Gap Year Programs in Costa Rica,San Jose
Most visitors to Costa Rica skip the capital and head straight to the beach, but for a gap year, cosmopolitan San Jose could be just right. Safer than most cities in the region and less densely populated, the tropical climate stays a bit more cool here than on the coast, so you’ll be comfortable all year round. Museums, historical sites, and food and handicraft markets will keep you busy. When you need to relax, enjoy one of the city’s beautiful, buzzing parks or hit the beach—they’re only a day trip away!

47 Gap Year Programs in Costa Rica,San Jose
![International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1680568043/images2/clients/headers/client2.jpg?width=1080)
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
World’s #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) brings people together from all...
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Impact Gap Year
Cultural Explorer Gap Year
Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and comm...

Institute for Global Studies
IGS Wildlife Rehabilitation Internships
Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainf...
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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
Costa Rica – Sloth and Wildlife Rescue Center
Join the Sloth and Wildlife Rescue Center in Costa Rica, a renown...
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Pacific Discovery
Mexico, Costa Rica & Guatemala Gap Semester
Pacific Discovery's Central America Gap Semester is an unforgetta...
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MAXIMO NIVEL
Country Jumper Gap Year - Costa Rica | Guatemala | Peru
In three of the world's most beautiful countries—Costa Rica, Guat...
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Raleigh International
Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica - Adventure with Purpose
Joining a Raleigh Costa Rica programme is a truly unique experien...

Outward Bound Costa Rica
Gap Year & Semester Courses: Costa Rica & Panama
Go on a life-changing journey abroad through the gap year and sem...
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EF Gap Year
EF Gap Year: Curated 23-Week Program Multiple Destinations
Experience the world and discover your passions with EF Gap Year....

Volunteer World
Best Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica
Volunteer in Costa Rica and discover one of the most sustainable ...

Rustic Pathways
Rustic Pathways Gap Semester
Sign up for one of our Rustic Pathways Gap programs, which run fo...

Universidad LCI Veritas
Gap Year Program with Universidad Veritas
Universidad Veritas has partnered with the Supportive Immersion I...

Love Volunteers
Gap Year Adventures with Love Volunteers
Whether you want to support vulnerable communities in developing ...

Volunteering Journeys
Volunteering in Costa Rica - Teaching, Sea Turtle or Medical
Get the chance to experience Costa Rica from the perspective of l...
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A Guide to Gap Year Programs in San Jose
Why Take a Gap Year in San Jose?
Options for a productive gap year in San Jose often combine Spanish language studies with other experiential opportunities. Costa Rica is well-known for its lush rainforests, eco-tourism, and environmentally-friendly national policies. This makes it a popular destination for gap year programs in San Jose focusing on natural and wildlife conservation. Other volunteers are involved in educational and youth programs.
Live like a Tico. (That’s the Costa Rican word for Costa Ricans.) The true mark of success for your gap year in San Jose will be when you’ve learned how to live the pura vida (simple life). As one of the happiests countries on earth, Costa Rica is known for its friendly, laid back personality. Take it easy during San Jose gap years! Sip your world-class coffee slowly and don’t be afraid to dance the night away at one of many bars and clubs in Barrio La California.
Keep reading! Learn more about gap years in Costa Rica by reading our guide.
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