Universidad Latina de Costa Rica is the first global university to offer unique “powered by ASU” model, bringing innovative, technology-enabled and with a global vision higher education to professionals in Costa Rica. San José, October 2020. Universidad Latina has embarked on a new institutional vision to become a university that is committed to national impact, and developing globally-aware professionals who can elevate the competitiveness of Costa Rica. This new vision is made possible through the affiliation with Arizona State University (ASU), ranked #1 in innovation in the United States by US News and World Report for six consecutive years. Both institutions will focus on advancing Costa Rica’s strategic development goals such as health, technology, sustainable development and bilingualism. ULatina joined the Cintana Alliance, a carefully selected group of universities working with Arizona State University to grow high-quality academic programs that respond to their country’s economic needs -- while also enabling students to earn an Arizona State University credential or degree. The new academic model of Universidad Latina will be powered by ASU, with a curriculum that will incorporate the cutting edge content of Arizona State University to offer the best in higher education for global learners. The adoption of new academic technologies will allow students to choose full-time online alternatives. Additionally, they will have access to international faculty, will participate in research projects and will have an early connection with large multinationals in our country. Through the model, some programs will have the option of dual bachelor degrees from Universidad Latina and Arizona State University (ASU). After completing their three-year program in Costa Rica, students will be able to complete their program at ASU--either in-person or virtually. Having access to an American university degree, will increase its value and expand their job opportunities around the world. The institution will strengthen its research unit and will work closely with important allies such as government entities, business chambers, industries and investment promoters. This in order to provide real solutions to the main sectors of the country and help overcome the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in our country and the world. “We know that a productive country is a more competitive country, attracts foreign investment and generates employment opportunities. That’s why we are excited to announce the strategic affiliation with Arizona State University. From this moment on, our university, a pioneer in private education in Costa Rica, is committed to strengthening its work schemes in order to develop and maximize the great human talent that our young students have. The agreements between the academia and key sectors such as government, private companies, chambers and investors, are essential to improve competitiveness, and therefore, the economic development of any nation. We are convinced that an institution of excellence like ASU will empower Universidad Latina to achieve that vision”, said Rosa Monge, Rector of the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica. The university will reinforce teaching English as a pillar of the entire academic offering. This decision will allow students to graduate with a B1 or B2 level of English, contributing to the goal of bilingualism that our country has set.

"Today more than ever, education is a fundamental pillar for the country to overcome this crisis soon and we can only achieve it with highly trained and creative professionals, capable of offering innovative solutions to this new reality. We are continuing to be a part of the development of our country by offering world-class education from Costa Rica, which will give our youth a world of opportunities in the future of work. Our new training model will allow students to actively participate in research and consulting projects for different sectors and companies, which will give them great exposure and enhance their job placement opportunities ”, said Monge. In 2019, ASU representatives met with managers of 15 information technology, shared services and life sciences companies based in Costa Rica, in order to understand and analyze the competencies and skills that are currently required to promote the development of the country. “We are eager to work with leaders in Costa Rica and to play a role in providing access to technologically enabled higher education in a way that helps people advance in their lives and for positive impact in economic opportunity and growth,” said ASU President Michael M. Crow. “This is just the beginning and we look forward to being a strong partner to Universidad Latina.” Starting in October, the University will begin the implementation process, which will include changes in its brand image, new methodologies, updated curriculums, and a more robust research unit.
About Universidad Latina de Costa Rica:
Founded more than 30 years ago, Universidad Latina is the largest private university in Costa Rica with 20 thousand students enrolled in 70 programs, 5 schools and 8 sites throughout the national territory. It has a network of more than 100.000 graduates and it is the #1 provider of Engineering and Health professionals to the country. 70% of students come from public schools, more than 40% are 1st university generation and 60% benefit with scholarships. ULatina is the private institution with more accredited programs in the country, including an international accreditation in Civil Engineering. Since February 2020, Universidad Latina is member of the Cintana Alliance, an educational network founded in collaboration with Arizona State University, which will allow the institution to offer exchange opportunities for students and faculty, provide dual-degrees, benefit from cutting edge contents and the ASU English program and partner with government and industry to develop research and business solutions for Costa Rica.
www.ulatina.ac.cr
About Arizona State University (ASU):
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American Research University, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.
www.asu.edu
About Cintana Education:
Cintana Education enables universities around the world to increase quality and scale in order to provide more students with the education they need and deserve. It provides world class expertise and access to its own proprietary resources as well as those of Arizona State University, a top-ranked university that shares the vision of expanding access through growth and innovation. Together, they are building the Cintana Alliance, an international network of universities that will work together to meet the rising global demand for high quality post-secondary education.
www.cintana.com