Housing & Campus Facilites

Housing will be provided with a host family near the campus in Ciudad Colón and will include breakfast and dinner. Lunch at the UPeace cafeteria is also included. The homes will be modest and clean. Rooms will be equipped with a desk and lamp for studying. However, please be aware that living standards are more modest in Costa Rica than in the United States. Students who are vegetarians or have other special dietary needs should note this on the housing application.

Living with a host family often turns out to be one of the most rewarding and memorable parts of a program like this.  Nearly all students in previous programs were very pleased with their host family housing. Students will have a superb chance to practice their Spanish, or begin learning it. (If you do not speak Spanish, bring a phrase book to help you through critical moments.) Living with a family is an excellent way to absorb more about local customs and make some Costa Rican friends.

Alternate Housing Information

Living with a host family is strongly recommended. Students who decide not to live with a host family can choose one of the “posadas” (lodges) listed below.  No other accommodation choices are acceptable.

• Posada Canal Grande
• Corteza Amarilla Lodge

It may be possible to obtain a lower rate by (1) mentioning the program and UPEACE when making reservations, and/or (2) by paying in cash upon check out. Students should ask about these possibilities in advance.

Please note accomodations will NOT be provided for early arrivals or late departures. 

University for Peace

The University for Peace (UPEACE) headquarters is located outside San José, the capital city of Costa Rica, in a place called El Rodeo, which belongs to the County of Mora, part of the Province of San José.

El Rodeo is a rural community comprised of about 37 families, many of which found their roots in farming. Three hundred and ten hectares of forest are found in this area, El Rodeo-Forest Reserve. This reserve is composed of secondary forest and the last remnant of primary forest in the Central Valley of Costa Rica.

Campus Facilities

Wireless internet access is available throughout the UPEACE campus.  Desktop computers are available in the Technology Learning Center for student use. Printing, photocopies, scanning and fax services are provided by Copias Activas.  

The library offers its services and collections for study and research.  Reference librarians are available to provide assistance in locating  information, identifying search strategies and guiding students to towards appropriate resources.