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Study abroad in
Costa Rica

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Overview Cities Programs Points of Interest

Experience Pura Vida

Study abroad in Costa Rica and embrace the "pura vida" lifestyle of one of the happiest countries on Earth. Nestled between the Caribbean and the Pacific, it features fantastic beaches, mountains, volcanoes, and rainforests. Costa Rica's capital, San José, offers a thriving student scene with its universities and artistic community. Refine your Spanish language skills, delve into environmental and sustainability studies, and seek adventure in the heart of Central America. 

Cities of Costa Rica

Cities of Costa Rica

San José

San José, the capital city of Costa Rica blends urban life and natural beauty; more than 800 miles of coastline and acres of lush rainforests lie just a short drive from this diverse metropolitan center.
Population
288,000
Summer Temp
78°F (26°C)
Winter Temp
78°F (26°C)
Geography
Temperate Plateau
Sample Programs
  • Foreign Language & Literature
  • Health Sciences
  • Sciences
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If you’re passionate about sustainability and environmentalism, study abroad in Costa Rica to learn more about how to run a truly green country. Ranked second in the World Energy Council’s energy trilemma index in 2013, Costa Rica is a world leader in environmental friendliness. Thirty percent of its forests are protected reserves, and ninety-three percent of its electricity comes from renewable sources. Costa Rica aspires to be the first carbon-neutral country by 2021. Considering this small nation contains five percent of the world’s biodiversity and acts as a pioneer in sustainability efforts, it’s an ideal place to study the environmental sciences. Come to Costa Rica and you won’t have to look far for good food. Enjoy a cold, fresh coconut on the beach, cut open on the spot when you buy them from street vendors. You can drink the juice or eat the fruit flesh right out of the shell. Try pairing your pipa fria with Costa Rican ceviche, a traditional seafood dish served throughout Latin America in different variations. Costa Rica, like many other Central and South American countries, offers access to exotic fruits you won’t find back home: marañón (cashew fruit), passionfruit, pitaya (dragonfruit), and guanábana (soursop) to name a few. Pick some up at your local open-air market, a great place to practice your Spanish with the locals. Spend an afternoon talking to a new friend over world-famous Costa Rican coffee in a local café. When it’s dinner time, dig into a delectable casado plate to experience a traditional Costa Rican meal, preferably shared with your host family at your homestay.  

Popular Programs

Popular Programs

Spanish Language, Liberal Arts & Environmental Sciences

Spanish Language, Liberal Arts & Environmental Sciences

Veritas University

Improve your fluency, delve into local culture, and learn about environmental issues in a country known for its amazing biodiversity. Designed for all levels of Spanish language proficiency, you’ll take at least one Spanish language course and choose from a range of electives.

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  • ST
  • SU
  • SE
  • YR
  • Starting at $4,795
Medical Spanish & Health Sciences

Medical Spanish & Health Sciences

Veritas University

Acquire the language skills and understanding of cultural elements that may come into play when working with Spanish-speaking patients. Designed for students at all levels of Spanish ability who wish to work in the medical and health sciences fields, this program offers health science courses (taught in English) that provide insight into Costa Rica's health care system and offer active learning components that reinforce lessons learned in class. From recognizing medical vocabulary to describing patients' physical and mental states to communication with patients and other medical personnel, language courses focus on developing the ability to effectively communicate with patients through intensive speaking and listening practice set within a medical context. Advanced students will fine-tune their language skills, discussing topics such as advantages and disadvantages of traditional vs. holistic medicine and preparing talks or presentations given at clinics or conferences. Regardless of the level of instruction, expect to give presentations that simulate medical provider-patient interactions. An Early Start option, offered for semester programs, helps you jump start your (regular) Spanish language skills before your Medical Spanish course begins in the semester.

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  • ST
  • SU
  • SE
  • YR
  • Starting at $4,795
VIEW ALL Costa Rica PROGRAMS

Costa Rican culture has plenty of history, art, and culture to appreciate. Visit San José’s Gold Museum, home to the largest collection of pre-Colombian gold in the Americas, or the Jade Museum, to see the largest pre-Colombian jade collection. Watch local women perform traditional folkloric dance in their colorful costumes or get on the dance floor yourself at the nearest bar, party, or restaurant, where you’ll have plenty of company. Go out and see a show at one of the many theaters, where limited seating makes for an intimate experience. Discover Costa Rican cowboy culture at the annual Bonanza Cattle Show. Attend any of the country’s many monthly festivals with your new friends to see just how enthusiastically the locals celebrate life. When you study or complete an internship abroad in Costa Rica, you’ll develop your Spanish language skills, learn more about Latin American culture, and make progress toward your degree in a tropical paradise. What are you waiting for?  

Costa Rica Points of Interest

Costa Rica Points of Interest

  • Manuel Antonio National Park Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica is renowned for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can hike through the park’s trails to spot monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds, then relax on pristine white-sand beaches surrounded by turquoise waters. 
  • Arenal Volcano Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica is one of the country’s most active volcanoes and a prime attraction for adventure seekers. The surrounding national park offers hiking, hot springs, and wildlife viewing. The volcano’s perfect cone shape and occasional eruptions make it a must-see natural wonder. 
  • Braulio Carrillo National Park Braulio Carrillo National Park in Costa Rica spans a vast area of tropical rainforest and cloud forest. Known for its biodiversity, the park features numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and rivers. Visitors can explore dense forests teeming with wildlife and enjoy panoramic views from the park’s peaks.