Conservation & Preservation Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

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 the summer in the lively capital of San José, Costa Rica, with AIFS Abroad! You’ll earn up to 10 credits while studying at Veritas University. Courses are taught in English and Spanish—no previous Spanish language study is required. Program options include Spanish Language and Latin American Culture, Spanish for Health Care Professionals and Health Care Electives, and Spanish Language, Liberal Arts, and Environmental Sciences. Live in a homestay within walking distance of the campus, where you will have your own bedroom. Your host family will provide a weekly laundry wash and daily breakfast and dinner. Cultural and social activities will include: • Walking tours of San José • Costa Rican cooking classes • Visits to local museums and historical sites An optional, 2-day excursion to the great Arenal Volcano and hot springs spa is also available.

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!

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.

Do your international internship with Maximo Nivel - get international work experience in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. - Education (K-12) - Special Education - Micro-Business - Hospitality & Tourism - Human Rights - Medical Please take note of these qualifications: - Interns should be fluent in English. - Spanish language skills are only required for Micro-Business and Medical internships. - Interns should be enrolled or have completed a Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. - Medical interns must present proof of their medical training. Since 2003, Maximo Nivel has been a leader in educational travel and study abroad. Our work-study-travel programs host more than 4,000 people per year. We are a professional, ethical, and hard-working organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every participant, student, traveler, and client! Every day, we strive to set ourselves apart and provide the best internship, education, and cultural experiences in Latin America along with top-notch client service and great home base facilities. Live it!

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.

Seeds of Change seeks to train young biology students in comparative microbial bioinformatics to give them a leg up in this burgeoning field. Students study microbial bioinformatics because microbes are central to all environments on the planet, drive biogeochemical cycles, and perform functions vital to all life forms. Before students travel to Costa Rica, they are introduced to the Joint Genome Institute’s (JGI) Integrated Microbial Genomes and Microbiomes (IMG/M) platform, a gateway to sophisticated genome databases and analysis tools. The five interactive pre-trip modules present a seminal case study that applies the fundamentals of genetics (DNA structure, replication, transcription, translation and gene regulation) to an insect-bacteria symbiotic relationship. Once in Costa Rica, students work with a partner to generate their original research question and use their new-found expertise in microbial bioinformatics to develop a poster of their research. Students engage in off-site activities that include guided hikes in the cloud forest, a zipline adventure in the cloud forest, a coffee tour, a horseback ride in the cloud forest, and a sea turtle marine research experience.

Get your hands dirty on a wildlife adventure! Journey through the amazingly biodiverse rainforests and beaches of Costa Rica. Work with your friends to collect sea turtle hatchling data and contribute to conservation in action. Over the next 14 days, you'll venture across Costa Rica and explore this diverse country through the eyes of a field biologist and conservationist. Work alongside professional biologists and marine conservationists in the field with a small group of teens. Assist with conservation efforts while having a blast experiencing the amazing biodiversity of Costa Rica through activities like rafting, hiking, rappelling, surfing, and more. We are offering 3 sessions for summer 2026 (while space is available): June 20 - July 3, 2026 July 6 - July 19, 2026 July 22 - August 4, 2026

Travel to Costa Rica's Tortugeuro National Park, home to many protected species, such as the leatherback sea turtle, and the jaguar. This study abroad program explains the science behind conservation and it aims to challenge artists or designers to use their skills to communicate our role in saving endangered species in Costa Rica and beyond. We will address questions such as: What concepts, theories, and methods inform our research and debates about endangered species, the sixth mass extinction, conservation, and human impacts on the natural world? Dr. Lucy Spelman, author, educator, and wildlife veterinarian , teaches this 3 credit course.

Immerse yourself in a semester-long adventure of learning and impact in Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest! This unique Field Semester blends coursework with hands-on conservation, offering you the chance to explore diverse ecosystems, scale majestic volcanoes, kayak across glistening lagoons, and soak up the vibrant Costa Rican culture. Earn valuable credits through engaging courses focused on sustainability, conservation, Spanish language, and Costa Rican studies. Delve into topics like tropical ecology, ecotourism development, and environmental economics, led by passionate professors and local experts. This is your chance to become a globally conscious citizen, equipped with critical thinking skills, research experience, and a passion for making a difference. Volunteer at local conservation projects, collaborate with indigenous communities, and contribute to real-world sustainability initiatives that actively protect the rainforest ecosystem. You'll return home not just with academic credits, but also with a transformative experience that will shape your future career and worldview, leaving you forever connected to the magic of Costa Rica.

Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your career prospects through international work experience and hands-on learning? At Intern Abroad HQ, we help students and young professionals turn career aspirations into reality. We organize affordable internships in 20 destinations across 24 career fields that are tailored to meet each individual’s academic, professional, or personal requirements. With over 200 internship programs across Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America and South America to choose from, and options to intern from 2 weeks to 6 months either full-time or part-time, in-country or virtually, we facilitate career-enhancing experiences that work for you, not just the host organization. Intern Abroad HQ is proudly brought to you by the team behind International Volunteer HQ. We have collectively supported over 120,000 program participants since 2007 and are the only B Corp certified provider in our field.

The two-week Costa Rica Pre-Vet Wildlife Medicine: Rescue Center program is based at a wildlife rescue center that rehabilitates, reintroduces, and cares for animals who are victims of wildlife trafficking, human-animal conflict, or otherwise need care. In addition to learning about the animals of Costa Rica and their conservation and care in the sanctuary and veterinary clinic, you’ll also explore the famous Manuel Antonio National Park and Poas Volcano. You can earn four optional credits for studying wildlife conservation during this program. The course includes observing and learning about the facility's animals and learning from your veterinary trip leader and on-site local veterinarian in the classroom, clinic, and rescue center. This program is designed for university-aged students interested in becoming veterinarians or working professionally with animals. Participants must be at least 18 years old. Most are 18 to 25, but we also accept full-time undergraduates over 25. There are no prerequisites, and you don't need to be in school currently to apply. Individuals of any nationality may apply.

Earth Expeditions (EE) are Miami University study abroad courses designed for people looking for inspiring professional development opportunities while earning graduate credit. All courses engage with grassroots conservation and sustainability programs making a difference in Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Our planned 2026 EE sites are the Amazon, Australia, Baja, Belize, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galápagos, India, Kenya, Mongolia, Namibia, Paraguay, and Thailand. Awarding seven graduate credit hours (5 credits for the Summer Term + 2 credits for the Fall Semester), EE courses are hybrid and combine direct global study experiences with engagement in a web-based online learning community. Summer field courses typically run from mid-May through mid-August, with pre-course work beginning in April. The international field “in-country” portion of each class generally lasts 9-10 days. The 2-credit-hour follow-on fall semester course, “Inquiry & Action,” is entirely online and typically runs from late August to mid-December. This component is optional for students taking an EE course for stand-alone graduate credit outside the master’s program.

Enjoy the comforts of sleeping on a mattress every night with the experiential impact of diving into science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) topics in the tropics of Costa Rica and Panama. Gain independence and become confident in yourself through course module takeways—marine ecology, mental health, doing your part to combat climate change, improving your Spanish language skills, the fundamentals of photography, Latin cuisine cooking, and more. Electronics, cell phones, and laptops are welcome on this program. Your residential gap semester can last from 35 to 65 days. Each program topic is complemented by excursions that will enhance your learning, including day trips to volcanoes, hot springs, tropical cloud forest or rainforest reserves, turtle nesting sites, and important political and historical locations in Costa Rica and Panama. Please see our website for more information about modules available. COVID-19 adjustments have been applied to this program to ensure your health and safety while studying abroad.

Spend a semester off the beaten path in Costa Rica’s lush rainforests, towering volcanoes, rushing waterfalls, and a laid-back culture embodied by the national motto: “Pura Vida.” Study conservation, development, and innovative strategies for sustainability, with the country’s many national parks, farms, and tropical ecosystems as your classrooms. Finish the semester by designing and conducting an in-depth research project, collecting data in the field, and presenting your results to peers and key community stakeholders. SFS students live and study at the Center for Sustainable Development Studies. The center is an active organic farm overlooking the vibrant Central Valley, where green is the predominant color as far as the eye can see. Dorms and classrooms intermingle with orchards and gardens, with our center dog, Hera, keeping watch over it all. The friendly town of Atenas is a 10-minute cab ride away, offering restaurants, shops, parks, and cultural events.