Gap Year Programs in Costa Rica

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90 Gap Year Programs in Costa Rica

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MAXIMO NIVEL
4.5
8
In three of the world's most beautiful countries—Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru—Maximo Nivel offers its unique Native Spanish Program. Join our...
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EF Education First
4.25
59
Spend 12 incredible weeks exploring Tamarindo, Rome, and Tokyo, three unforgettable destinations that showcase the world’s diversity. This immers...
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Gapforce
4.4
5
Based at a PADI Platinum dive center on the beautiful Pacific coast of Costa Rica, this 4 or 10-week course trains you as a professional PADI Div...
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International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
4.68
825
At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. ...
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Pacific Discovery
4.14
21
Uncover the spirit of Central America on a 10-week journey through Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. Trek lush rainforests, hike volcanoes, raft...
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Raleigh International
4.48
23
Joining a Raleigh Costa Rica Expedition is a truly unique experience that allows you to take part in different projects, equip yourself with new ...
0
0
Your First Year Abroad program in Monteverde lasts 12 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, Arizona State University (ASU). Enhance your experience with co-c
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
4.76
41
GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and med
See All 17 ProgramsCarpe Diem Education
4.46
26
Venture through Guatemala and Costa Rica, exploring lush tropical rainforests, towering volcanoes, steep-sided mountains, and extended coastlines. Embrace the spirit of "pura vida" and learn from the unique crossover of individuals who call these nations home. Living alongside Indigenous communities
Love Volunteers
0
0
Whether you want to support vulnerable communities in developing countries, help conserve the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, or protect animals in the Amazon, Love Volunteers has a program for you. With over 200 projects in 40 countries there's something for everyone! For over 7 years Love Volu
Global Work & Travel
0
0
Costa Rica is a nature lover's paradise. Experience stunning beaches, lush jungles, and exotic wildlife found nowhere else on Earth! On our Sea Turtle Conservation trip, you will spend your days volunteering with one of our project partners in Costa Rica. Most of your volunteer duties happen in th
4.54
83
Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your career prospects through international work experience and hands-on learning? At Intern Abroad HQ, we help students and young professionals turn career aspirations into reality. We organize affordable internships in 20 destinations ac
See All 3 Programs4.77
248
Study abroad in the highlands of central Costa Rica, in the charming city of Heredia. Immerse yourself in the Costa Rican lifestyle while taking classes at the modern Latin University. Courses include Spanish for all levels, electives, certificate courses in English and Spanish, and internships.
Intercultura Costa Rica
5
6
Ready for the ultimate summer in Costa Rica? Our Teen Summer Adventure Camp is a chance to improve your Spanish while exploring tropical beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, and some of the most incredible places on the planet. After your fun, active Spanish classes (both in the city and at our amaz
See All 2 Programs4.29
17
Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller g
See All 2 ProgramsNosara Spanish Institute
4.86
21
Our intensive Spanish program is offered year-round and is highlighted by our 10 and 20-hour intensive Spanish programs, which can also be combined with Surfing or Yoga, or our Family program. At NS, we focus on the communicative approach to language learning, which focuses on communicative competen
See All 3 ProgramsVolunteering Journeys
5
1
Sea turtle and marine conservation volunteer abroad projects are fun and combine your beach vacations with meaningful work which goes a long way in the concentrated efforts globally to prevent these enchanting marine creatures from going extinct. All seven sea turtle species are endangered today and
See All 4 ProgramsWhere There Be Dragons
5
2
Build Spanish language fluency: learn from local communities and engage with diverse cultures throughout Guatemala and Costa Rica. For students interested in community engagement, sustainable agriculture, Latin American history, and dramatically improving their Spanish language skills through classe
Kaya Responsible Travel
0
0
Spend 7 to 10 weeks in a valley off the beaten path, surrounded by lush scenery, and in an indigenous area. Join the Community and Conservation Gap Year in Costa Rica if you want to reflect on the best next steps in your life. While doing so, make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of indigenou
Rustic Pathways
4.44
36
Costa Rica is where adventure, service, cultural immersion, and the wonders of nature intersect. Our programs focus on turtle conservation, surfing, and connection with the local communities. With programs for high school students, college students, and young explorers, there’s an exciting opportuni
See All 2 ProgramsInstitute for Global Studies
5
3
Costa Rica is a personal favorite of IGS staff members and a location we are all too happy to nudge students looking to practice their Spanish. In the capital city of San Jose, previous participants have worked at a language school where they assisted in the classroom and tutored children. One of ou
See All 15 ProgramsAcademic Programs International
5
1
San Joaquín de Flores is a charming, colorful, and quaint colonial town ten miles from San José, surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of Costa Rica. The small setting and slower pace of life allow exceptional linguistic and cultural integration. Strolls through the streets lead to encounters with f
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Venture to some of the world’s most exotic and intriguing regions, ranging from the turquoise waters of Panama, the lush jungles of Costa Rica, and the white-sand beaches of Belize. Shadowing doctors in the Bocas del Toro islands off the coast of Panama, we understand the barriers to medical access
Outward Bound Costa Rica
5
1
Feed your love for the outdoors or gain the necessary skills to jumpstart your career in the outdoor industry. Earn seven internationally-recognized certifications, 10 academic credits, and complete an in-depth study of Outward Bound Costa Rica’s educational model to make you a desirable instructor
See All 4 Programs5
3
Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and community development across the globe. Join a gap year program that will take you to enchanting destinations filled with cultural immersions, impactful volunteering, and an unforgettable summer experience. Your journey will begin in Cost
See All 3 ProgramsOyster Worldwide
4.5
4
Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well regarded for its responsible travel and gap year travel opportunities - Oyster Worldwide. Whether you are taking a break before pursuing higher education or taking time off from university, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Our
5
7
This language program includes everything you need to learn, practice, and improve your Spanish in a truly idyllic location. The Standard Spanish Program accepts students aged 18 and above, from complete beginners to advanced speakers. Whether you need to improve your Spanish for professional purpos
4.17
6
During the Seeds of Change Tropical Rainforest Research Program, students are immersed in a hands-on field research program that takes advantage of the immense biodiversity of the tropical rainforest. They learn how to apply the scientific method while collaborating with team members to establish th
0
0
Get ready for six weeks of non-stop adventure in Costa Rica! This program is packed with a variety of activities designed for those who want to travel and spend time in the outdoors. You'll hike through the vibrant jungles, surf epic waves, zip line through lush canopies, and camp under starry skies
A Guide to Gap Year in Costa Rica
Popular locations
Realistically, you could check out any place in Costa Rica and it would be worth it...but where are the best places to take a gap year abroad?
