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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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91 High School Trips to Costa Rica

AFS-USA students

Featured High School Program Provider of the Month

Featured
Costa Rica
Global Leadership Adventures logo

Global Leadership Adventures

9.79

256

GLA Costa Rica - Volunteer Programs for Teens

Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you ...

Maximo Nivel participants in the classroom
MAXIMO NIVEL logo

MAXIMO NIVEL

9

1

Summer Camp in Costa Rica - Spanish Camp!

Develop your Spanish skills in Costa Rica with the Maximo Nivel S...

Travel for Teens students in Costa Rica
Travel For Teens logo

Travel For Teens

9.79

14

Travel For Teens: Costa Rica Adventure and Service

Join us in Costa Rica for unforgettable memories and valuable ser...

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High School in Costa Rica - ArcosJourney (LP)

Arcos Journeys Abroad

9.73

92

Spanish Immersion in Atenas, Costa Rica

Immerse yourself in the Spanish language of Costa Rica, the happi...

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students wearing patterned skirts
AFS-USA logo

AFS-USA

8

1

AFS Intercultural Programs: Study Abroad in Costa Rica

Our high school study abroad program in Costa Rica is filled with...

GLA students
Global Leadership Adventures logo

Global Leadership Adventures

9.8

64

GLA Costa Rica - Volunteer Programs for Teens

Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you ...

See All 10 Programs
Beyond Sports GLASS
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Beyond Sports Tours

9.8

25

Beyond Sports Travel

The Girls Leadership Academy for Service & Sport (GLASS) is desig...

CIEE students riding horses in Costa Rica

CIEE High School Abroad

10

1

CIEE HS Summer Abroad: Ecology & Sustainability - Monteverde

Delve into the science of climate change surrounded by Costa Rica...

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Seeds of Change Research

Seeds of Change Research

9

6

Tropical Field Research

During the Seeds of Change Tropical Rainforest Research Program, ...

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.68

38

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

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 medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

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Greenheart Travel

9.5

2

Teen Language Camp in Costa Rica with Greenheart

Learn and improve your Spanish skills through full language and cultural immersion on Greenheart Travel’s summer language camp program in San Jose or Manuel Antonio! We welcome teen students of all skills, including beginners! Live with a Costa Rican host family and make friends from around the world, all while learning about the country and culture of Costa Rica. Program at a glance: - 15 morning classes a week (3 classes per day for 50 minutes each) - Schools in 2 locations — San Jose & Manuel Antonio - Classes are taught by native-speaking teachers who specialize in teaching Spanish as a foreign language - Written tests are given on the first day of class to determine the appropriate level: Elementary, Intermediate, or Advanced - Lessons involve speaking, listening, reading, and writing in lively and informal small classes

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Rustic Pathways

9.2

35

Costa Rica Surf, Adventure, Service & Turtle Programs

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 opportunity to live the ‘pura vida’ lifestyle for all explorers. Turtle Conservation Project – Embark on a journey to protect sea turtles. Contribute to conservation through beach cleanups, hatchery construction & nest monitoring. Learn to surf in your free time. Pura Vida Service – Create authentic bonds with local communities and contribute to meaningful service projects. Program highlights include zip-lining, whitewater rafting, and hot springs. Surf and Service – Take in breathtaking sunsets and the blue waters during a week of surf, service, and community support. Spring Break Surf and Service – The Spring Break version of our popular Surf and Service program! Pura Vida Service (Middle School) – The perfect intro for young adventurers! Journey from the mountains to the beaches and participate in impactful service projects.

Westcoast Connection

9.8

5

Costa Rica Service & Adventure - 10 Days

Travel to Costa Rica this summer for a teen community service program you won’t forget! Work alongside some of our long-standing service partners on projects such as building infrastructure in the Central Valley. The trip uses a service-learning framework tailored for high school students, wherein our staff provides guidance and reflection on the impact of our work and promotes the value of empathy and cultural sensitivity. When not volunteering, participants go off on exciting adventures like learning to surf, zip-lining over the forest canopy, enjoying whitewater rafting, and more! Fall in love with the Pura Vida lifestyle and all things Costa Rican in this 10-day program.

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Global Works

9.7

10

Costa Rica Teen Travel Programs

Global Works specializes in teen service trips and educational experiences to Costa Rica for high school and middle school students. These student travel programs have been our most popular over the years for good reason. Incredible biodiversity and a welcoming culture make Costa Rica an awesome choice for a summer adventure. Global Works offers volunteer programs in different focus areas. We offer opportunities for community service, Spanish immersion, cultural exchange, pre-med and public health, wildlife, adventure travel, and a middle school-focused program to this special corner of the globe. Program Options: * Costa Rica: Service & Sand (15 days) * Costa Rica: Wildlife Adventure (17 days) * Costa Rica: Intro to Pre-Med & Public Health (17 days) * Costa Rica: Middle School Service Adventure (10 days)

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Putney Student Travel

9.57

7

Service & Community Immersion in Costa Rica

Live and volunteer in a rural Costa Rican community on this immersive high school service program. Begin at a rainforest ecolodge near Lake Arenal, where you learn about sustainability, explore jungle trails, and prepare for your project work. Settle into your host community to partner with local residents on meaningful construction and agricultural initiatives, practicing Spanish as you cook meals, play fútbol, and join local events. Cap your journey on the Pacific coast, where you celebrate your accomplishments while rafting, hiking, snorkeling, or surfing in warm tropical waters.

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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.

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

Highly Recomend!

February 02, 2026by: Daniella Knapp - United States

Program: GLA Costa Rica: Beachside Service Adventure

10

This summer I went to Costa Rica with GLA teens, and I had an amazing time that I will always cherish. I learned so much getting to work in a turtle hatchery, and I even got to release baby turtles. I also got to learn about the community and culture of the area, partaking in special activities very unique to this program. Overall, I could not recommend this program enough, the experience I had was truly once in a lifetime.

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