High School Study Abroad in Costa Rica

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85 High School Trips to Costa Rica

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MAXIMO NIVEL
4.96
23
Develop your Spanish skills in Costa Rica with the Maximo Nivel Spanish Camp. Maximo Nivel Summer Spanish Camp is a full-immersion experience ...


Travel For Teens
4.93
14
Join us in Costa Rica for unforgettable memories and valuable service work! We will have the unique opportunity to perform 20 hours of valuable s...
See All 13 Programs

4.83
94
Immerse yourself in the Spanish language of Costa Rica, the happiest country on the planet! Live like a true local in the traditional town of Ate...
See All 3 Programs

AFS-USA
4
1
Our high school study abroad program in Costa Rica is filled with an immersive homestay and high school experience and an unbelievable tour of th...
See All 2 Programs

Global Leadership Adventures
4.8
64
Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you are passionate about! Choose from program themes ranging from Public Health and ...
See All 10 Programs

4.8
25
The Girls Leadership Academy for Service & Sport (GLASS) is designed specifically for high school female athletes. Our one-of-a-kind curriculum i...


5
1
Delve into the science of climate change surrounded by Costa Rica’s lush forest. Discover its impact on tropical ecosystems as you explore the wo...
See All 3 ProgramsGoEco - 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 14 ProgramsGreenheart Travel
4.5
2
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 wor
See All 2 ProgramsRustic 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
Westcoast Connection
4.83
6
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
See All 8 ProgramsPutney Student Travel
4.57
7
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 re
See All 2 ProgramsGlobal Works
4.7
10
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 cho
See All 2 ProgramsIntercultura 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
5
1
This program finds you traveling through Belize, Guatemala, and Costa Rica to experience first-hand some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. Studying Biology is the ideal way to make beaches, rainforests, and reefs your classroom as you earn your senior English and Biology credits and get into t
ARCC Programs
4.57
7
The Costa Rica: Cloud Forest Community Initiative program offers the perfect mix of adventure and service. Whitewater raft through the lush rainforest of the Pacuare River, spotting wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and toucans along the way. Live in a remote cloud forest village, contributing to impo
See All 2 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
Language Vacation
0
0
Enjoy a summer Spanish learning vacation in a typical "Tico" town on the outskirts of the capital, San Jose. Heredia is a small town located about seven miles from San Jose and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy capital. Surrounded by hills and coffee plantations, this summer vacation offers
See All 2 ProgramsInternational Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
0
0
Join the Teen Volunteer Summer Camp in Costa Rica with International Volunteer HQ for an unforgettable cultural immersion and community volunteering experience designed for 16- and 17-year-olds. This fully supervised program combines meaningful volunteer work with social activities, cultural explora
0
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Join us from June 21st to August 1st, 2025, for a 6-week Summer Camp for Teen Girls between 14 and 17 years old. Based in Costa Rica, the program includes therapeutic support. Imagine a summer camp with water gun fights, paint battles, and never-ending slumber parties with karaoke nights and poolsi
GoBeyond Student Travel
4.88
8
This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language sk
See All 2 ProgramsThe Experiment in International Living
4.75
8
Explore Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes, vibrant communities, and unwavering commitment to preserving its natural treasures. Deepen your awareness and learn from local communities to take climate action back to your home community. Embark on an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica, where nature
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
See All 2 Programs5
1
Experience an unforgettable summer camp in the heart of Costa Rica's beautiful tropical forests, where adventure meets conservation. Engage in wildlife research while exploring the jungle, hiking, ziplining, and immersing yourself in the local culture. Gain insights from experienced researchers on h
0
0
VN's high school program in northern Costa Rica offers high school students a unique opportunity to engage in personalized, meaningful community service while experiencing Costa Rican culture firsthand. Participants work with rural communities, including schools, conservation projects, and health in
Broadreach
4
1
Want to know what it's like to work with animals every day? Thinking of being a veterinarian? Join us in a tropical paradise and get a hands-on introduction to veterinary medicine. The best way to learn about a future in veterinary medicine is to roll up your sleeves and jump right in! Working alon
See All 2 Programs0
0
