Humanities Study Abroad Programs in San Jose, Costa Rica

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

When I decided I wanted to go abroad, I was nervous about a lot of things. First off, I was scared that when I went abroad I would have to settle for a location I did not want to be in because I needed my credits to transfer over. Luckily AIFS had a program in a wonderful city with a bunch of classes that would transfer back to my home university super well. When I chose this program, I was overjoyed but nervous about living in a homestay. When I got there I was happily surprised to find that my host family was amazing and provided me with an experience I would not have been able to have if I had been in a dorm/apt. The people that I met in the program were some of the coolest people I have ever known and am happy to call them my friends to this day. If you are looking for a great program in Paris where you have the freedom to meet new people, travel, and find yourself in a new place, I would 100% recommend this to you!

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!

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.

My semester abroad in Granada, Spain was absolutely unforgettable. I decided to stay with a host family and I lived in their home with another student in the same program. Living with a roommate, we became really close friends. My host family was so kind and welcoming, they included us in everything they did. I learned so much Spanish culture and tradition from spending time with the family. The school was called Center of Modern Languages and I had a mixture of Spanish and Business classes. I loved speaking Spanish in class and getting to know other students. AIFS provided a level placement test at the beginning of the semester so that everyone found courses that were appropriate for their knowledge of Spanish. The classes were very fun and I enjoyed going to class. The AIFS program excursions were some of the best experiences/trips that I went on. I was blown away by the Morocco trip as well as the Seville/Córdoba/Gibraltar weekend. The trips were well planned, affordable, and allowed for free time to explore with friends. I made so many connections with locals, got to experience once in a lifetime activities like riding camels next to the ocean, and tried amazing foods. The program application process was hassle-free and the program advisors in Granada are so helpful. I would often visit their office and just chat with them or ask their advice on where to visit on the weekend. They organized cooking classes, art classes, sporting events, and cultural activities like a flamenco show. Granada is such a wonderful city. It is very walkable and the people are very friendly. There are endless tapas bars in the city where you get free food with each drink purchase. I made friends with lots of locals and other students from across the US. I attended exchange club meetings where you get drinks and tapas, and you chat in whatever language you are trying to learn with people from around the world. AIFS did a wonderful job providing opportunities for all of the students in the program to get to know each other. I made a close-knit group of friends and we spent so much time together. I am so thankful for having met them thanks to AIFS. We even visited each other once we arrived back in the US! I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to experience Spain on a more personal scale compared to bigger cities. I think Granada is the most beautiful city, and the Alhambra is a must-see!

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!

Studying abroad can be new and difficult to process, especially far away from home. Being apart of the ISA group in Costa Rica was a blessing in which I got to meet other students across the country and created a whole new meaning of friendships for me, To this day I still talk to several of the peers I met while studying abroad. Another aspect that helped was my host family, there was not one day that my host mom did not care about my well-being and it felt nice to have someone take care of me while being away from my actual home, I also still talk to my host mom and miss being around her. I highly recommend studying in Costa Rica, especially during the spring semester!

Berlin is a really wonderful and historic city to live in. My German is basically nonexistent and I still felt like I was able to get around fine. The AIFs staff are very supportive, and the organized actives were well structured and thought out. If you weren’t interested in some or all of the activities, you didn’t have to participate and there was plenty of time to do your own thing around Berlin or travel throughout Europe. I didn’t particularly enjoy my academic experience at Humboldt, there were a few good classes but also a few really awful ones. So, if I could do it again I would probably do the AIFS program with Freie Universität academic program.

In Coasta Rica I experienced things that I never thought I would. All of Coasta Rica is filled with natural wonders and beautiful wildlife. I feel so lucky to have been able to see waterfalls, sloths and sea turtles. I will never forget my time there and I feel very lucky to have gone. ISA set up excursions for my group that showed us the country and prepared us for our time there.

I absolutely loved my time studying in Costa Rica! I was able to explore the country almost every weekend and meet great people through the program! I loved being in the city because it allowed me to meet locals who I will never forget. A couple of my classes had field trips to nature reserves as well as to Caño Island which was definitely the highlight of my stay. I stayed with the best host family, they were so welcoming and my Mama Tica made delicious breakfasts and dinners each day. Getting to practice my Spanish was nice especially since Ticos are so patient and kind!