SAN JOSE
COSTA RICA
Spend a semester or full year in San José, Costa Rica choosing from a wide range of courses taught in English alongside Spanish language study. Take your learning beyond the classroom as you immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture, connect with local communities, and explore a country known for its extraordinary biodiversity, sustainability, and Pura Vida way of life.
Quick Facts
Language of Instruction: English, some Spanish courses are available
Host University: LCI Veritas
Semesters Available: Spring, Fall
Semester Duration: 13 weeks
Recommended Credits: 13 -15
Application Requirements: GPA 2.75
Program Highlights
Support from pre-departure through return. From the moment you apply until you arrive back home, our dedicated team will guide you every step of the way. We provide comprehensive pre-departure support, on-site orientation, and 24/7 assistance throughout your semester.
Explore Costa Rica beyond the classroom. Your semester includes educational excursions that take you beyond San José to discover Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity, national parks, volcanoes, beaches, and local communities. Experience firsthand the country's commitment to sustainability while creating unforgettable memories.
Live the Pura Vida lifestyle. Supported by our experienced local team, you'll become part of the Costa Rican community through meaningful cultural experiences, interactions with local students, and opportunities to explore the country's warm and welcoming culture. We want you to leave Costa Rica with a second home.
Experiential learning tailored to your goals. Complement your coursework with hands-on learning opportunities, including internships, community engagement, service-learning, research, and field experiences. Costa Rica becomes your classroom as you connect academic concepts with real-world experiences.
No student visa required. U.S. citizens can participate in this semester program without obtaining a student visa, making the process simple and allowing you to focus on preparing for your adventure.
Life San José
San José is the vibrant heart of Costa Rica, where modern city life blends with rich history, colorful traditions, and easy access to breathtaking natural landscapes. Surrounded by lush mountains, the capital is home to museums, local markets, cafés, parks, and lively neighborhoods, making it the perfect place to experience authentic Costa Rican culture while studying abroad.
What might a typical day look like for students living in San José? Start your morning with a fresh cup of world renowned Costa Rican coffee before heading to class. Afterward, meet classmates for lunch at a traditional soda, explore a local artisan market, visit a museum, or relax in one of the city's parks. On weekends, you can venture beyond the city to discover volcanoes, rainforests, waterfalls, beaches, and charming mountain towns, all just a short trip away.
It won't take long to understand why Costa Rica is consistently ranked among the happiest countries in the world. By the end of your semester, San José will be more than just the place where you studied. It will feel like your second home.
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Homestay
Experience Costa Rican culture firsthand by living with a local host family in a private room close by the LCI Veritas campus. Your homestay includes daily breakfast and dinner, internet access, and laundry service once a week. This option provides a comfortable home base while giving you meaningful opportunities to connect with local life and practice Spanish throughout your semester.
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Learning extends far beyond the classroom. Throughout the semester, you'll explore Costa Rica through two included weekend excursions designed to connect you with the country's culture, people, and natural beauty
These excursions offer meaningful opportunities to experience Costa Rica beyond San José, learn more about its unique environment and culture, and immerse yourself in the Pura Vida lifestyle.
Best of all, these experiences are included in your program, giving you the opportunity to explore more of Costa Rica while creating unforgettable memories.
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Your health, safety, and wellbeing are our top priorities throughout your semester abroad. From pre-departure to your return home, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Whether you need help finding medical care, navigating dietary needs, or adjusting to life in a new country, you can count on our experienced local staff for guidance and 24/7 support. Our goal is to ensure you feel safe, confident, and supported while making the most of your experience in Costa Rica.
Pre-Departure Education & On-Site Orientation
ON SITE ORIENTATION
Your semester begins with a comprehensive on site orientation covering health and safety, cultural adjustment, academic expectations, and life in Costa Rica. You'll also participate in LCI Veritas Costa Rica's academic orientation to become familiar with campus resources, student services, and university life.
