Sustainable Development Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

Explore the high biodiversity of the tropical cloud forest of Monteverde, where conservation initiatives, environmental education, ecotourism, and the local community live together to preserve this unique place threatened by climate change. Students interested in environmental and natural sciences will learn valuable skills through hands-on experience courses. The high biodiversity of the tropics comes with the ecological processes that shape tropical communities and affect how human activities harm the environment. Students may also learn Spanish and interact with the local community in their native language. During the last weeks of the program, students carry out independent research projects where they apply the knowledge gained through the program courses.

Spend a semester or academic year in the lively capital of San José with AIFS Abroad! You’ll earn up to 20 credits per semester from Universidad Veritas through various courses and internship opportunities. Courses are taught in English and Spanish. No previous Spanish language study is required for most programs. Universidad Veritas offers an internship program and volunteer opportunities that’ll help you make the most of your semester abroad. Their Spanish Language and Internship Program welcomes students with an advanced level of Spanish and a minimum of 2 years of college-level Spanish. It combines a 4-week Spanish language course with a 12-week internship placement within local companies or NGOs based on your major. You’ll also enjoy cultural and social activities, including: • Costa Rican cooking classes • Visits to local museums and historical sites • A 3-day trip to Arenal Volcano, hot springs, and Monteverde Cloud Forest • A 3-day trip to the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park • Day trip to Poás Volcano, Doka Coffee Estate, and Sarchi artisans Optional excursions include a 2-day trip hiking and rafting in Sarapiquí.

Veritas is excited to be in San José for missions! Veritas Christian Study Abroad allows students to take college courses in a myriad of disciplines while also offering mission work that is sure to deepen their relationship with God. San José is known for being at the center of everything and houses some of the best outdoor activities in Costa Rica. Students who want to serve a community of Christ and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of God's creation will delight in spending a summer, semester, or intensive month in Costa Rica!

Get out of the cold and into Heredia’s beautiful, warm weather in this winter study abroad program by IFSA. Experience Costa Rica from a local perspective while immersed in fascinating lessons and incredible activities, hiking trails, national parks, beaches, and so much more! The three-week Ecology and Sustainable Development in Costa Rica course explores environmental conditions in the country through practical field experiences. It addresses the challenges and importance of ecological recovery, protection, and preservation. You will confront the societal responsibility to raise awareness of long-term conservation in Costa Rica and across the planet. You will examine the political and socio-economic relationships that promote or, sometimes, prohibit sustainability. Classes are taught in English, so proficiency in Spanish isn’t required.

Do your international internship with Maximo Nivel - get international work experience in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. - Education (K-12) - Special Education - Micro-Business - Hospitality & Tourism - Human Rights - Medical Please take note of these qualifications: - Interns should be fluent in English. - Spanish language skills are only required for Micro-Business and Medical internships. - Interns should be enrolled or have completed a Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. - Medical interns must present proof of their medical training. Since 2003, Maximo Nivel has been a leader in educational travel and study abroad. Our work-study-travel programs host more than 4,000 people per year. We are a professional, ethical, and hard-working organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every participant, student, traveler, and client! Every day, we strive to set ourselves apart and provide the best internship, education, and cultural experiences in Latin America along with top-notch client service and great home base facilities. Live it!

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, blends urban life and natural beauty with more than 800 miles of coastline and acres of lush rainforests lying just a short drive from this diverse metropolitan center. Study a wide range of subjects with CEA CAPA’s partner university: Veritas University. It boasts a large international student body and diverse curriculum including international business, intensive and medical Spanish language, environmental sciences, and health sciences. Courses are available in both Spanish and English. Get the most out of your time in Costa Rica by taking advantage of the numerous cultural and learning opportunities CEA CAPA provides. Whether you enjoy concerts, sports, cooking classes, language exchanges, or something entirely different, our resident staff will get you involved in the local culture. Interested in going abroad with CEA CAPA? Contact us to get started!

