A Parent's Guide to High School in Costa Rica

These Costa Rica summer programs for high school students can be summed up by two words: Pura Vida. ☆ You may have heard of this alluring lifestyle from your friends’ vacation posts on Facebook, but should you send your teen on a Costa Rica summer program for high school students? Costa Rica is a stable and prosperous country with a strong tourism industry, and luckily, there are many quality, safe, and exciting Costa Rica high school summer programs out there. As former study abroad advisor, I’ve spoken with many parents as they’ve supported their sons and daughters on overseas programs, and understand there are many things to consider. 

Encourage your child to take the road less traveled & go to Costa Rica this summer!

Before we dive into Costa Rica high school summer programs, you might be asking yourself... 

Why should my teen study abroad in high school? 

No matter what they want to do after high school, study abroad experiences have proven long-term benefits, both academically, professionally, and personally. 

• It improves language skills. Unlike learning from a textbook, immersive language experiences are known to help language acquisition. With Spanish as one of the world’s most widely-spoken languages, participating Costa Rica summer programs for high school students (even for a few weeks) can help give your teen a strong language foundation. Since Costa Rican Spanish is considered one of the most easy to understand and “clear” forms of Spanish, Costa Rica is an optimal place to learn. In our globalized world, many careers and employers value second-language skills, so starting early with an immersive experience can give your teen a leg-up!
• It helps make a well-rounded college application. The experiences and lessons your teen learns abroad can make for great content for college admissions essays, as your teen demonstrates teamwork abroad, gains insight into a new culture, and challenges themselves with new experiences in an international context. 
• It develops lifelong skills and personality. During the transformative teen years, a structured, high school summer trip abroad can do wonders for developing your teen’s maturity, independence, adaptability, and curiosity to learn. Learning about the world, meeting people from different cultures, and spending time overseas can leave a deeply positive impression. 

FAQs on high school in Costa Rica for parents

Where in Costa Rica should my teen study abroad?

Your child’s homestay family will keep them safe & sound, while teaching them *tons* about Tico life.

While some Costa Rica high school summer programs will make the capital city, San Jose, the students’ home base, others will immerse students in the stunning smaller towns and rural areas...and for a good reason! As one of the most ecologically diverse countries in the world, with lush cloud-forests and world-class surfing beaches, it’s no wonder Costa Rica is a top tourism and adventure destination in Latin America!

• San Jose This is Costa Rica’s urban and modern capital, located in the middle of the country, but within easy reach of the famous national parks and wildlife. With over 330,000 people, it’s one of the safest capital cities in Latin America, with many museums, parks, universities, and theaters.
• Heredia Known as “the city of flowers,” this is a popular location for high school in Costa Rica programs. Located a few miles north of San Jose, this city of 500,000 people is known for its access to outdoor beauty, like Braulio Carrillo National Park and the inactive, Barva Volcano. It also has a thriving university and small, urban center.
• Atenas The small town of 5,000 people has some of the “best climate in the world” (according to National Geographic Magazine), with sunny days and mild weather. Located less than an hour from the capital city, this small town is in the heart of a rural region known for thriving coffee and mango farms. It’s a safe and calm town, with many opportunities for immersion into Costa Rican daily life!

Many programs also host students in a variety of coastal and small villages—which give students a unique insight into daily Costa Rican life!

Are summer programs the best? 

If you’re looking for flexible start dates, program lengths, and a lower cost, then a summer Costa Rica high school program might be the best choice. Summer programs also give your teen the chance to combine summer fun with immersive learning experiences. However, if your teen is looking for a longer high school in Costa Rica program, be sure to read up on gap-year programs in Costa Rica and semester or year long high school programs in Costa Rica in GoAbroad’s directory.

What’s the average cost—and how do we afford it?

New life goal: Crash your kid’s study abroad adventure in Costa Rica ;-)

Costa Rica summer programs for high school students typically start at around $2,600 for a couple weeks, like Sol Abroad’s 2-week program, with other programs hovering around $3,600 for a couple weeks, not including flights. One-week programs are around $1,350, like Maximo Nivel’s high school program in Costa Rica. Many programs’ weekly pricing is tiered, meaning the weekly price will be lower the more weeks you book, so definitely do the calculations when deciding between a 2 or 3-week program, if you’re on the fence. Along with calculating the weekly price, check out the services included in each program fee, so you can be sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck and a quality program!

