Environmental Studies Study Abroad Programs in San Jose, Costa Rica

I studied abroad to learn the course content, strengthen my Spanish, and hopefully gain an understanding of another culture. I did get to learn from my courses and practice my Spanish, but I also learned so much more than I expected about the geography, environment, and culture. My program was only five weeks, but the knowledge and understanding that I gained will be with me for the rest of my life. The experiences and friendships that I gained were priceless I cannot speak highly enough of my "Mama Tica", LCI Veritas, my roommates, and most importantly, the AIFS staff that made it all possible. While I was in Costa Rica I posted multiple videos about my experiences on my TikTok @syd.evallen

AIFS CR, helped me des over parts of myself I never would have imagined. Creating life long connections, memories that I’ll never be able to put into words, and a sense of belonging that I will carry with me. The team at AIFS CR made my experience that much better. If you’re in between programs or looking for some change I highly, highly recommend AIFS CR!

I have never traveled outside the country and I am beyond blessed to have gotten the opportunity to! I would 10/10 recommend and do it again! I miss everyone I met and all the friends, but I always get excited to share my travels because it has so far been the best thing I’ve done in my 23 years ! PURA VIDAAA

Studying in Barcelona had been a dream! I took classes in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, and Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. My 7 weeks in that paradise were filled with exploration, inspiration, and so much fun. From amazing people to the delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture to the colorful culture, Spain should be at the top of the must-visit countries list. My favorite activity, besides spending my day at the beach, was wandering around the city without a map and being amazed by the beauty hidden in every corner of Barcelona. Thanks to the Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage class, I learned even more about this impressive history and culture. CIS helped me through every step of adapting to studying and living in Barcelona. They planned fun events for us, such as various tours in famous parts of Barcelona, beach picnic and volleyball, wine tasting, tours to towns in Spain, and cooking classes. I stayed at Aparto Pallars, which is conveniently located near the metro station, from which you can take the metro anywhere. I'm so grateful for this experience, and I'm definitely willing to go back to Barcelona or any other program with CIS!

It was my first time ever traveling outside of the country. I was so nervous and unsure, but my home and host universities were so supportive. They walked me through every step of the way. I met amazing people, tried new food, and experienced culture in a way I never could’ve in the United States. The connections I made while there have changed me as a person. I still talk to my host mom, my Mama Tica, to this day. Even with the language barrier between us, we built such a close connection in such a short time. When it came time for me to leave for the airport, we were both crying. This is an experience I would reccomend to anyone, especially those who are scared to take the leap.

My experience in Costa Rica truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There wasn’t a day that didn’t go by where I wasn’t mind blown by the scenery I was surrounded by on my walk to school, the adventures and possibilities to be planned, among so many other things. If there is an opportunity for anyone to branch out, experience something new, and step outside of their comfort zone, I would encourage it.

I'll just go in order of the 6 categories of academics, living situation, cultural immersion, program administration, healthy and safety, and community. Academics - I found this study abroad because I was interested in the program for health professionals. As it turns out, you can only choose session 1 or session 2 if you do that specific program, but if you want to do both sessions, apply to the double session program and then just choose health-related classes. There were lots of different course offerings, some in English, some in Spanish. I took 4 classes total, 2 in English, 2 in Spanish. I thought the academics were too easy. For some people, that sounds perfect, for some people, that sounds boring. It just depends on what type of person you are. Living Situation - Genuinely the best part of my trip. I love my Tico family so much. I had a wonderful room and support system, and ate some amazing food. I know that other people in the program didn't have as much of a great experience as I did with my family, but you can also always talk with the program staff if you ever have any concerns/needs. Cultural Immersion - The program had some really amazing experiences for us to do together, and if you participate in both sessions, it will be different experiences for you to try in the 2nd round. Probably my favorite was going to La Fortuna to swim around a waterfall, but we also hiked a dead volcano (Irazú), and tried fresh cacao. In terms of really learning the language and culture, explore the city, and really get to know your host family. Program Administration - The program staff were wonderful. All of our questions were answered, they learned everyone's names, and really wanted to provide us with the best experience possible. There are pre-departure sessions for students and for parents, which I think is a great idea and also helped my parents feel more comfortable with me leaving. Health and Safety - If you follow the recommendations of the program staff, you will be safe and comfortable. Avoid walking around at night at all, but if you have to, do it in a group. It's pretty basic things like that to be aware of, and everything will be good. For medical insurance, you pay for it before you leave, and if you get hurt or sick while there, you pay in-person out-of-pocket but then get fully reimbursed afterwards. Community - I'm not a party person, so when I rate the social scene, I'm not including that. (Although I have friends that had lots of fun going to bars and parties while there.) What I am including is the people on the trip, the local places to go, and the offerings on campus. I absolutely loved the weekly dance classes that are offered at no additional price. For fun local places, I explored book stores, weekend markets, and cafes. I definitely recommend Feria Verde that's open every weekend. You can find good food, gifts/souvenirs, and art.