Girl Scouts – Heart of the South, get ready to explore Costa Rica, one of the most biologically diverse areas in Latin America, with beach visits, jungle hikes, and waterfall swims. Volunteer at an animal rescue center working to stop illegal wildlife trafficking and teach the United Nations Sustain
The Road Less Traveled
0
0
Join us in Costa Rica as we experience life off the beaten path in the shadow of the Turrialba Volcano. Our 14-day teen community service and Spanish immersion program takes us through the beautiful country as we visit mountains, rainforests, and beaches. Improve your Spanish as we immerse ourselves
0
0
Lakeside International School, located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, offers a secondary education program designed to prepare students for university and beyond. Our curriculum combines national standards with an international focus, covering a wide range of subjects, including languages (English and S
Outward Bound Costa Rica
4.5
34
Experience an unforgettable adventure with fellow Girl Scouts from across the United States! Our GSUSA Destinations courses in Costa Rica and Panama will give you an opportunity to visit remote rainforest villages with family homestays, serve local communities, scuba dive among the colorful coral re
See All 2 ProgramsA 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.
Popular Program Types
Most high school study programs in Costa Rica run during a regular summer break. This is awesome, as you will thus be able to continue kicking butt in your fall and spring semesters, playing on your sports teams, and keeping up your club commitments. You won’t have to miss any dances either (insert groan from the men, glee from the ladies)!
The majority of high school programs in Costa Rica run for two weeks to eight weeks. When it comes to high school study abroad programs, classes are typically completed and finished in the morning hours, leaving the afternoons and evenings open for other (slightly more obvious) fun. During all high school programs in Costa Rica, you can expect your days to balance a combination of adventure, volunteering or service projects, general time to just “be,” and of course, time to finish your homework!
Some high school programs in Costa Rica will require students to have previous Spanish language classes, so be sure to check in with your desired program provider to see if your qualifications surpass their minimum requirements to participate. If all else fails, you can always choose a language immersion program!
Accommodations & Visas
Many high school programs in Costa Rica organize homestays for students. An increased level of security, in addition to increased opportunities to better comprehend the local culture, are cornerstones of homestay accommodations. Thanks to the help of your new set of parents and your adorable hermano y hermana, you will be speaking fluent Spanish in no time. Many returnee students identify the relationships with their homestay families as the most positive takeaway from their high school program in Costa Rica!
Students will not likely need a visa to participate in high school programs in Costa Rica, especially if their program is less than 90 days in length. However, students should apply for a tourist visa upon arrival in Costa Rica. Even though you will not need to apply for a visa beforehand, you must have a current valid passport and a return ticket to exit Costa Rica upon arrival.
Acquiring your visa will be number one on your to do list after your plane lands. You will “follow the herd” as arrivals shuffle toward immigration lines. Keep a pen handy on the plane so you can fill out your paperwork in advance, then get ready to smile for the camera and answer a few basic questions from the security officer (before you’re rewarded with a beautiful stamp!).
GoAbroad's Inside Scoop
Almost all high school programs in Costa Rica will provide housing, 24/7 support, and cultural excursions for participants. Although, nearly any program is designed to optimize interactions with the locals, giving you ample opportunity to better understand the Tico culture from their perspective; there are even programs specifically focused on cultural exploration.
In the end, choose a program with excursions and activities that most excite and challenge you. Have a fear of depth? Now’s a great time to push yourself to complete a SCUBA course (or try your luck at snorkeling). Are you afraid of using your Spanish? Consider doing a homestay, where you will have time to practice in a loving environment.
Choose your own adventure! The only major challenge that will face high school students in Costa RIca is the inevitable day when it is time to go home and they won’t want to! Costa Rica is magical: all trails lead to waterfalls, to jungles, to beaches, and to a better sense of self.
Adopt the pure life (pura vida) as you get to know this country and the locals (self-dubbed Ticos).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is high school free in Costa Rica?
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.
How many years is high school in Costa Rica?
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.
What is high school like in Costa Rica?
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.
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