Marine Biology Study Abroad Programs in San Jose, Costa Rica

Administration and staff were excellent. Without their united team effort the our program would probably would not have happen. As the actual program, excellent visits, although unfortunately visits to the University of Costa Rica Department of political science and law school didn't occur given the problems of getting further off the ground no one's really to blame

While at my time with Maximo, I had a lot going on back at home. Ultimately, I felt that being here in Costa Rica has allowed me to learn so much about myself as well as my fears. In which Michael and Gabby contributed to. The immense support received not just by Maximo but specifically by Michael has been the most significant to me. There is nothing I could say to express what it is that I feel within. I have never met anyone like Michael, I say that from the bottom of my heart. I have never been someone who cared about losing friendships, yet I feel that I’ve established such an amazing friendship with Michael that it brings sadness to my heart knowing that it may be a while until we meet again. You are blessed to have such amazing staff. As someone observant, I watched as Michael took on each and every responsibility. I could feel how he felt, and witnessing first hand how he quickly responded to each scenario was honestly impressive. I’ve never met someone as loving, and soft. With a light that brings joy to others. I feel extremely blessed to have met them.

I had the best experience with our Guide Michael for our Political Science Study Abroad. Michael was very easy to speak to in regards to personal matters and not once was there any judgement whatsoever. For my first experience on a study abroad program I’m glad that it was with someone as a guide so caring like him.

The political, cultural and environmental activities organized by Maximo were wonderful. Our guide for our two weeks was Michael and he is the best guide ever. He took care of us, changed plans on a dime if needed and was a lot of fun. Based on this experience I would recommend Maximo’s study abroad programs in Costa Rica.

This experience has been one of the best of my life. The people of Costa Rica have given so much patience and gratitude for our work and that makes the long days totally worth it. My confidence has grown so much over this trip and it has given me so much clarity. I am forever blessed to have met the Maximo staff and everyone along the road.

this experience was truly amazing. We were paired with the best team, and learned so much right off the bat. After leaving this trip I now feel so much more confident in myself, and the future. I am so thankful for this experience and suggest that if you are fortunate enough to do it, you should!!

This program was so incredible! It really opened my eyes to new experiences, new people, and new perspectives! The entire staff was so helpful and engaging!!! I am extremely thankful for this program and the opportunities and people it brought me!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My experience with Maximum in Costa Rica was absolutely amazing and unforgettable. This was my very first time studying abroad, and I could not have asked for a more welcoming, loving, and meaningful experience. From the moment I arrived, everyone at Maximum made me feel like family. The energy, kindness, accommodations, and overall atmosphere were so warm and uplifting. Every experience and visit touched my heart in a special way. From visiting nursing homes, substance abuse facilities, and the HIV clinic, every encounter was memorable and meaningful. Every person I met made an impact on me. Everyone was so welcoming and willing to take me under their wing—teaching me their language, sharing their culture, and allowing me to experience life from a completely different perspective. This experience opened my eyes and gave me a new appreciation for life. It allowed me to see the beauty in people, culture, and community in a way I will never forget. I truly felt the energy of such beautiful people, and if given the opportunity, I would come back and work here to continue making an impact just as we experienced during this journey. A very special thank you to Ellen, our leader and guide. She was absolutely amazing, and I am so grateful for the wonderful experiences and locations she selected for us. Her guidance and care made this trip even more special. I would also love to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone I had the pleasure of meeting: Hector, Karen, Victoria, Jax, Gabby, Kaylee, Maria Arias (thank you for the awesome chicken sandwich!), our amazing driver, Michael, Sharon, and so many others who made us feel welcomed and cared for. Special thanks as well to Dr. Alex, Dr. Tatiana, and Nurse Gerald for taking time out of their busy schedules to teach, guide, and share their knowledge and experiences with us. To every person who participated and made this journey possible: thank you from the bottom of my heart. You made a lasting impact on my life, and I will forever remember this experience. God bless you all!

We had an impactful experience during our study abroad trip. They planned a variety of meaningful experiences and provided tentative support during the entire trip. A special thanks to Ellen for her support and grace.

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

Had so much fun this week studying in costa rica and being around all the wildlife! I really enjoyed the balance between studying and cultural immersion and I can’t wait to come back to costa rica and do it again!

The service learning trip to Costa Rica instilled a greater love for agricultural and eco sustainability. I conquered one of my greatest fears by completing the hanging bridges hike. I highly recommend to everyone to see Costa Rica though the eyes of the local people. Pura Vita!

My experience was eye-opening. I enjoyed my time at the site and at Maximo Nivel. Everyone was kind and very helpful. The faculty at the healthcare facility was honest and open to answering questions. I would most definitely come again to experience the culture of Costa Rica.

I had the best time working with animals this week at the husky shelter. I learned so much about the people in Costa Rica and also the animals. I loved seeing the amount of love and care all the workers had for each of the animals.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time! I loved the different foods that our host family made for us. They always made sure we had enough food! I also really enjoyed my work site! I was able to see how to correctly interact with dogs! I loved the person that told us what to do everyday. She was so sweet!

It was amazing to see the realities of some of the children and their families and to learn and grow from that! I am so excited to continue my career in education and have this in my teaching background!

It was an absolutely great experience teaching English to the kids at Divino Niño, it showed that even though a lot of them come from backgrounds that are not great, it still showed their resilience and how they move forward in their lives.

My trip was awesome there’s some stuff I wish I could have done. But overall I had a very good time. I wanted to go to the beach but the rafting and activities were great. I had a great service site and thoroughly enjoyed it .

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!