RE ENTRY SUPPORT
The learning doesn't end when your semester is over. After returning home, we'll help you reflect on your experience and show you how to highlight your international education, intercultural skills, and global experiences on your resume, graduate school applications, and future career opportunities.
Study Abroad Team in Costa Rica
When you study abroad in San José with EdOdyssey, you become part of a close knit community. Our dedicated local team takes the time to get to know you personally and is there to support you throughout your semester, from the moment you arrive until it's time to head home.
Sofía Carrillo, Costa Rica Country Manager
Sofia is our Costa Rica expert and local program coordinator. Born and raised in Cartago, Costa Rica, she has a background in Sustainable Tourism Management and a passion for sharing the country's culture, natural beauty, and authentic Pura Vida spirit with students. She is excited to welcome students to Costa Rica and help them experience the country through meaningful cultural connections and unforgettable learning experiences.
LCI VERITAS
You'll have the opportunity to study at LCI Veritas, a leading institution in Costa Rica known for its innovative and creative approach to education. Located in San José, LCI Veritas offers hands-on learning opportunities across Art & Design, Business & Communication, Science & Environment, Health & Psychology, Social Sciences, and Spanish Language & Literature. Students can develop practical skills while gaining a deeper understanding of Costa Rican culture and the local community, with support from our team to select courses that align with their academic goals and degree requirements.
*Credits: Your EdOdyssey study abroad advisor will work with you and your University to select and pre-approve your courses for easy transfer to your curriculum. If applicable, we’ll even help you “petition” if this program is not yet pre-approved.
Courses
LCI Veritas offers a diverse range of courses designed to complement your academic goals and interests while studying in Costa Rica. Our team will help you select courses that align with your degree requirements and ensure a smooth credit transfer process with your home institution.
Course offerings are available across several disciplines, with popular areas of study including:
Art, Design And Humanities
Business, Communication, Marketing
Biology, Environment, Science
Health & Psychology
Social Sciences
Spanish Linguistics & Literature For Advanced Spanish Proficiency Students
Looking for courses in a particular area? Contact us at info@edodyssey.com and we'll help you explore the academic options available for your semester abroad.
Upcoming Semesters & Dates
Here are important dates and costs for our study abroad program in San José, Costa Rica.
SPRING 2027
Application Deadline: December 1, 2026
Start Date: February 2, 2027
End Date: April 30, 2027.
FALL 2027
Application Deadline: July, 1 2027
Start Date: September 21, 2027
End Date: December 11,2027
Program Costs
Total EdOdyssey Program Fee: $14,000
Once accepted, a $500 deposit is due to reserve your spot in our Costa Rica study abroad program.
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13 academic credits at LCI Veritas
A dedicated EdOdyssey Program Director and local support team
Course selection guidance and credit transfer support with your home institution
All pre departure preparation, resources, and student materials
Comprehensive on site orientation, including health and safety training
Homestay close by the LCI Veritas campus
Daily breakfast and dinner
Educational excursions and cultural activities throughout the semester
Coursework and opportunities for experiential learning
24/7 health, safety, and emergency support
International emergency medical insurance
Airport pick up upon arrival and airport transfer at the end of the program
Access to campus facilities, student services, and university activities
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Private room in a Costa Rican homestay close by the LCI Veritas campus
Daily breakfast included
Daily dinner included
Laundry service once a week
WiFi/Internet access
Opportunity to experience Costa Rican culture and daily life with a local host family
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Spanish Language Learning Course: 4 academic credits through a 4 week, 60 hour Spanish language course. (Student visa required for programs longer than 16 weeks)
Faculty from Home University: Option to include a faculty member from your home university as part of the program.
Lunch Tickets Package: Students can use their university ID to access meals at campus cafeterias.
Private Apartment: Option to upgrade from homestay to a private apartment.
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Learn more about Scholarships, Financial Aid, and more on our Money Matters page.
READY TO APPLY TO OUR STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM IN SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA?
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