Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

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.