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Gap Year Programs in San Jose,Costa Rica

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!
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Seamester

Featured Provider of the Month

46 Gap Year Programs in San Jose,Costa Rica

9.55793 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

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103 reviews

Impact Gap Year

Cultural Explorer Gap Year

Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and comm...

9.437 reviews

Institute for Global Studies

IGS Wildlife Rehabilitation Internships

Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainf...

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9.4511 reviews

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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98 reviews

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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9.0423 reviews

Raleigh International

Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica - Adventure with Purpose

Joining a Raleigh Costa Rica Expedition is a truly unique experie...

00 reviews

Volunteering Journeys

Nursing Internships and Electives in Asia & Peru

Embark on a life-changing experience through nursing internships ...

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00 reviews

Rustic Pathways

Rustic Pathways Gap Semester

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

00 reviews

Love Volunteers

Gap Year Adventures with Love Volunteers

Whether you want to support vulnerable communities in developing ...

9.65 reviews

Volunteer World

Best Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica

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

8.3321 reviews

Pacific Discovery

Mexico, Costa Rica & Guatemala Gap Semester

Uncover the spirit of Central America on a 10-week journey throug...

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9.9521 reviews

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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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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Latest Program Reviews

Come to Costa Rica with Maximo!

December 14, 2024by: Dani Kankunda - United StatesProgram: Customized GAP Year Programs in Costa Rica
10

I stayed in Costa Rica for 4 months and for my Gap Year with Maximo and it was the best choice I could’ve made. I did the customized path with Spanish Immersion and Volunteering with Children. They were extremely accommodating to my needs and made sure I had the best experience. From the close proximity to many beaches to my classes to my host family. This program was everything I could’ve dreamed of and more. So much so that I already planned my next journey back for the New Year!

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