GoAbroad

High School Abroad in Costa Rica with Greenheart Travel!

$5,280Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
4.5 / 5Student rating
2Reviews
29Programs
1985Year established

Program Overview

Studying abroad in Costa Rica offers you the adventure of a lifetime while learning Spanish during a trimester, semester, or academic year. Immerse yourself fully in a local high school and live with a host family for an authentic cultural experience. At the same time, participate in excursions and various activities to further explore the country and culture. This is an ideal program abroad if you: - Roll with whatever changes come your way - Are dedicated to learning and speaking Spanish, even if you're a complete beginner - Are passionate about the environment and its conservation and wish to learn from experts - Are okay with less screen time, considering that Costa Rica has a spotty internet connection

Ready to dive deeper into this program?

Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

See program details

Program Highlights

Choose from trimester, semester, or academic year lengths.
Join this high school program in Costa Rica even without previous Spanish language experience — beginners are welcome!
Benefit from various program inclusions, such as host family accommodation and meals.
Get started easily, thanks to a hassle-free online application process.
Get assigned with a personal program manager who can help you before, during, and after your program.

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Medical / Accident Insurance
In-Country Orientation
Certificate of Completion

Quick Details

Location
Costa Rica
Starts At$5,280 for Trimester
Availability
Year(s) Offered:Year Round
Duration:
  • 3-6 Months
  • 7-12 Months
Age Requirement14-17
Types & Subjects
Focus Areas:
  • Gap Year
  • Homestays
  • Language Immersion
  • Student Exchange
Guidelines
Nationalities:
  • American
  • Canadian
Inquire about this program

Updated Aug 24, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Costa Rica

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered: Year Round
  • Duration: 3-6 Months, 7-12 Months

Eligible Nationalities

  • American
  • Canadian

Education Levels & Language

  • Language: English
  • Education: Some high school, no diploma

Accommodation Options

  • Home-stays

Application Procedures

  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Physical Exam/Health Records
  • Transcript
  • Online Application
  • Essay

Age Requirement

14-17

Duration

3-6 Months, 7-12 Months

Starts At

  • Trimester: $5,280

Refund Policy

Other

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Greenheart Travel

4.5
2 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
1
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Cultural Immersion
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Program Opportunities
4.5
Living Situation
4.5
Program Administration
4.5
Personal Development
4.0

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-2 of 2 reviews

Neila RumfeltAugust 2026

My life-changing experience!

My experience studying abroad in Costa Rica was truly unforgettable, and I am so grateful for the support and opportunities provided by my program. From the very beginning, the agency made sure I felt safe, supported, and prepared. They genuinely cared about my experience and my individual needs. Anytime I had a question or needed assistance, they were quick to respond and took action right away. Throughout my time abroad, I had countless opportunities to explore Costa Rica both within the city where I lived and beyond. The program provided many cultural activities that allowed me to better understand the country, experience new traditions, and practice my Spanish in real-life situations. These experiences helped me grow more confident and connected to the culture. My host family was another incredible part of my journey. They were kind, welcoming, and made me feel like a part of their family. They included me in everyday activities like grocery shopping, family game nights, and other moments that allowed me to experience authentic Costa Rican life. This program gave me memories, friendships, and personal growth that I will carry with me forever. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a meaningful and supportive study abroad experience.

Leah MillerUnited States · February 2017

Costa Rica made me more confident

My exchange made me more sure about what I want to do in life because of the cultural and historical influences I experienced. No matter how much I love my high school, now I will always want to get on a plane and travel to explore other cultures. Thanks to this experience, I also know that I can do it! And it made me prepared to work hard for the things that I really want. I may not be the most normal person, but this experience taught me that travel is where I belong. It made me confident that that’s what I need to be doing with my life.

Photos

Inquire

Inquire about this program

Have a question? Send us a message and the program team will get back to you.

Step 1 of 4Timing

How long do you want to travel?

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about Greenheart Travel.

Can I travel on my own during the program?

You are not permitted to travel on your own during the program. For semester and academic year programs, there is one full weekend excursion and a half-day excursion included in the cost. Both are chaperoned and with other exchange students. Some schools offer optional field trips. You must be accompanied by an approved chaperone to travel.

Can I choose my host family?

No – but that’s what pura vida is all about, right? Flexibility and adaptability! For summer and trimester programs, you must be flexible about where you are placed within Costa Rica. We make it a priority to place you with a host family who closely matches your interests and personality. For semester and academic year programs, you and other participants are placed in Heredia and attend Santa Ines high school.

Will anyone at my host school speak English?

It’s possible that teachers and students at your host school will speak English. However, remember that you’re there to learn Spanish!

All classes will be taught in Spanish as this is a full immersion program.

Greenheart Travel Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Leah Miller

Leah Miller

Participated in 2016

Alumni

Leah enjoys writing, reading, history, video games, drawing, and playing the flute. However, she is always looking to develop more skills.

I wanted to learn about a different culture. I am deeply interested in history, so the idea of cultures completely different from my own fascinated me. I love trying to learn new languages and immerse myself in other cultures. Studying abroad gave me that opportunity to see if I really wanted to do something with travel for my job. Needless to say, I am convinced.

Show Full Interview

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Alliance for International Exchange
Top Eco-Traveling Enthusiast of 2017 - Sustainable Voluntourism
GoAbroad Innovative New Program - Teach Abroad/TEFL 2019
Global Youth Travel Awards 2018
WYSE Work Abroad

Related Programs

Browse programs you might like

Make friends
Greenheart Travel logo

Greenheart Travel

4.5

2 reviews

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 Jos...

Living in Japan
Greenheart Travel logo

Greenheart Travel

No reviews yet

Non-Traditional Study Abroad in Japan

Studying abroad with Greenheart Travel’s language school experience in Japan enables you to discover a culture with a rich history and unique tra...

after school activities in Argentina
Greenheart Travel logo

Greenheart Travel

3.6

5 reviews

High School Study Abroad in Argentina with Greenheart Travel

Greenheart Travel's high school abroad program in Argentina offers you a great opportunity to spend your summer, trimester, semester, or academic...

Have more questions?

We're here to help!

The GoAbroad team is here to support you as you choose the best program for you, and Greenheart Travel is also happy to answer any questions you have.

Trusted by millions of travelers worldwide since 1997