These are three descriptors I would use to summarize my time in Costa Rica. On this trip, it felt like my 3:00pm class was just a fraction of my overall experience. What was truly exceptional was my time spent white water rafting, going to the beach, taking an afternoon to enjoy live music in the heart of the city, and hiking up one of the many mountains that loom over the capital city. Travelling far away from home does not just bring about a change in the way you learn, but also in the way you live. Surely, you learn plenty about history, cultural norms, environmental conservation initiatives, and much more, but the way in which those lessons impact your outlook on the world influences what beliefs you take back home with you. Regardless, travelling to Costa Rica will be a lot of fun, no matter what. There is something for the thrillseekers, the researchers, the athletes, the extroverts, and anyone else you can think of.

Studying abroad has been one of the best decisions I have made for myself, and it wouldn't have been possible without AIFS. I studied abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica, during the summer of 2025, and I attended Universidad Veritas. There, I only took one class called "Intermediate level Spanish for health professions." My reasons for studying abroad were to practice my Spanish speaking skills, immerse myself in a new culture, and learn about the rich, beautiful country. I stayed with a host mother during my stay and went on weekend excursions to Monte Verde, La Fortuna, and Sarapiqui. I was able to cultivate new friendships and relationships with the students in my program, my host family, professors, and natives. Throughout my application process, departure, and duration of the program, I had staff members such as Karla Caballo, Jade Green, and Lucy Bisselle to assist me. I’d recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking for self-exploration and adventure.

AIFS Costa Rica gave me the best study abroad experience I could ask for! The staff were super friendly and outgoing, making sure that we were taken care of and adjusting to our new environment. They offered many different excursions and activities that immersed students into the culture and community, as well as tips and tricks for navigating the country. AIFS made me feel at home in a foreign country, and I will cherish this experience for the rest of my life.

I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad with CIS Abroad in Thailand during the fall of 2024, and I can confidently say that it was an experience of a lifetime. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to broaden their horizons. The on-site staff were exceptional, offering unwavering support throughout the entire journey. Their dedication truly made a difference. The cultural richness of Thailand is something I’ll never forget. Thanks to CIS Abroad, I was able to explore countless temples, enjoy local cuisine, and visit beautiful islands and vibrant cities. One of the program’s standout features is its encouragement for students to travel and immerse themselves in new experiences. The staff not only helped prepare us for academics but also ensured we felt confident navigating the country independently. This experience reshaped my perspective on the world. I had the privilege of meeting people from diverse backgrounds, which allowed me to learn and grow in ways I never expected. I also gained a sense of confidence that I didn’t know I needed, thriving in an unfamiliar environment where communication was often challenging due to language barriers. CIS Abroad goes above and beyond to support its students. From teaching about local culture to offering academic assistance (specific to Thailand), they foster an environment of growth and opportunity. Their consistent communication throughout the semester was invaluable. I wholeheartedly recommend CIS Abroad. It’s more than just an academic program—it’s a transformative experience that will empower you to truly live your best life while exploring the world.

We had a fantastic time and learned so much. The teaching and service were excellent. We are coming back again. We had a life changing experience! During this trip we me so many wonderful people. The city is lovely and the country is full of wonderful animals and natural vistas. Doug and Di

I love studying in South Korea! It was a bit of a culture shock when I arrived as this trip was a lot of firsts for me, like my first plane ride, time in an airport, and trip outside the country! The sunrises are beautiful, and the Cherry Blossom season is one of a kind. As a picky eater, Korea helped me find more foods to try and experiences I liked. If I had to do something different, I would travel more independently and get lost through exploring. The biggest advice I have is to give it a fair shot and do it. There will be moments when you'll get frustrated with not knowing what to expect, but take those in stride and be patient with yourself.

I was feeling rather excited for the experience I knew I was in for, but was unsure how being in a new country speaking a language that I am not great at, and having very little idea of what to expect, getting to Costa Rica was super awesome, but slightly daunting. I decided to run at everything head on, taking opportunities presented to us as foreign students and making the most of my time there. I learned how to be in a new and foreign place, while meeting sweet people and seeing amazing things.

