LEAD University
Partner University of HSBAUniversity
LEAD University opened in 2016 and already enjoys an excellent reputation for its practical and leadership approach. This is no surprise, because the university was founded by some of Costa Rica's most renowned entrepreneurs and professionals with the aim of creating a strong community of students, academics and businesses to promote the development of the region. The LEAD is equipped with modern classrooms, which offer mobile workplaces. There are also several group areas and a climbing wall in the centre of the campus, where you can learn together, relax and simply get to know your fellow students better. The Bachelor's and Master's programmes with a focus on business and technology with classical courses such as Business Administration, International Trade or Industrial Engineering are taught in Spanish. In order to settle in quickly, you will get a buddy who will not only pick you up from the airport but also show youthe university and its surroundings and is available to answer questions throughout your stay.
City
In San José, the capital of Costa Rica, there are not only many historical monuments of the Spanish colonial period, are also some of the best coffees in the world can be found here. Coffee accounts for about one third of the country's total exports. Thus, you should make good use of the semester to try the different varieties. Even though rice is one of the main foods, there are also dozens of possibilities for going out with international cuisine, e.g. in the trendy Barrio Escalante, where you can also find many bars and clubs for a night out. It is also worth visiting the whole metropolitan region of San José and the surrounding cities on one or more weekend trips. A real hotspot is Cerro Chirripó, the highest mountain of Costa Rica, with a breathtaking view to both coasts.
Accommodation
If you are looking for accommodation, you will be supported by the university. You should already indicate in your application whether you want accommodation with a host family or in a student residence. The costs vary between USD 300 and 600. Accommodation on campus cannot be offered to exchange students. Furthermore, you can look here for an apartment.
Country
With 12 climate zones and the highest biodiversity in the world, the term "varied" almost takes on a new meaning here. Nature lovers in particular will enjoy the volcanic landscapes, tropical forests and golden beaches of the Caribbean on one side of Costa Rica and the Pacific on the other. Coming from Hamburg, you will not freeze here, with the coldest temperature of approx. 20 degrees, so that you can spend a lot of time outside. Costa Rica is also a very peaceful and one of the most politically stable countries in the region, which is why it is often called the Switzerland of Latin America. It was also the first country in the world to abolish the army and instead invest more money in education and health, which puts Costa Rica in such a good position.