Study Abroad Programs in Central America

Study abroad in the highlands of central Costa Rica, in the charming city of Heredia. Immerse yourself in the Costa Rican lifestyle while taking classes at the modern Latin University. Courses include Spanish for all levels, electives, certificate courses in English and Spanish, and internships. Costa Rica is a premier destination for study abroad due to its extensive national park system, beautiful landscapes, friendly locals, and clearly-spoken Spanish. The Arcos Learning Abroad program provides an all-inclusive study abroad experience with cultural activities on weekdays, excursions on weekends, on-site directors, carefully vetted homestays, tuition, and much more. Arcos invites you to step through the arch and into a life-changing experience abroad. Costa Rica awaits!

The Heredia program in Latin American Studies and Ecology is an ideal path if you are committed to learning about diverse Latin American cultures and the Spanish language. For a semester or full year, your language proficiency and insight into Costa Rican society will greatly improve through formal coursework and interaction with locals. This program places emphasis on diverse academic areas: Latin American Studies, Ecological Studies, and Spanish Language. The latter follows an intensive approach, which involves completing up to two years of university foreign language coursework within a semester. Upon completion, you will meet Spanish minor or major requirements. You will complement the Spanish Language curriculum with courses in Biology, History, Literature, Economics, Political Science, and other subjects. Due to the global health status worldwide, USAC is making programmatic changes to summer, fall, and yearlong programs, and some options might not be available. These changes are posted on individual program pages on the USAC website.

Spend a semester or academic year in the lively capital of San José with AIFS Abroad! You’ll earn up to 20 credits per semester from Universidad Veritas through various courses and internship opportunities. Courses are taught in English and Spanish. No previous Spanish language study is required for most programs. Universidad Veritas offers an internship program and volunteer opportunities that’ll help you make the most of your semester abroad. Their Spanish Language and Internship Program welcomes students with an advanced level of Spanish and a minimum of 2 years of college-level Spanish. It combines a 4-week Spanish language course with a 12-week internship placement within local companies or NGOs based on your major. You’ll also enjoy cultural and social activities, including: • Costa Rican cooking classes • Visits to local museums and historical sites • A 3-day trip to Arenal Volcano, hot springs, and Monteverde Cloud Forest • A 3-day trip to the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park • Day trip to Poás Volcano, Doka Coffee Estate, and Sarchi artisans Optional excursions include a 2-day trip hiking and rafting in Sarapiquí.

Dive into an unforgettable study abroad journey in San José, Costa Rica, where academic excellence meets vibrant culture and jaw-dropping natural beauty. At LCI Veritas, you’ll experience a cutting-edge education in arts, design, and sustainability, all delivered through innovative programs and hands-on learning that bring your passions to life. This program is perfect for bold, creative, and adventurous students ready to expand their horizons. Sharpen your skills in fields like graphic design, photography, and environmental studies while engaging in small, interactive classes led by inspiring faculty. Every day is an opportunity to challenge yourself and think differently. Located in the dynamic capital of San José, LCI Veritas puts you just a step away from Costa Rica’s breathtaking landscapes—think lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and pristine beaches. Earn transferable credits, gain real-world experience, and immerse yourself in a culture as warm and welcoming as its people. Your next great adventure starts here!

San José – or Chepe, as it is lovingly called by locals – is the political, economic, and cultural hub of Costa Rica. It is where most Costa Ricans live, study, and work. The city allows you to experience a bustling and cosmopolitan Latin American metropolis while also having the rest of the country's pristine wonders at your fingertips. Sign up for our program in San José and study at Veritas University, a well-respected institution in Costa Rica. This is open to all Spanish proficiency levels - beginning, intermediate, and advanced. Depending on your language skills, you can choose to take classes in Spanish together with Costa Rican students or in English with international students. While in Costa Rica, take the time to visit our office situated one block away from the Universidad Veritas. It is within walking distance of small neighborhoods, shopping centers, and cafés, so rest assured, you will find something fun to do. We have a computer lab with internet access, a meeting room, a travel resource library, a kitchen, and a resident director's office.

Explore the high biodiversity of the tropical cloud forest of Monteverde, where conservation initiatives, environmental education, ecotourism, and the local community live together to preserve this unique place threatened by climate change. Students interested in environmental and natural sciences will learn valuable skills through hands-on experience courses. The high biodiversity of the tropics comes with the ecological processes that shape tropical communities and affect how human activities harm the environment. Students may also learn Spanish and interact with the local community in their native language. During the last weeks of the program, students carry out independent research projects where they apply the knowledge gained through the program courses.

