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Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

Two words: pura vida! If you don’t know what Ticos (Costa Ricans) means by this simple phrase, it won’t take you long to find out. Pura vida permeates life in this small Central American country, and you’re sure to fall in love with its laid-back, carefree philosophy. Studying abroad in Costa Rica is an exciting mix of academics and adventure, allowing you to have it all: try out hands-on conservation research and monkey spotting in the rainforest or participate in Spanish intercambios and weekend surf sessions. One thing is for certain: a study abroad program in Costa Rica is an experience you won’t soon forget.

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USAC students exploring the Old-Growth Forest in Costa Rica.
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University Studies Abroad Consortium

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ISA Study Abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica

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Universidad LCI Veritas

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Study at the Universidad Veritas in Costa Rica

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Arcos Learning Abroad

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Study abroad in the highlands of central Costa Rica, in the charm...

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MAXIMO NIVEL

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Intern Abroad in Latin America | Top-Rated Internships

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IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad

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IFSA Universidad Nacional Partnership

CULTIVATE FLUENCY IN SPANISH, INDULGE YOUR LOVE OF THE OUTDOORS ...

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AIFS Abroad

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Spend a semester or academic year in the lively capital of San Jo...

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CIS Abroad

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Semester in Costa Rica - Universidad Veritas

On our Semester in Costa Rica program, you’ll live minutes from t...

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Intercultura Costa Rica
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Intercultura Costa Rica

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Spanish + Cultural Immersion - Beautiful Beach & City Campus

Learn Spanish and immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture at one ...

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SIT Study Abroad
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CEA CAPA Education Abroad in San José, Costa Rica

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, blends urban life and natura...

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Costa Rica Community Development Service Learning for Groups

This trip takes you to the stunning Costa Rican Pacific Coast. Gr...

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Arcos Journeys Abroad
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Immerse yourself in the Spanish language of Costa Rica, the happi...

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Spanish Classes in Peru

April 20, 2025by: Katherine Drab - United StatesProgram: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
10

Tania was amazing at speaking fully in Spanish and encouraging me to do the same. Additionally, Nora was an incredibñe host mom. We all loved her! : ) ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏‎ ‎

A Guide to Studying Abroad in Costa Rica

Locations

It’s not hard to see why Costa Rica is the most popular destination for study abroad students headed to Central America. Cradled between two oceans, its leafy rainforests and idyllic beaches are easily confused for a tropical paradise. The government’s dedication to environmental conservation has created a successful ecotourism industry; therefore, studying abroad in Costa Rica will be a great way to experience the nation’s natural treasures firsthand.

No matter where you choose to study abroad in Costa Rica, you’ll likely spend some time in San José. The nation’s capital, economic center, and transportation hub, this city is a lively mix of business, universities, and cultural institutions. Many students choose to study abroad in San José in order to quickly acclimate to the Tico way of life, whether it’s catching a fútbol match at the Estadio Nacional, sipping on homegrown coffee at the trendy Café de los Deseos, or checking out artists’ wares at the Festival de Arte.

A short drive from San José is Heredia, a university town with deep historical roots. Colonial buildings overlook lush plazas, providing a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for student life. The National University of Costa Rica and Latin University of Costa Rica are both based in Heredia, ensuring great nightlife and plentiful street food options; go ahead and stock up on those tamales, empanadas, and some carne asada between classes.

If you’d rather leave the city behind and immerse yourself in the rainforest, head to Monteverde, home of the famed Cloud Forest Reserve. The nearest town to the reserve, Santa Elena, is small and filled with tourists, but if you’d rather spend your time in a biological research station than partying at the club, Monteverde is the place for you. In addition to countless nature hikes, the area offers tours of coffee plantations and the Monteverde Cheese Factory.

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