Although the education system in Costa Rica tends to be pretty low-key compared to more academically rigorous destinations, a majority of the classroom work you’ll do while studying abroad in Guanacaste involves hands-on learning techniques, which are incredibly valuable—not to mention way more fun than reading textbooks or listening to boring lectures.

Popular subjects to study. Thanks to its incredible biodiversity, it’s no surprise that most of the study abroad programs in Guanacaste, Costa Rica have to do with environmental subjects. Conservation, forestry, marine biology, and ecology are all great choices for subjects to study. Guanacaste is also a popular location to practice su español! Spanish courses are widely available for study abroad students.

Short term programs vs. long term programs. With options to study abroad in Guanacaste throughout the year, there isn’t a bad time to experience life in one of Costa Rica’s most popular provinces! You can choose short-term programs during spring break, May term, or summer which are great options for students who can’t miss a traditional semester or want to earn extra credits. If you prefer something more long-term, there are programs during the fall, spring, or for a full academic year. Longer programs help you get the most colones for your buck and you will certainly see much better results on your Spanish language skills thanks to the full immersion experience.

Attending universities vs. other program types. As the second largest city in Costa Rica, Guanacaste offers a diverse assortment of programs for international exchange students. When looking into the options, you’ll notice that you can take classes at universities in Guanacaste or courses through third-party program providers. Your home institution might even have courses to study in Guanacaste. Before choosing a program, it is wise to talk to your academic advisor to help you decide which program will fulfill your credit requirements.