OUR DESTINATIONS
A living classroom, where nature, culture, and community come together in harmony.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT COSTA RICA
Population: 5.2 million people
Capital City: San José
National Language: Spanish
Costa Rica has no standing army—it was abolished in 1948!
Home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity, despite covering just 0.03% of the Earth’s surface
Nearly 30% of its land is protected as national parks or reserves
Costa Rica generates over 98% of its electricity from renewable sources
Known for its iconic phrase “Pura Vida”, a national expression of joy, simplicity, and gratitude
ABOUT THIS COUNTRY
Costa Rica is a top destination for global learning and study abroad programs, known for its rich biodiversity, commitment to sustainability, and peaceful democratic values. With coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, it offers diverse ecosystems ranging from rainforests and volcanoes to cloud forests and coral reefs—making it an ideal setting for immersive learning in environmental science, public health, social justice, and sustainable development. Students can engage with welcoming communities, explore a strong national identity rooted in "pura vida" (pure life), and experience a country that has no standing army and invests heavily in education and healthcare. Whether through custom faculty-led programs or full semester immersion, Costa Rica provides a safe, inspiring, and highly educational backdrop for meaningful intercultural experiences.
OUR PROGRAMS IN COSTA RICA
Featured Programs in Costa Rica
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
San José • Sarapiquí • Coast8-9 days
Explore Costa Rica through tropical ecosystems, local communities, sustainable agriculture, conservation, and outdoor adventures that build confidence.
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HIGH SCHOOL
San José • Sarapiquí • Coast
Costa Rica | 8–10 Days
Discover rainforest ecosystems, sustainable communities, conservation, service, and adventure in one of the world’s most biodiverse countries.
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COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY
Travel throughout Costa Rica9-12 days
Turn Costa Rica’s biodiversity into a living laboratory for exploring ecosystems, conservation, sustainability, and local community connections.
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COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY
Travel throughout Costa Rica9-10 days
Study Costa Rica’s culturally responsive healthcare through local professionals, organizations, and perspectives on health, wellness, and patient care.
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COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY
Costa Rica9-10 days
Engage with Costa Rican businesses and local communities to explore how they balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.
SEMESTER STUDY ABROAD
A semester abroad in Costa Rica can take two forms. With a cohort of 8+ students, we can design a faculty-led semester program, creating an experience shaped around your course and institutional goals. Alternatively, individual students can choose a direct-enroll pathway.
Students will live in a homestay, experiencing the everyday Pura Vida lifestyle while studying at our partner university, LCI Veritas. They’ll have access to a wide range of university courses taught in English, alongside Spanish language study, in the vibrant heart of San José.
Beyond their coursework, students will have many opportunities to engage with local communities, explore colorful markets and neighborhoods, and experience Costa Rica’s remarkable biodiversity and commitment to sustainability. With volcanoes, rainforests, waterfalls, beaches, and mountain towns within reach, a semester in San José gives students time to develop cultural understanding, practice Spanish, and connect their academic interests to the world around them.
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Open to college and university students with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
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Spring Semester: February to April
Fall Semester: September to December -
Pre-departure, in-country, and re-entry support from EdOdyssey.
Comprehensive on-site orientation covering health and safety, cultural adjustment, academic expectations, and life in Costa Rica. Students also participate in LCI Veritas Costa Rica’s academic orientation to become familiar with campus resources, student services, and university life.
Two weekend excursions designed to connect students with Costa Rica’s culture, people, and natural beauty.
Regular experiential learning activities and opportunities to connect with the local community.
CUSTOM SHORT-TERM PROGRAMS
Custom short-term programs turn Costa Rica into a living classroom, connecting your course objectives with the people, places, and perspectives that bring them to life. We work closely with faculty to design academically aligned itineraries around your learning goals, then build meaningful experiences into the program through expert-led site visits, conversations with local professionals and community leaders, cultural exchanges, and hands-on learning. Students engage deeply with Costa Rica and its people, connecting what they study to the country’s culture, history, communities, and natural environment while developing a more nuanced understanding of the world beyond the classroom.
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Middle School groups.
High School groups.
College and University groups.
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Trips are executed all year round. Exact dates are tailored to your availability, budget, and learning objectives. The average duration of a custom program is between 1 to 4 weeks.
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Includes accommodation, tuition, transportation in-country, activities, meals, an in-country EdOdyssey Program Leader, and much more.
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Popular destinations include San José, Heredia, and Monteverde, offering students the opportunity to experience different regions, communities, and landscapes across Costa Rica. Destinations can also be tailored to your learning objectives and academic focus.