Carlson School Exchange in Costa Rica: Instituto Centroamericano de Administracion de Empresas ("INCAE")
Graduate Global ImmersionProgram Dates:
Students may either study at INCAE for the full semester or for a partial semester. Exact dates will vary based on coursework.Â
Â
Fall Semester 2024:Â
- Arrival Date: The weekend before your classes start.Â
- Mid-June to Late October 2024
Â
Spring Semester 2025:Â
- Arrival Date:Â The weekend before your classes start.
- Early January to Late May 2025
Â
The priority deadline to apply for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 is February 1st, 2024 at noon. Â
Program Details
- Successful exchange students demonstrate a high degree of independence, adaptability, and flexibility because support and services will be different from a US university
- You are enrolled as an exchange student at a host university and take business courses in English
- You take courses with students from the host university as well as other exchange students from around the world
- You attend the host university according to their term dates which differ from the University of Minnesota
- A small group of Carlson students are selected to study at each partner university per semester and are fully immersed in another country, culture, and education system
- You will work closely with both Carlson School advisers and advisers from the host university for support pre-departure and during your semester abroad
What is a business exchange program?
- INCAEÂ has consistently been ranked as the best business school in Latin American during recent years and it has been recognized as one of the 10 best business schools in the world.Â
- Although relatively small, Costa Rica has an amazing biodiversity which allows your to easily travel to and enjoy a variety of climates and landscapes.Â
- The Walter Kissling Gam Campus in the province of Alajuela is only about 14 km from the International Airport of Santamaria. Conveniently isolated from the urban bustle, the campus sits on a serene environment surrounded by natural beauty.Â
- The Carlson Global Institute strongly encourages students to live in the on-campus housing options as those are affiliated with and vetted by the partner institutions.
- Students should check the host university website and fact sheet for specific accommodations information including on-campus and off-campus options, application process and deadline, and cost information.
- On-campus housing is provided and guaranteed. Living on campus is mandatory for all students.Â
- Single students must share a house with 7 students and a room with one of them. Housekeeping is included.Â
- There is also married housing available for couples with or without children.Â
- Currently enrolled in a Carlson Full-time MBA, Part-time, MBA or M.A-HRIR program
- In good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Exchange students are required to enroll in a minimum of 4 courses per modules (or 8 courses per semester).Â
- Additional criteria may apply
- The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation
- Currently enrolled in a Carlson School graduate program
- In good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Additional criteria may apply
- The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
- All Carlson students are responsible for obtaining a passport before they participate on a study abroad program
- All students participating on an exchange program will be responsible for obtaining a visa or residence permit if required by their host country. Â The Carlson Global Institute will not process visa applications for students participating on exchange programs and are not visa experts.
- The Carlson Global Institute and the host university will provide resources for visa and residence permit applications if necessary, but students will need to work with the consulate and/or visa processing company directly as well.
To apply for an exchange program you must first apply through the Carlson Global Institute on the Apply page. You will be charged a $50 application fee for each term that you apply for a program. If you apply for two programs in Fall semester you will be charged $50. If you apply for one program in Fall semester and one in Spring semester you will be charged $100. The priority deadline for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 is February 1, 2024 at noon. Applications for programs that do not fill by the priority deadline will be accepted on a rolling basis until full. Applications will be reviewed and students will be informed of their status within 6 weeks of the priority deadline. Once accepted into an exchange program, you will also complete an application to the host university.
Most financial aid may be applied to study abroad. Carlson School graduate students are eligible for Education Abroad Fellowships. Please visit "Financial Aid" and "Fellowships" for more information.
Cost Estimate (Summary)
Expenses are based on a 5 month semester. These estimates will vary based on student preference and exchange rates. All details subject to change based on economic and international factors. Most financial aid may be applied to study abroad programs. Students should also maintain their U.S.-based health insurance plan while abroad. Visa and passport costs are subject to change. Please verify current documentation costs with the Consulate.​
The below cost table includes estimated expenses based on a full semester (approximately 15 weeks). Accepted students may contact the CGI office to receive a Study Abroad Cost Estimate (SACE) form reflecting partial semester costs.
| Estimated Expenses 2023-2024 | ||||
| Carlson School Tuition (charged to UMN student account) | UMN Per-credit (varies by credit load and UMN degree program) | |||
| Airfare (to and from program site) | $700 | |||
| Documentation (passport, visa, immunization) | $475 | |||
| Books and Materials | $200 | |||
| Accommodations & Meals | $5,000 | |||
| Essential Daily Living Expenses | $1,500 | |||
| Miscellaneous | $500 | |||
| Total | $8,375 + tuition costs |