Study Abroad Programs in Heredia, Costa Rica

Studying abroad can seem scary and intimidating, however the Costa Rican culture and USAC staff made my journey so welcoming, easy, and fun! The staff were truly so kind and genuinely cared about their students. Any question, concern, or recommendations were happily answered and they followed up with everything. They made my experience so enjoyable and allowed me to fully focus on my academics and experiences.

I had a lot of fun and got to go on trips (apart from the program, mostly) to see a lot of awesome places during the weekends this summer. I learned a lot more Spanish and improved my speaking pace, while also being able to understand a lot more and at a much quicker listening pace as well. That is the thing I think I am most proud of is my improvements with the language. But I am glad I studied abroad because it also gave me a LOT of opportunities to get out of my comfort zone and try new things. I have grown a lot as a person even in just 2 and a half months here. The nature and wildlife here are incredible and worth seeing.

I decided to study abroad to better my Spanish skills while also immersing myself in Latin American culture. Costa Rica has done just that! My Spanish has improved so much, and I have been able to immerse myself firsthand in what I have learned in my Latin American Cultures classes back at my home university. I would totally recommend this immersion program!

Studying abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica was truly life changing. The program did a great job helping us fully immerse and experience life there. The host families are amazing and the country is beautiful.

My daughter and I had the unique opportunity to experience both Intercultura's Teen Camp and Adult Spanish Program at the same time, and it ended up being one of the most memorable trips we've ever taken together. We started at the Heredia campus, and I can't recommend the immersion experience enough. Being surrounded by Spanish every day accelerated my learning far more than I expected, and the mild spring-like weather was absolutely perfect. The teachers were engaging, patient, and skilled at making students feel comfortable speaking, regardless of their level. While I attended adult group classes, my daughter participated in the teen camp. It was wonderful knowing we were both having our own enriching experiences during the day and then sharing stories in the evenings. She made friends from around the world and came home with increased confidence, improved Spanish, and unforgettable memories. We also spent time at the beachfront campus in Sámara, which was equally fantastic but in a completely different way. Studying Spanish just steps from the ocean felt like the perfect balance of learning and vacation. The location is stunning, and the classes kept me engaged and motivated while still allowing plenty of time to enjoy the beach and local community. What impressed me most was how Intercultura successfully serves learners of all ages. Whether you're a parent looking to improve your Spanish, a teenager seeking an international summer experience, or a family hoping to combine both, the programs are exceptionally well run. I would highly recommend both the adult program and the teen camp. Experiencing the city and beach campuses gave us the best of both worlds, and it was a trip we'll be talking about for years.

During my time in Costa Rica, I took Spanish coursework and completed an English Language Assistantship Intern at the Universidad Nacional. I assisted two classes across 3 different days, helping give writing feedback and develop their oral communication skills. In my Spanish coursework, we focused on complex grammar skills and refining our own writing styles. The home stay was farther from the University and downtown area than I would have preferred, but the taxi/uber availability was helpful.

i learned so much while studying abroad and living in costa rica and made many friends from all over the states while there. it was definitely something that i would recommend to anyone interested in studying abroad or thinking about it! there was definitely an adjustment that had to be made and it definitely was not easy at first but i grew so much as a person and as a student and gained confidence in my spanish speaking skills that i would not have gained otherwise.

I took 2 weeks Spanish class at the school last winter. Everyone from the office and teachers where very professional and friendly. The location of the school just beside the beach and the ambience of the school it couldn’t be better.

I was lucky learn so much about Latin America and Costa Rican culture during my time abroad. I made great friends and the program gave me the opportunity to go on really fun trips. I never would have had this experience if not USAC.

My experience in Costa Rica was truly life changing and I now have a second home! I would love to go back and maybe move there for good. Such a beautiful place and an amazing program that I am forever grateful for.

