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High School Study Abroad in Costa Rica

From the clear turquoise seas on either coast to the rolling inland coffee farms, Costa Rica is an attractive destination for high school students in search of both chilling and thrilling experiences. Students can exchange their high school classrooms for a learning experience that comes complete with a passport, awesome photos (selfies with sea turtles!), diverse new friends, and improved Spanish skills. Students who attend high school programs in Costa Rica will go home with a number of Spanish credits under their belt and a tan that’ll make everyone jealous. 
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79 High School Trips to Costa Rica

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Top Rated Program High School Abroad in Costa Rica 2025
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Beyond Sports Travel

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Tropical Field Research

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

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Greenheart Travel

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GVI

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Rustic Pathways

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Westcoast Connection

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Global Works

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A Guide to High School Programs Abroad in Costa Rica

Best Cities for Teens

Whether you choose to adopt the slightly more busy city life or a laid back beachside lifestyle, one truth remains: with the right amount of dedication to speaking Spanish and openness to new experiences, your high school program in Costa Rica will be exciting and productive. The most popular destinations for high school programs in Costa Rica include:

San José. The capital and largest city, known locally as Chepe, is a bit of a concrete eyesore. Even so, students who take the time to get to know the city through a high school program will be treated to a playground of historic neighborhoods and colorful street art. During high school programs in San José students will be able to witness firsthand the interweavings of the Tico’s indigenous heritage and colonial past.

Heredia. This university town is small and easily managed by first time visitors to Costa Rica. Its adorable town square will keep you busy after class, and its accessibility to nearby mountain towns and villages means opportunities for adventure (the culturally immersive type!) are abundant. Don’t forget to take a dip in the nearby waterfalls or swimming holes!

Other student-friendly highland cities include San Joaquín de Flores and Monteverde, and for those that want to study on the coast, Samara, Manuel Antonio, and Playa Flamingo (Yes, FLAMINGO!) all host high school program opportunities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The education system in Costa Rica is similar to other parts of the world—public high school is free and private high school comes at a cost. If you want to study abroad in Costa Rica in high school, you will need to pay the associated tuition.

Secondary school in Costa Rica lasts from about 12-years-old to 18-years-old, lasting about 6 years. These 6 years are split into two cycles of 3 years each.

High school in Costa Rica, or secondary school, is about 6 years long. Secondary school is split into two cycles of 3 years each; the first cycle is dedicated to general education, and the second cycle is intended for pursuit of a specialization.

Latest Program Reviews

Amazing time in Costa Rica

November 25, 2025by: Willa Greisberg - United StatesProgram: Costa Rica Service & Adventure - 10 Days
9

My daughter was a rising 10th grader and was on the Costa Rica service and adventure trip. She had such an incredible experience! She loved exploring the different areas of Costa Rica, the beautiful beaches, the stunning rainforests and waterfalls- and most importantly the life changing service experience. She wants to go back again and again!

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