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:

"I had a lot of fun exploring new culture, food, and people. I love exploring and I am a very adventurous person and getting an opportunity to purse education and learn in such a unique manner was amazing."
~ Costa Rica Taught Abroad Class '24

 

"I really recommend a study abroad experience to all- it was so rich to get the opportunity to hear global perspectives and different lived experiences on common issues!"
~ Shelly, Costa Rica Taught Abroad Class '24

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.

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