San Jose. Check out the capital of Costa Rica for modern amenities built upon old spanish colonial foundations. San Jose is hugged with mountains and volcanoes all around and sits near the center of the country, perfect for settling down into a home base for your gap year program in Costa Rica and traveling around to the rest of the pristine lands all around. There are several universities located in the city that can help you solidify your conservational understanding of Spanish.
Monteverde. Escape to Monteverde for your gap year abroad if you want to be caressed by rolling hills of lush tropical forests, clean air, and a chance to escape from the modern world. Monteverde is a portal to all things adventure travel and ecotourism. Though not as cramped as a city, Monteverde still attracts many visitors each year. Find a job working here in sustainability, environmental research, tourism, hospitality, or wildlife conservation.
Popular activities
Costa Rica is a land of diversity in many different ways. Yet, there are some activities that just fit to well to go unnoticed.
Adventure Travel. Scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, hiking, camping, backpacking, and ziplining could be your new norm for a full 12 months. No, seriously. All it takes is your decision. Perhaps more than any other field, adventure travel and all forms ecotourism thrive in Costa Rica.
Language Immersion. Costa is known as one of the best places to pick up Spanish. Locals are extremely friendly and the dialect is easier to learn for newbies. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of Spanish programs found across Costa Rica, all with their own specialities. Some are in traditional university settings and incorporate city-life into their experiential learning. Others might be at a yoga school and some could take you to the shores to practice your Spanish on the beach. It’s up to you; where and how do you want to learn?
Wilderness. Costa Rica is becoming more and more popular for environmental and wildlife jobs. Conservation is already an important part of the country, both in terra territory and in the marine realm.
Everything else you need to know about gap years in Costa Rica
Costs. Compared to other countries across the Americas, Costa Rica has a higher cost of living, somewhat compared to the U.S. There is a high import tax which can make certain basic necessities (clothing, toiletries, furniture) more pricey than usual. Finding ways to cover these additional costs can be a huge barrier to preventing people from chasing their dreams. It’s pretty unfortunate, actually, because there are different resources out there that can help! Some gap programs can qualify for you to use student loans on them. If you haven’t checked out FundMyTravel yet, DO! It’s a crowdfunding platform that allows others to donate to your gap year program in Costa Rica.
Accommodations. Almost all gap year programs in Costa Rica will hook your up with a sweet host family. And really, it’s the best option. Locals are extremely kind and hospitable and living like a local allows you to learn a new language. Which is great for the modern world, right?
Visas. Depending on where you are from, you might not need a visa for doing a gap year in Costa Rica as long as your have a passport and a return ticket. Double check with your country’s embassy first months before you embark on your adventure. Read through the GoAbroad embassy directory for help.
Safety. As far as taking a gap year program, Costa Rica is one of the safest places to travel. All the more reason to branch out of your normal life and travel the world here! Don’t set yourself up for being taken advantage of and you’ll have an amazing time here.
GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop
Gap years rock because your core is transformed. Think about it: how long have you been living a life of routine? Gap years shatter this, with excitement of course, and help you mold a new you. A Gap year in Costa Rica will give you the opportunity to easily form new habits, which is the foundation of change. Are you brave enough to try it out? Of course you are, or you wouldn’t be one of the few reading this!
Leave your expectations before and allow yourself to be taken by the flow of life itself when you take a gap year in Costa Rica. The WIFI might go out, but remember the finer things in life: family, friendship, love, and laughter. Costa Rica will remind you about these every day.
It’s time you set your goals and give yourself the gap year experience that you deserve.
Keep reading on why taking is year off after high school is OK.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go for a gap year in Costa Rica?
Popular places for gap years in Costa Rica are San Jose, La Fortuna, and Monteverde. However, with so much to do in Costa Rica, you can find a fun and fulfilling gap year experience almost anywhere.
What time of year is cheapest to go to Costa Rica?
The cheapest time of year in Costa Rica is shoulder season, typically from May-August and November-December. During this time, weather is more rainy and less agreeable. Tourist high season is December-April.
How to get a one year visa for Costa Rica
To stay in Costa Rica for one year, you'll need a digital nomad visa. In order to qualify for the visa, you need to prove that you have a stable monthly income of at least $3000 USD/month.
What can I do for a gap year in Costa Rica?
Gap year students in Costa Rica have many activities available to them. You can explore environmental projects, volunteering, scuba diving, Spanish immersion, and much more.
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