I was a student at Intercultura whilst teaching English. The teachers were fantastic and I picked up more Spanish in a short time than I did in four years of studying at high school! It’s such a great place to learn and make connections. The teachers taught at my pace and outside of class there were lots of opportunities to practice. The extra curricular activities are great too

Intercultural was my gateway to a bilingual life abroad. I started there with no Spanish speaking skills and after 6 months of studying and living in Heredia, I developed solid Spanish communication skills and a strong understanding of the local culture and way of life. Due to all of the cultural activities and sense of community within the school, I was immersed in the local culture and quickly felt at home. I learned to dance Salsa and make gallo pinto(my favorite breakfast food), enjoyed their planned excursions and made tons of friends along the way - this was one of the best experiences of my life! The staff at Intercultura is very kind and welcoming and truly support you in your immersion journey. Sign up now!

I’ve had the opportunity to both work at and participate in several activities with Intercultura, and I can honestly say it’s a truly enriching experience. I really love both locations. The campus in Sámara offers an incredible connection to the natural beauty of Costa Rica, especially its stunning beaches. It has a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere where learning feels fun and alive. There are always engaging activities that make it easy to connect with others, creating a strong sense of community. The Heredia campus, on the other hand, gives you a taste of life in the Central Valley. It’s close to the city, but without the intensity of San José, which makes it feel more relaxed and authentic. There, you also experience a more traditional side of Costa Rican culture—family values, warmth, humor, and a genuine sense of joy in everyday life. What makes Intercultura truly special is the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. Through these interactions, you not only learn about other cultures, but also about yourself. It’s much more than a language school—it’s a space for personal growth, connection, and meaningful experiences.

Learning Spanish Intercultura was amazing! Everything Intercultura has to offer is exceptional- from the academics with extraordinary teachers who were invested my success to speak Spanish well to the community that the school creates to support learning and making you feel at home in Costa Rica through nursing home stays and incredible extracurricular activities.

I worked at Intercultura as an English teacher and had a great experience! Their staff is organized and extremely supportive. The curriculum is engaging for the students, and they complement the academics with fun, cultural events. If you are looking for a true immersion program in a safe and supportive environment, Intercultura is for you!

My Arcos director Andrea was amazing. She adapted the schedule and routes to accommodate our interests while ensuring our safety. The trip was a life-changing opportunity, opening my worldview and teaching me about Latin American cultures. It encouraged me to be adventurous, from zip-lining to trying new foods. A key challenge was the language barrier; I recommend putting effort into learning basic Spanish beforehand, bringing a rain jacket, and exchanging currency before arrival. Highly recommend this enriching program to students considering studying abroad.

Arcos provides an academically enriching study abroad experience, fully immersing students in a new culture. My homestay interactions were excellent, though clearer communication about housing and meal preferences (asking students before making meals) would be helpful for future participants. The experience offered invaluable benefits, fostering deep appreciation for my life and teaching me the power of kindness. This trip is best for those seeking full cultural immersion, not a vacation. Be sure to save extra money for eating out, as costs add up quickly.

Andrea was an excellent, professional, knowledgeable, and personable director, ensuring clear communication and smooth operations throughout the trip. While the CELIUM lecture was sometimes hard to follow due to the language barrier, the overall experience was fantastic. Being immersed in the culture, learning about Costa Rican businesses, and enjoying the excursions made this an experience I will always remember.

This program is highly recommended! Our director was amazing, always organized and accommodating. My homestay family was incredibly sweet and welcoming, making me feel right at home. The trip taught me valuable business insights and pushed me out of my comfort zone, turning strangers into good friends. Be ready for early mornings, and consider brushing up on Spanish to overcome the language barrier challenge.

Everything was fantastic! The learning content, focused on company visits and real-world interactions, was excellent. Our homestay hosts were incredibly kind and generous. Be prepared for unpredictable weather, and knowing some Spanish is helpful as English is not widely spoken. I met great people, tried new foods, experienced Costa Rica's natural beauty, and truly understood "pura vida."