Venture through Guatemala and Costa Rica, exploring lush tropical rainforests, towering volcanoes, steep-sided mountains, and extended coastlines. Embrace the spirit of "pura vida" and learn from the unique crossover of individuals who call these nations home. Living alongside Indigenous communities and their contemporaries, explore opportunities to delve into social justice, sustainability, and the influence of colonization. From the Sierra Madre mountains of interior Guatemala to the sea turtle havens on the coast, from the tranquility and splendor of Lago Atitlán and its surrounding volcanoes to the breathtaking coral reefs offshore, Carpe Diem Education explores the merging complexities of socio-political realities with the hope of a more sustainable future. Cap your new knowledge with improved Spanish, honed during your homestay experience, and outdoor skills learned from the many treks, hikes, and adventure activities available in the region.

Dive into an unforgettable study abroad journey in San José, Costa Rica, where academic excellence meets vibrant culture and jaw-dropping natural beauty. At LCI Veritas, you’ll experience a cutting-edge education in arts, design, and sustainability, all delivered through innovative programs and hands-on learning that bring your passions to life. This program is perfect for bold, creative, and adventurous students ready to expand their horizons. Sharpen your skills in fields like graphic design, photography, and environmental studies while engaging in small, interactive classes led by inspiring faculty. Every day is an opportunity to challenge yourself and think differently. Located in the dynamic capital of San José, LCI Veritas puts you just a step away from Costa Rica’s breathtaking landscapes—think lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and pristine beaches. Earn transferable credits, gain real-world experience, and immerse yourself in a culture as warm and welcoming as its people. Your next great adventure starts here!

Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your career prospects through international work experience and hands-on learning? At Intern Abroad HQ, we help students and young professionals turn career aspirations into reality. We organize affordable internships in 20 destinations across 24 career fields that are tailored to meet each individual’s academic, professional, or personal requirements. With over 200 internship programs across Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America and South America to choose from, and options to intern from 2 weeks to 6 months either full-time or part-time, in-country or virtually, we facilitate career-enhancing experiences that work for you, not just the host organization. Intern Abroad HQ is proudly brought to you by the team behind International Volunteer HQ. We have collectively supported over 120,000 program participants since 2007 and are the only B Corp certified provider in our field.

Spend three months traveling from South Africa to Thailand to Costa Rica and getting the opportunity to work with cheetahs, elephants, monkeys, and more! Designed with pre-veterinary students in mind, our courses are small, hands-on, and taught by veterinarians (DVMs) and marine science instructors. With three four-week modules in South Africa, Thailand, and Costa Rica, develop your veterinary skills with companion animals, elephants, cheetahs, marine life, and various animals of the Amazon rainforest! This is your chance to get hundreds of hours of veterinary experience with diverse species and get to know your vets one-on-one. Learn with your cohort and travel together for the summer semester of a lifetime!

Design the ideal student experience with TTU-CR. At Texas Tech University Costa Rica, we understand that every partnership is unique. That’s why we offer flexible, customized programs tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of your faculty and international offices. • Co-Created: Collaborate to design programs with a personalized focus tailored to your needs. • Customizable: Adapt program content and activities to align with specific goals and interests. • Objective-Based: Ensure every element of the program supports clear academic and professional outcomes. Let us help you create an experience that shapes your student’s future. Join us at TTU-Costa Rica, where every moment is a chance to learn, grow, and leave a lasting impact on the world.

Feed your love for the outdoors or gain the necessary skills to jumpstart your career in the outdoor industry. Earn seven internationally-recognized certifications, 10 academic credits, and complete an in-depth study of Outward Bound Costa Rica’s educational model to make you a desirable instructor or guide for various organizations around the world. From learning to set up belay systems and guiding rafts down whitewater rapids, to providing wilderness medical care, this course has you covered! This is a 65-day course divided into seven distinct phases: Multi-Element Leadership Training Wilderness First Responder Medical Course Surf Instructor Training Whitewater River Guide Training Waterfront Lifeguarding Technical Ropes Rescue Scuba Diving Top graduates of this Outdoor Leader Semester program may be offered a paid internship as a Field Instructor Intern for Outward Bound Costa Rica’s summer high season, with the possibility of staying on as a year-round instructor. *Please note that, for the health and safety of our participants, OBCR has made program adjustments to these courses. Please visit our website to view our COVID-19 considerations.*

Travel to Costa Rica's Tortugeuro National Park, home to many protected species, such as the leatherback sea turtle, and the jaguar. This study abroad program explains the science behind conservation and it aims to challenge artists or designers to use their skills to communicate our role in saving endangered species in Costa Rica and beyond. We will address questions such as: What concepts, theories, and methods inform our research and debates about endangered species, the sixth mass extinction, conservation, and human impacts on the natural world? Dr. Lucy Spelman, author, educator, and wildlife veterinarian , teaches this 3 credit course.

