GoAbroad
$4,595Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
Submit a ReviewNo Reviews
1988Year established

Program Overview

Get out of the cold and into Heredia’s beautiful, warm weather in this winter study abroad program by IFSA. Experience Costa Rica from a local perspective while immersed in fascinating lessons and incredible activities, hiking trails, national parks, beaches, and so much more!

The three-week Ecology and Sustainable Development in Costa Rica course explores environmental conditions in the country through practical field experiences. It addresses the challenges and importance of ecological recovery, protection, and preservation. You will confront the societal responsibility to raise awareness of long-term conservation in Costa Rica and across the planet. You will examine the political and socio-economic relationships that promote or, sometimes, prohibit sustainability.

Classes are taught in English, so proficiency in Spanish isn’t required.

Ready to dive deeper into this program?

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

See program details

Program Highlights

Fulfill a social science requirement or an elective with the three-week, for-credit Ecology and Sustainable Development class.
Deepen your understanding of environmental rehabilitation, protection, and conservation through practical experiences.
Take your learning outside the classroom with weekly co-curricular activities such as a day trip to a coffee plantation, a hike in national parks, and a visit to a chocolate farm.
Meet the locals dedicated to protecting the biodiverse landscape of Costa Rica.
Immerse yourself fully in the Costa Rican language and culture by staying with a local host family.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Wifi Costs
Medical / Accident Insurance
Travel Insurance
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
In-Country Orientation
Pre-Departure Orientation
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Academic Advising
Transcript Fees
Financial Aid Counseling
Course Materials
Academic Credit

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Heredia, Costa Rica

Fields & Subjects

  • Environmental Studies
  • Sustainable Development

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029
  • Terms Available
  • Winter

Eligible Nationalities

  • American
  • Canadian
  • This Program is also open to Solo

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • University Freshman (1st Year)
  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • University Junior (3rd Year)
  • University Senior (4th Year)
  • University 5th Year or More

Accommodation Options

  • Home-stays

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Transcript

Age Requirement

18-30

Starts At

  • 2 weeks: $4,595

Refund Policy

Refund with conditions

View Refund Policy

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad

Be the first to review IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad

If you've participated in this program, your review helps future students decide.

Review this Program

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

When do you want to travel?

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

2025 Finalist - Innovative Student Video
2025 Finalist - Innovative Study Abroad Program
2025 Finalist - Innovation in Marketing & Digital Media
GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - Sustainability
Innovative Student Video 2023 Finalist
Innovation in Crisis Response Finalist 2022
Innovative Technology 2021 Finalist
Innovative Technology 2020 Finalist
Top Rated Study Abroad Organizations of 2020
IIE Generation Study Abroad
Fund for Education Abroad
Forum on Education Abroad

Related Programs

Browse programs you might like

A woman walking down a foggy road, surrounded by mist and uncertainty.
IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad logo

IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad

4.43

7 reviews

IFSA Universidad Nacional Partnership

CULTIVATE FLUENCY IN SPANISH, INDULGE YOUR LOVE OF THE OUTDOORS In Heredia, it’s easy to combine an interest in sustainable living and passion f...

Listing Photo
IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad logo

IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad

No reviews yet

IFSA Summer in Rome

Experience the Mediterranean lifestyle while exploring Rome, a city filled with rich history, world-famous landmarks, and unforgettable food. Fro...

Listing Photo
IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad logo

IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad

No reviews yet

IFSA Summer in London

Spend your summer in London building a custom academic experience that fits your interests in business, arts, social science, or psychology. Choo...

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 IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad is also happy to answer any questions you have.

Trusted by millions of travelers worldwide since 1997