Step beyond the classroom and into the world with EF Language Abroad. Our immersive programs combine academic excellence with life-changing cultural experiences in 11 stunning global destinations across 8 countries and 7 languages. Whether you’re a high school student eager to explore the world, a college student preparing for international studies or simply seeking global fluency, EF offers customizable programs that meet your goals and fit your schedule. You will learn a new language better and faster in fun and interactive classes alongside new friends from around the globe. After class, explore the city through planned activities like cooking classes, city tours, student parties, and more. Over the weekend, travel with EF staff to neighboring cities and countries to practice your language skills with locals and see the sights. You have the power to tailor your journey—whether you’re testing your limits in an intensive track, earning career credentials, or preparing for major exams. You’ll develop language skills faster, gain global experiences, and return equipped for the next step. Earn transferable college credit through our partner in education, The University of Montana.

CULTIVATE FLUENCY IN SPANISH, INDULGE YOUR LOVE OF THE OUTDOORS In Heredia, it’s easy to combine an interest in sustainable living and passion for nature with aspirations to take your Spanish language skills to the next level. Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica (UNA) offers top-ranked academics taught in Spanish, in a country known to put education first. After class, explore the Mercado Central or go for a hike. This small, walkable city sits in Costa Rica’s central valley, surrounded by beautiful mountains and coffee plantations, with trails a 15-minute bus ride from UNA.

Live and study in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Maximo Nivel offers the most intensive and professional Spanish immersion program in Latin America. Our Native Spanish Program emphasizes oral communication and integrated skills development to truly help build your Spanish language proficiency - this is a great immersion experience! Our native-speaking Spanish teachers are highly qualified professional instructors with years of experience. Our Tandem Conversation program pairs Spanish program participants with our local English students for free conversation practice.

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real outcomes in ways that are impossible to replicate in the traditional classroom. Living as part of a close-knit team on an ocean-going vessel, our students learn fundamental lessons beyond academics: teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. They receive academic credit from the University of South Florida, along with PADI scuba certifications and IYT sailing certifications. Our programs are designed to inspire students to realize that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters the most.

Spend six weeks in Costa Rica during summer 2026 earning university credit while studying Environmental Science and Biology. This program takes place at Veritas University in San José and offers students the chance to learn about one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world. With courses taught in English and optional Spanish language classes, you'll gain academic knowledge and experience life in a new culture. Classes are held Monday through Thursday, allowing students time to enjoy cultural activities and explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty. The program includes field-based learning, hands-on assignments, and weekend excursions. Whether you’re staying with a local host family or living with other students, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in Costa Rican life while earning 6 U.S. semester credits. No prior Spanish knowledge is needed, and a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. The program welcomes students from freshman to senior year. Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the start of the program.

CIS Abroad Study and Intern Abroad programs are some of the most affordable, comprehensive program packages available. We also don't cut any corners by offering everything you would expect from an overseas program: tuition, housing, support, insurance, excursions, social and cultural activities, and airport pick-up – all considered the core of our package. Some programs also include all or most meals, extensive off-site orientations/excursions, transportation passes, and more. Whether you want to study for a year, semester, or summer, intern for a month to a year, or take an intensive foreign language course for a couple of weeks, CIS Abroad has the perfect program for you at the best value! "You're Going Places with CIS Abroad!"

Explore rainforests, coral reefs, highland canopies, and mangroves while studying tropical conservation, marine ecosystems, and ecology. Conduct seven weeks of field studies in Panama and Costa Rica, gaining skills in biodiversity estimation, coral reef evaluation, mangrove carbon calculation, and species identification. In Panama City, a hub for international NGOs, study conservation topics like sustainable agriculture and ecotourism. Complete four weeks of independent research, participate in four homestays, and build Spanish skills through classroom learning, cultural immersion, and fieldwork. You may choose to do a minor in environmental science or conservation biology. MONEY MATTERS SIT has given an average of over $1.3 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students in recent years and is committed to ensuring you have the information necessary to apply for such funding. Our program costs include academics, excursions, accommodations, airport transfers, and health insurance. Meal arrangements vary by program. Be sure to discuss how study abroad costs are handled at your school with your study abroad advisor and read the website for more specific information.

Earn CEUs abroad while advancing your cultural competence in speech-language pathology! Therapy Abroad’s international CEU workshops are immersive, accredited programs for SLPs seeking to deepen their understanding of cultural and linguistic diversity. Held in global locations like Belize, Ireland, Costa Rica, and Thailand, these 7–10 day experiences combine hands-on learning, reflective practice, and expert-led workshops. Topics include bilingual assessment, cultural humility, and equitable service delivery. Participants gain practical tools for working with multilingual clients, connect with like-minded professionals, and engage directly with local communities. Designed for practicing SLPs, grad students, and faculty, these workshops meet ASHA standards and are ideal for those working in diverse or underserved settings. Join us to grow your practice, earn CEUs, and reimagine what inclusive care can look like—abroad and at home.

The Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy offers the only COMTA Accredited Massage Therapy study abroad program in the world. The 600/700-hour certification program is designed to prepare students to successfully pass the United States National Licensing Exam (MBLEX) and qualifies graduates to become licensed in most US states and many places worldwide. Our unique and comprehensive curriculum has been developed by leaders in the massage field for over 10 years. Instruction is conducted in English by professionals and educators from the U.S. including massage therapists, authors, business owners, naturopathic physicians, and chiropractors. Organized as a four-month intensive and immersive program, sessions are offered two times per year. The program includes accommodations in fully equipped bungalows on campus, just seconds away from the beach. Students may also explore off-campus housing. Samara, Costa Rica is a quaint beach town nestled in the jungle on the edge of a tranquil bay. The white sand beaches stretch for miles, and the town is full of delicious local and international restaurants. Students love to explore the many outdoor activities and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

Learn Spanish and immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture at one or both of our two unique locations – Samara Tropical Beach Campus and/or Heredia Historic City Campus. Study Spanish in small, dynamic groups with students of all ages and nationalities. Live with a Costa Rican family or in a student apartment. Learn to dance salsa and bachata, cook local foods, learn to surf or do yoga. Travel to volcanoes, beaches & rainforests; make friends for life. Our caring and experienced staff & professors provide you with support every step of the way. Standard Group Immersion Course: 4 hours a day, Monday - Friday (20 hours a week) Private/Semi-Private Spanish Lessons: 10 to a maximum of 20 hours per week Intensive Spanish Course: Add a maximum of 5 private lessons per week to your standard group classes We offer a series of 18 courses designed by curriculum specialists, using interactive small groups in an environment of total cultural immersion. Our professors are dynamic, experienced, native speakers with minimum a BA, teaching certification and/or MA in Spanish as a Second Language. All are trained in the communicative approach, ensuring a fun and enjoyable learning experience!

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, blends urban life and natural beauty with more than 800 miles of coastline and acres of lush rainforests lying just a short drive from this diverse metropolitan center. Study a wide range of subjects with CEA CAPA’s partner university: Veritas University. It boasts a large international student body and diverse curriculum including international business, intensive and medical Spanish language, environmental sciences, and health sciences. Courses are available in both Spanish and English. Get the most out of your time in Costa Rica by taking advantage of the numerous cultural and learning opportunities CEA CAPA provides. Whether you enjoy concerts, sports, cooking classes, language exchanges, or something entirely different, our resident staff will get you involved in the local culture. Interested in going abroad with CEA CAPA? Contact us to get started!

This trip takes you to the stunning Costa Rican Pacific Coast. Groups will have the opportunity to work in the community of Quepos and living in picturesque Manuel Antonio. Groups get to participate in this inter-disciplinary course, accredited by universities and colleges around the world. We introduce students to international service-learning and sustainable development, both in theory and practice. Two weeks prior to departure and two weeks after returning home, students engage in lectures, discussion, research, service, and reflection at home and abroad. Emphasis will be placed on relating long term goals with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and engaging in daily reflection surrounding the experience, which will be lead by qualified group facilitators, furthering individual educational development. This course curriculum will be tailored to your students academic level or curriculum. The aim of our Service Learning course is to empower students to gain confidence in their knowledge and practical experience of their subject area.

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 Atenas. Set in a tropical paradise, you will take Spanish classes in open-air classrooms on an orange and mango farm. Classes are small in size and perfect for truly learning the language. Gain a new level of confidence in your Spanish skills while toucans fly overhead. Live with a carefully selected homestay and enjoy home-cooked meals. The program is rich in activities and outdoor adventure. Experience the thrill of a zip-lining through the rainforest and the rush of white water rafting. Travel to Arenal Volcano, soak in hot springs and swim in the pool of a spectacular waterfall. Visit Manuel Antonio beach and the national park, which is full of native wildlife. Play soccer as well as participate in an art workshop, cooking class, and dance class while in Atenas. This program includes volunteering, which is a great way to use your Spanish skills while giving back to the community. Multiple summer sessions are offered. All levels of Spanish are welcome.

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 their original research question as well as the experimental design for their project. Students work together to implement their research and learn how to work as a team to overcome challenges and rebound from failures within resource and time constraints, just as in any real-world project. They use statistics to validate the results of their experiments and give presentations showing the results of their work, just like any research scientist would! The Tropical Field Research program prepares students for university-level science. Students learn how to work as a team, handle differences, and take advantage of the ways others communicate best. Students use TypeCoach to help navigate team-member differences. They learn and apply the most appropriate experimental designs, apply key statistical analysis techniques, and present their research in Costa Rica and their community at home.