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Study Abroad in Costa Rica

Study Abroad in Costa Rica

Experience Costa Rica - SUMMER 2025

Dates: August 23 - September 20

Zoom info session:

  • March 13 at 11am
  • April 30 at 3pm
  • May 22 at 1pm

Costa Rica is a land of many natural wonders: Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, luscious rainforests, dense cloud forests, volatile volcanoes, and abundant animal and plant life. Immerse yourself in language and culture while surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty and the warm, welcoming people of Costa Rica. The Costa Ricans (Ticos y Ticas) are dedicated to promoting harmony between nature, community development, and economic growth. They have made a major commitment to protect the nation’s natural resources and beauty while preserving its long tradition of political democracy and stability. Costa Rica offers you a safe and accessible place to study and to explore the beauty of its natural treasures. It offers reliable public transportation, the highest literacy rate in Central America, and an excellent healthcare system. While studying Spanish, enjoy the congeniality of the people along with the natural beauty and unique flora and fauna: All combine to make Costa Rica an idyllic place to live and study.

aerial view of the Santo Domingo Church in Heredia Costa Rica

Program Cost and Dates

  • Cost: $3383
  • Application Deadline: June 20, 2025
  • Program Deposit Due of $300 (non-refundable): July 1, 2025
  • Balance of Program Fees Due: August 1, 2025
  • Tuition: Check your campus calendar
  • Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation: August 2, 2025

Location

This unique program includes study in two locations!

Heredia (3 weeks) – located just to the northeast of the capital city of San Jose, and about 35 minutes from the airport, Heredia is a historic and thriving small city. Its location in the foothills of the mountains lends it the nickname “land of eternal spring”, with a year-round average temperature of 78 F.  Heredia enjoys beautiful colonial-style architecture, as well as many modern facilities including a sports stadium and a shopping mall. Your Spanish language classes and cultural activities will be held at Intercultura Costa Rica Language School in the center of the city.

Playa Samara (1 week) – located on the Pacific Ocean about three hours from the San Jose airport, Samara is a quiet, beautiful beach town. Playa Samara is hot, with average day-time temperatures of 89 F. The Intercultura Costa Rica language school campus is just steps from the sandy beach. Study Spanish and learn to surf or paddle board or just relax in this idyllic location!

Housing

While in Heredia, you will live with a local Costa Rican family. A single occupancy furnished room and two meals per day (breakfast and dinner, while in town) are included. You can request to live in a home with or without another student, though neither option is guaranteed. Homestays are located within a 20-minute walk or bus ride to the language school’s campus. You are encouraged to interact with your homestay family as much as possible to facilitate learning the Spanish language and Costa Rican culture, and to get to know the family. You are expected to respect the norms and customs of your host family. While in Samara, you will be housed in a large student residence with shared, furnished rooms that are located adjacent to the language school’s campus. The shared bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning. You can prepare your own meals in the residence kitchen or eat out at nearby restaurants.
 


 

Program Costs Include

  • Airport pick-up at SJO on August 23 (if arriving before 11pm) and transfer to SJO on September 20 (if departing after 3pm)
  • While in Heredia: Single occupancy room in homestay
  • While in Heredia: Breakfast and dinner while in homestay
  • While in Samara: Shared room in student residence (large house) with air-conditioning
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • On-site arrival orientations
  • 72-hours of Spanish language instruction
  • Three-day, two-night trip to Manual Antonio National Park and the Pacific Ocean (transportation, lodging, breakfast, and entry fee included).
  • Three-day, two-night trip to Arenal Volcano and Baldí Hot Springs, including a canopy tour (transportation, lodging, breakfast, one dinner, and entry fees included).
  • White-water rafting daytrip, tour of Doka coffee plantation, visit to La Paz Waterfalls, ocean kayaking and snorkeling tour
  • Afternoon cultural activities such as dance lessons, yoga and cooking classes
  • Departure ceremony
  • Medical insurance
 

Program Costs Do Not Include

  • Round-trip airfare to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO)
  • College tuition and fees for five credits (paid to your home campus)
  • Passport fees (and visa fees, if applicable)
  • Lunches (approximately $7-10 per day)
  • Dinners while on weekend excursions (approximately $15-25 per meal)
  • Breakfasts and dinners while in Samara
  • Public transportation expenses during free time (optional)
  • Spending money
  • Expenses to communicate with family and friends outside of Costa Rica (phone sim card or international service plan).
 

Please set up an appointment to see a financial aid advisor to learn more about financial aid support.

 

Registration

Contact Carolin Gipple
Study Abroad Manager
509-533-8277
Carolin.Gipple@ccs.spokane.edu