Scholarships Many high school study abroad programs offer a select amount of need and/or merit-based scholarships for their students, so definitely scour the programs’ websites. Some programs automatically consider all students enrolled, while other programs will require a separate scholarship application. Finally, check out your teens high school- there may be Spanish language department scholarships or other resources!

Fundraising and Jobs Encourage your child to make a budget for their trip, and start planning early to save money. Most study abroad programs estimate around $200-$300 in spending money per week, so even if you’re helping them cover most of the cost, they can try and fundraise, as well! Babysitting, part-time jobs, and evening starting an online fundraising like FundMyTravel can give your teen a structured approach to raising money where they can and track their progress and share their study abroad goals with family and friends.

Do all Costa Rica study abroad programs for teens provide the basics?

Most definitely! Costa Rica high school summer program fees typically include housing, airport excursions transportation, a selection of adventure and cultural activities, and, of course, the classes or volunteer projects. Most programs use homestays, which include a number of daily meals. In addition, program fees usually include health insurance, pre-arrival support, and in-country, local staff support 24/7. Expenses not covered usually include flights, your teen’s spending money for souvenirs, and perhaps certain meals for overnight excursions. Check with the study abroad organization, as there’s usually a “What’s Included” section on the website.

How do I know my child will be safe?

Safety is a huge priority for many providers of Costa Rica high school summer programs

This is one of the biggest worries, but rest assured, reputable high school in Costa Rica programs are extremely well-versed in managing and running safe programs for teens.

• Will they have a support system/supervision? Each program will have their own rules in place, but take comfort in knowing that there are plans to ensure a strong support system as well as contingency plans for any true emergencies (which are rare!) Your child will likely have an arrival orientation to go over safety, health, and other important information on the first day, so they’re aware of the rules. Below are some questions you based off common program safety structures. (You’ll likely receive most of this information in pre-departure meetings or parent resources).
• Are there curfews? What time do students need to be back to their accommodations?
• Is there a 24/7 emergency number? (Reputable programs will offer this support. This is the number you or students call to reach program staff at any time for true emergencies).
• Are students allowed to explore places unsupervised? (In many programs, it’s forbidden for students to leave the town or travel on their own, but the program may have structured “free afternoons” on certain days. Many programs will have rules guiding any free time, like “a buddy system” and requiring check-ins throughout the day with staff.)
• Who are the local chaperones or group leaders? (Programs often have bilingual group leaders available to students 24/7, to help with all student needs during the trip).
• What plans are in place in case of a natural disaster?

Medical and health information

High school in Costa Rica programs usually include health insurance in the total cost of the program. You can ask to see a brochure and find out exactly what their policy covers. Some questions to ask include:

• What emergency services does the policy cover? (Evacuation, repatriation, etc.)
• Does it include emergency dental services?
• What happens if my child gets sick and what kind of in-country support services are there? 

Prescription medications

If your teen takes a prescription medication, they should bring medication for their entire duration abroad. If they need a refill, they won’t be able to obtain the same brand name as we have in the U.S, since foreign prescriptions don’t transfer. However, they can likely find an equivalent at a pharmacy (called farmacias) throughout Costa Rica. Have your teen keep the original prescription handy, along with the drug’s generic name. When transporting medicine, your child should bring their medication in a carry-on bag (not checked!) bag, in their original bottles with labels. 

A note about ADHD and Anxiety medications: Ritalin and Adderall are not prescribed in Costa Rica, so it’s especially important for your teen to bring enough of this medicine to last their entire time abroad, along with a doctor’s note detailing the total amount of medicine the student is carrying and why it’s needed. If their doctor cannot write a prescription for more than a month, you can provide a letter from the study abroad program confirming your teen’s participation in the program. Talk to your study abroad organization for more information and tips about transporting these types of medications to Costa Rica (It’s likely they’ve had this question before!).

What kinds of scams or warning signs should I watch for?

Encourage your teen to push their comfort zone & try new things.

Once you’ve done some research have a handful of programs, how do you know it’s a quality program that is safe, reliable, and will offer what they say? Here are some things to look out for to avoid any dodgy programs:

• Alumni reviews Luckily, student and parent testimonials are a great tool for hearing first-hand experiences. Along with reading reviews, ask the program if they can put you in contact with former parents. 
• A strong online presence Does their website have in-depth and clear information, or are there only vague program descriptions with minimal resources? Reputable programs tend to have parent resources, videos and photos of past trips, a strong social media presence, a mission statement or company history, and the names and perhaps short bios of the staff who run the programs... instead of only generic company contact information. 
• Program staff What your experience calling or emailing the program? Does the staff readily provide transparent and clear information about the program structure and learning experience they’ll provide to students, or are they only interested in discussing how you can submit a quick payment. 
• Accreditation and reputation The website will usually have a section listing the company’s accreditation with different educational or business organizations.
• “Too good to be true” Go with your gut feeling. If something seems “off” or too good to be true for the price, it probably is. Contact the program to get more into the details, which should be provided easily and made clear.