This summer, I had the privilege of studying abroad and participating in a service-learning program through International Studies Abroad by WorldStrides. As a first-generation student, studying abroad was never something I had seriously considered, nor did I see it as an option in my academic career. However, after stumbling across a flyer on my university campus, I knew I wanted to explore the opportunity. I had the chance to study in San José, Costa Rica, from June to July. As a civil engineering and Spanish major, I wanted to enhance my professional skills and expand my network, which is why I chose Costa Rica. I enrolled in a Spanish course at Universidad Veritas, which was unlike any course I had taken back in the U.S. Instead of traditional exams, the course focused on research presentations, essays, and discussions. The knowledge we gained in class was reflected in our essays and presentations, which replaced the need for exams. I would definitely encourage any prospective student who is uncertain about studying abroad to take the leap. The staff and students at Universidad Veritas were welcoming and supportive, creating a positive atmosphere throughout the campus. ISA offered amazing excursions that deepened my understanding of Costa Rica's culture and geographical landscape. The ISA guides and tour leaders were incredible, teaching us about the history, traditional dishes, plants, animals, and more. Every excursion was a fun learning experience and a chance to capture hundreds of beautiful photos. My host family truly made me feel at home. They were the kindest, sweetest people I have ever met and ensured that my roommates and I felt comfortable and safe every single day. They were thoughtful about our meals, often asking for our breakfast and dinner preferences, and even bought us our favorite seasonal fruits. My host mom exceeded all my expectations, and she became an important part of my experience. Not only did I meet amazing people, visit beautiful places, and try delicious food, but I also experienced significant personal growth. By the end of the trip, I realized I had become more independent and confident, even planning solo trips without feeling like an outsider. Self-discovery was an unexpected but valuable aspect of my study abroad experience. If you're considering studying abroad but are unsure, this is your sign to go for it. The program coordinators in Costa Rica were some of the sweetest and most supportive people I have ever encountered.

I absolutely loved my study abroad experience with ISA in San Jose, Costa Rica. I went on amazing snorkeling and whale-watching trips for my marine biology courses, got to explore many volcanoes and waterfalls, and was immersed in the Latin American culture through Spanish courses, my homestay, and lots of cultural activities. I learned how to cook traditional dishes, got to participate in tropical dance classes, and learned about the history of Costa Rica while traveling with ISA. Wouldn't change a minute of my journey!

To say I had an amazing time in Costa Rica with CEA CAPA would be an understatement. I learned so much about myself through my time here. I was worried about going due to my minority status, but the staff and my host family truly made me feel at home. The cea capa staff were in constant contact with us at all times, even before we arrived to San Jose. They threw me a celebration on my birthday and made us feel like a part of a family. Whatever I needed, whether it was academic, health, or emotional support, they made me feel comfortable and supported.

CEA responded to this reviewMay 16, 2024

Hi Zoe! Thanks for taking the time to review about your experience in Costa Rica. So glad you felt part of a family and felt support through your host family and CEA CAPA staff!

I didn’t speak Spanish and I stood out because I was a minority so I was quite nervous upon arriving. When I got there I was welcomed immensely by my host family. She was above and beyond, taking us out to eat, serving lunch meals even when it wasn’t requiring, and quite literally catering to our every need. The people are so friendly and my Spanish improved drastically. They helped me immerse myself into their culture and taught me so many new things and life lessons, it’s an experience I’ll never forget.

CEA responded to this reviewMarch 21, 2024

Hi Dylan! Your study abroad experience in San Jose sounds amazing. So glad you felt welcomed and learned a lot. Host families are so special!

My study abroad trip in Costa Rica was something that I will never forget. I had never travelled alone before, but with the aid of the people at AIFS my trip was amazing. I studied Biology and Spanish, while also immersing myself into Costa Rican culture. I am an aspiring bilingual physician, so the program aligned with my goals perfectly! During the 5 weeks of the program, I was able to travel to different areas of Costa Rica every weekend. So not only did I get to experience San José on the weekdays but I got to experience other wonderful cities in Costa Rica. All around, it was an unforgettable experience that I would recommend to anyone!

I loved spending the semester in Costa Rica and I have no regrets about going. It was an amazing opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and really practice my Spanish skills. The excursions were great and the staff was so kind. I'd go back in a heartbeat!