UPeace to provide opportunities to enjoy many nearby attractions.
Application
Application deadline for travel in Winter Term is April 30. Online Application form will be available at the end of September. While there is no maximum number of students early applications are encouraged.
If you have any questions please contact:
Program Coordinator: AandS.abroad@usask.ca