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Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture while learning Spanish and earning credits towards your degree
Costa Rica is like a doorway to the rest of Latin America. Once people feel comfortable traveling here, they tend to branch out and visit neighboring countries up and down the coasts. From world-class beaches to incredible rainforests to powerful volcanoes, Costa Rica is an incredible destination for international students, especially those studying Environmental Science, Wildlife or Marine Biology, Ecology, Geology, Botany, or Conservation. This is one of the most peaceful countries one can choose for study abroad; Costa Rica’s government abolished its military in 1948.
Relax and enjoy the incredible view!
Photo by Nikki Powers
1. Pura Vida. Anyone studying abroad in Costa Rica should know the proper use of the phrase Pura Vida. If you’re a Spanish speaker, you’ll probably translate this to “pure life” — but, using proper grammar, that should be vida pura, not the other way around. So Pura Vida is more than just “pure life” — it is a greeting or response that basically means “everything’s great!” This mindset of living life to the fullest is embraced and supported by Ticos (as Costa Ricans are called). Your bus may be two hours late, the rain may cause your shuttle to be cancelled, or you might have to do some hard-core questioning to figure out how to use the public transportation — but despite all the stresses, if you keep this philosophy in mind, you’ll fit right in. Ticos love travelers and tourists, and anyone studying abroad in Costa Rica will feel welcome from the moment they step off the plane.
2. Academics: A Spanish Paradise. Whether you’re a Spanish language beginner or practically bilingual, Costa Rica is a great place to study abroad. Ticos speak clean, well-pronounced Spanish, and in general are patient with tourists and others learning the language. You have a few different options for study abroad programs in Costa Rica. The major city for international students is San Jose, because of the number of universities here that are comparable to U.S. higher education institutions. The main institutes in and around San Jose are Universidad Veritas, University of Costa Rica in San Pedro, and Universidad Latina, which has campuses in San Pedro and Heredia.
If you’re interested in taking courses in English, you can find programs with instruction for humanities, business, and science classes, such as AIFS. You can also take classes in Spanish with other Costa Ricans, or choose a combination of these. For housing options, many people choose to live in a homestay with a Costa Rican family. This full immersion makes it possible to practice speaking Spanish full-time, and to gain an understanding of customs, food, and culture. It’s also possible to rent a room in an apartment, either with other international students or other Costa Ricans. Since many students live at home with their parents during college, there are not always the same dormitories or campus housing choices available in Costa Rica.
3. Commitment To Conservation. Environmental protection and progress is a high priority for Costa Rica, one that Ticos take quite seriously. More than 30 years ago, Costa Rica began prioritizing clean air and water, and designated areas of land as protected national parks. Using economic rewards for local landowners and developers, the country was able to lay the groundwork for sustainable progress. Eco-tourism in Costa Rica is huge, and you’ll find many eco-lodges, wildlife rescue projects, and programs that use the great outdoors as a meeting room or classroom.
While you’re in Costa Rica, be sure to visit the incredible Arenal Volcano, Tabacón Hot Springs, and Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. You’ll be amazed how beautiful smoke and fog can be. If you’re interested in viewing turtles and other wildlife from a boat winding through small canals, check out Tortuguero National Park. The beautiful Nicoya Peninsula is home to a multitude of white-sand beaches, from the very touristy to the basically undiscovered. If you have the chance to head south, stop by the Osa Peninsula to visit Corcovado National Park, where you can see Costa Rica’s tropical rainforest at its most diverse and remote.
Author - A Wisconsin native, Nikki Powers has loved traveling since the first time she left the country at age 16. As the Partner Relations Manager for GoAbroad, Nikki works closely with partners and partner universities.
CISabroad in Costa Rica provides immersive and adventure-packed semester and summer study abroad programs at a beautiful campus in the capital city of San José. Take Spanish classes at any level and choose from a range of courses in English, including environmental studies, history, art, business, health, and political science!
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You can receive credit through our affiliation with Universidad Rural in Guatemala. An official certificate is issued by the University for each Spanish level you pass.
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The Institute for Global Education offers American students a study abroad program in the People's Republic of China. As one of the oldest civilizations in the world with undying traditions, students can gain a greater understanding of Eastern culture from living and learning in China. Programs are offered in Beijing and Kunming, and courses include subjects like Asian Studies, Business, and So...
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API offers students a wonderful opportunity for immersion into the Costa Rican culture and way of life through study in San Joaquín de Flores and San José. Most courses are taught in Spanish at all levels in both locations, and some are taught in English in San José. Classes are comprised of other foreign and American students.
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CEA Global Education was founded in 1997 to provide international education opportunities and the highest quality student support for U.S. and Canadian university students interested in exploring global issues in exciting global cities. Today, CEA sends thousands of students every year on education abroad programs to locations in 14 countries.
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In Costa Rica, a country leading the world in its commitment to conserving species and natural habitats through community sustainability initiatives.
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Spend an academic year or a semester in Costa Rica, one of the world's most ecologically diverse countries, in a study and Spanish immersion program from Sol Education Abroad. Live in Heredia and take up Spanish language and other courses like accounting and economics at the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, and go on excursions to some of the most amazing places in the country, including the A...
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We provide excellence in academic programs and research opportunities while serving as the best equipped social, cultural, environmental and international facility of the University of Georgia.
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ISA established its study abroad program in Costa Rica in 1998 at a time when this peaceful Central American country was becoming a premiere destination for study abroad students. The allure of Costa Rica for American students studying abroad can be attributed to numerous factors, including its impressive biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, environmental awareness, top-notch universities off...
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Come to beautiful Costa Rica to improve your Spanish at a private University in San Jose. Take language classes and add electives in subjects ranging from arts to business to history. Adelante provides your housing, classes, and some great excursions. Our programs are economical and well-designed to give you the freedom to create your own experience abroad.
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The University Studies Abroad Consortium has provided university students with quality study abroad programs for almost 30 years. USAC is a non-profit, university-based organization with 40 program locations in 25 countries.
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With more than 90 programs in 32 cities, IES Abroad is dedicated to broadening our global reach and continuing our commitment to offering students outstanding academic options coupled with every-day opportunities for cultural immersion.
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Have the chance to practice your speaking skills, and experience another culture. For students who are as passionate about saving the world as they are willing to get dirty and sweaty while doing it.
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The Green Business Tour purpose is to study and learn about green practices from different viewpoints: agro industrial businesses, universities, non governmental institutions, communities, multinational as well as Costa Rican industries and recycling and waste management operations. Topics and visits include The Rain Forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park, white water rafting and Chocolat...
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Spend 12 days traveling across Costa Rica from the capital city of San Jose to the Monteverde Cloud Forest with the University of Louisiana--Lafayette. The program focuses on the culture and history of what is considered the most politically stable country in Latin America.
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