ULACIT’s 6-week Summer Abroad Program offers an academically rigorous yet culturally immersive experience in which students earn 6 US credits (12 ECTS) per summer season while exploring one of the world's most biodiverse and innovative countries. Structure of the 6-Week Summer Abroad Program Each session (June–July or August-September) allows students to enroll in: • Two (2) academic courses of 45 contact hours each, or • Spanish Immersion courses (45–60 hours) All courses are: • Taught 100% in English • Designed for transferability (3 US credits / 6 ECTS) • Built with ULACIT’s project-based, 0%-exams pedagogy • Integrated with experiential learning and SDG alignment How the summer courses are taught (6-week model) Two 45-contact-hour courses are delivered Monday afternoon through Thursday morning. Students take two combined courses over 6 weeks. Each course consists of 45 contact hours, for a total of 90 instructional hours. Weekly Schedule Format • Monday: Afternoon Classes • Tuesday: Morning & Afternoon Classes • Wednesday: Morning & Afternoon Classes • Thursday: Morning Classes • Friday–Sunday: Reserved for excursions, cultural immersion, and independent travel

You’ll never look at a cup of coffee the same way again. Using coffee and chocolate as case studies, explore the relationships between food systems, ecology, conservation, and sustainability. Learn how different agricultural techniques have the potential to restore biodiversity and combat climate change. Study the sociocultural history of coffee and cacao, from Indigenous histories to modern production and exports. SFS students live and study at the Center for Sustainable Development Studies. The center is an active organic farm overlooking the vibrant Central Valley, where green is the predominant color as far as the eye can see. Dorms and classrooms intermingle with orchards and gardens while our center dog, Hera, looks after them. The friendly town of Atenas is a 10-minute cab ride away, offering restaurants, shops, parks, and cultural events.

Spend Your Summer Abroad in Costa Rica's Cloud Forests! Embark on an unforgettable four-week journey of discovery in Costa Rica! This program combines hands-on conservation efforts with intensive Spanish language courses and cultural immersion, transforming Costa Rica into your classroom. Live alongside sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds in the breathtaking Cloud Forest, then journey to the Pacific Coast for an unforgettable experience. Get out of the classroom and into the field with like-minded students, all while earning 6 college credits in just 4 weeks. Open to all majors, this program is the perfect summer term adventure!

This dynamic and highly experiential program takes place in two countries and delves into the heart of social justice issues and lived experience in Mesoamerica, the region comprised of central Mexico to Costa Rica. Engaging with traditionally marginalized groups in Guatemala and Costa Rica will challenge and fascinate you at every turn. You’ll learn about the history, culture, and struggles of the peoples of this unique region, exploring diverse approaches to sustainability, indigenous and Afro-descendant issues, and social justice issues. A theoretical and practical groundwork is laid with active engagement in local communities. Program travel and excursions will help you reflect on the historical causes of social, ethnic, racial and political conflicts that have shaped this region. History, memory, reparation, and the fight for justice have all informed the feminist, Afro-descendant, queer, and environmental initiatives under study in this program. You’ll share time and stories with people devising alternatives for economic and social advancement, as well as with residents forced to flee their homes due to various outside pressures.

Join this 12-day Field Course, which includes online pre-departure coursework the week before. It is open to students from all campuses. The course tackles an interdisciplinary synthesis of environmental issues within the broader context of globalization, emphasizing local sustainability efforts in Costa Rica and Central America as well as associated global-local connections. Specific topics include sustainable community development, free trade, agriculture and land use, renewable energy, and environmental conservation/restoration of tropical ecosystems. The course involves lectures, discussions, group activities, volunteer service-learning work, and field trips to sustainable businesses, organic farms, watershed conservation sites, renewable energy projects, private reserves, national parks, or community ecotourism projects. No prerequisite is required. However, it is highly recommended that you have completed an introductory Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Global Systems, or a related course.