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EXPERIENCE - Bring to your studies renewed depth, purpose and national/global awareness.
PROGRAM DETAILS
This program provides nursing and global health students with a unique opportunity to explore key public health topics within Costa Rican communities. Areas of focus include social determinants of health, health disparities, disease burden, and evolving health trends and metrics.
Through the delivery of basic nursing care in partnership with local healthcare professionals—including community health workers—students will gain practical, hands-on experience. They’ll work directly with targeted populations in both clinical and community settings, engaging in interdisciplinary and cross-institutional collaboration that deepens their understanding of global health in action.
DESTINATION
San Jose, Costa Rica
Program Highlights
The program is based in Costa Rica’s vibrant capital, San José, and nearby Central Valley provinces. Clinical rotations will be held at Hospital Metropolitano in San José, where students will work alongside bilingual local nursing professionals.
Students will also participate in community rotations at a variety of local organizations, including a private hospital, a senior citizen home, and NGOs. These experiences offer meaningful opportunities to engage with diverse populations such as children, older adults, and people experiencing homelessness—fostering both cultural understanding and compassionate care.
TOURS
A few weekend excursions are included in the program.
Destination examples:
- Fortuna Waterfall
- Hot springs
- Beach
Travel Dates & Class Schedule
| DATES | LOCATION | |
| Pre-departure Classes begin | TBD | TBD |
| Pre-departure TRAINING | TBD | Online |
| Travel Dates* | June 14 – July 4, 2026 | San José, Costa Rica |
| Post Field School Classes & Debrief | TBD | TBD |
*Travel dates are subject to minor adjustments pending final reservations, but should occur around the dates as mentioned.
Cost and Payment Details
PROGRAM COSTS
| PROGRAM FEE | TUITION COST - 4-5 CREDITS | INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT | |
| DOMESTIC STUDENT | $4,355* | See tuition estimator** | Estimated $1,200*** |
| INTERNATIONAL STUDENT | $4,355* | See tuition estimator** | Estimated $1,200*** |
*Program Fee includes airport pick-up, accommodation in San José, daily breakfast, some meals (less drinks and snacks), local program, and entrance fees to planned group activities. Cost is an estimate and is subject to change.
Students must budget approximately $20 USD/day for Uber to and from clinical placements.
**Rate based on a 5 credit charge through Tuition Estimator for Faculty of Health’s Nursing program and KSA fees added. Please verify the latest costs by viewing the KPU tuition estimator. Additional fees may apply to your KPU account for the Multi-Pass and Kwantlen Student Association Extended Dental and Health Plan.
***Costs are subject to change. For a more accurate estimate, please search for the field school flight dates through your preferred provider.
PAYMENT TIMELINE
| PAYMENT DEADLINE | PROGRAM FEE | |
| NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT* | November 23, 2025 | $750 |
| 2nd PAYMENT | December 7, 2025 | $1,805 |
| 3rd PAYMENT | February 15, 2026 | $1,800 (or remaining balance) |
| TUITION (for nrsg 4710 - 5 credits)** | May, 2026 | See tuition estimator |
*Note: The deposit goes towards the program fee. Applicants are welcome to pay the full amount up-front if it's more convenient, otherwise, the smaller installments are due by the due dates posted above.
**Payment of academic fees, due dates, withdrawal charges, refund policies, and associated policies for academic fees are set as per the university calendar.
WHERE TO PAY
Make your payments on your OSS (Online Self-Service).
SCHOLARSHIPS
Funding opportunities are available for field school students.
| AWARD | amount | application | deadline |
| KPU International Study Abroad Scholarship | up to $3,000 | Download | Same as the application deadline |
| One World International Scholarship | up to $3,000 | Eligible students will be invited to apply for this scholarship once they’ve been accepted into the field school program. | Early 2026 |
Class Offers & Pre-requisite(s)
CREDITS OFFERED UPON COMPLETION
- NRSG 4710 (5 credits) or PSYN 3245 (4 credits)
PRE-REQUISITES
- Must be a BSN-AE, BSN or BPN student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- BSN-AE students must be registered in NRSG 4710
- BPN students must have completed PSYN 3235
- BSN students must have completed NRSG 3245
If you do not meet any of the above pre-requisites, please contact the field school faculty leader, Cindy Milner at cindy.milner@kpu.ca
Application Details & Deadlines
APPLICATION INFO
- Students must be in good standing, with a min. 3.5 GPA - or seek approval from Faculty
- Application and personal statement required
- ONE (1) Faculty Reference Form AND ONE (1) Community Involvement (Volunteer Experience)/Work Experience Reference Form
- Interview may be required
- Immunizations, including Covid-19
- CPR must be up to date
APPLICATION DEADLINE
November 2, 2025 by 11:59 pm
APPLICATION TIMELINE
| OCTOBER 1, 2025 | Applications open |
| NOVEMBER 2, 2025 | Applications close |
| NOVEMBER 14, 2025 | Confirmation of Acceptance (with scholarship results) |
| NOVEMBER 23, 2025 | Non-refundable deposit of $750 due |
| DECEMBER 7, 2025 | $1,805 Second Payment towards the Program Fee is Due |
| FEBRUARY 15, 2026 | $1,800 Final Payment towards the Program Fee is Due |
| MAY, 2026 | KPU Tuition Payment Due |
Contact Information
FACULTY LEADER:
Cindy Milner
Faculty of Health
cindy.milner@kpu.ca
KPU STUDY ABROAD:
Shanell Wong
Study Abroad Coordinator