Can I keep in touch with my child while they study abroad?

With so many ways of communication at our fingertips in this digital age, there are a variety of ways to instantly connect with your child in Costa Rica. Most towns will have access to WIFI, either in cafes, restaurants, or their homestay, but the connection strength can vary, especially in Costa Rica’s many mountainous regions. 

Many high school in Costa Rica programs require that students have a working cell-phone number while abroad so local staff can reach them at any time. There are a few ways to do this:

Smart phones: Many students will take their smart phone with them abroad and either utilize an international plan from their U.S. carrier or purchase a prepaid, Costa Rican SIM card once abroad. The local SIM card will give them a Costa Rican phone number and data plan. Remember: if your child plans to use a local SIM card, their smartphone must be unlocked before they leave the U.S. Call your phone provider to see if the phone is unlocked, and ask them to do this, if not. Students can recharge their SIM card at local supermarkets, pharmacies, and kiosks. Kolbi and Movistar are two big phone companies in Costa Rica.

Another option is to purchase a temporary, international plan from the U.S. carrier. Call your provider to learn about their rates and features for international plans. Read more: The 4 Best Phones for Teens Going Abroad

Prepaid phones If students don’t have an international US plan or an unlocked smartphone, they can easily purchase a basic, prepaid phone once they’re in Costa Rica for around $25-$40. These no-frills phones allow for calls and texts only, and give students a loca, Costa Rican phone number. Students usually purchase these phones with a monthly data plan, with a variety of options for different budgets. Students can recharge their plans as they go Kolbi and Movistar are some big-name phone companies in Costa Rica. 

WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype Video chats are a popular way to say “hi!” to your teen abroad. You can both download the WhatsApp and Skype apps to send texts or make video calls whenever you’re both connected to wifi. This doesn’t drain data, and is a great way for them to connect with family and friends back home whenever they have access to wifi. 

Set up a “Communication Plan” 

Don’t blame us when your kid comes back with dozens of new friends / people to Snap!

Before they leave, have a chat with your teen and agree to how often you’ll both check-in and approximately when they should contact you on that first day to let you know they’ve arrived safely. If they won’t have an international plan on their US phone, they’ll need to connect with wifi to contact you on arrival. (Tip: The Juan Santamaria International Airport has free wifi throughout the international terminal! Hoorah!) However, don’t panic if you don’t hear from them the moment their plane touches the tarmac. 

High school study abroad programs will often contact parents to let them know the students have all arrived to their locations safely. Remember, no news is likely good news, and your teen will get in touch with you once they have wifi connection and are settled in. Read more on communication plans here: Your Child is Overseas, Now What?

How can I help my teen get the most from this experience?

It can be nerve-wracking to send your son or daughter abroad, no matter their age or your feelings about their trip. (When I was 23 and off to Chile, my Dad, who was normally as cool-as-a-cucumber, was obsessively live-tracking all my flights and giving relieved updates aloud to his work buddies...as they later informed me, with a chuckle). Whether you’re wholeheartedly encouraging their experience abroad or are still on the fence with doubts, your support and guidance will be so valuable in helping them get the most from this amazing experience.

Below are some tips to help them prepare for their Costa Rica adventure!

• Work as partners when planning. Once they enroll in a program, you’ll start receiving a flood of emails and brochures with helpful tips and planning steps. Encourage your teen to read things together with you, and ask questions together. This will not only help them become familiar with the program, but it helps you both work out expectations and plans for when they’re abroad.
• Help secure any accommodations for their learning needs, disabilities, or mental health conditions. Whether your teen takes medication for anxiety or perhaps just needs some extra time when completing exams, many study abroad programs can provide accommodations and resources for your teen. The key is to disclose any of your teen’s needs or health conditions to the study abroad program staff as soon as possible. The application may ask for this information, but always check-in with program staff to discuss specifics and get your questions answered. This way, you can be sure that your son or daughter will have the support they need once in Costa Rica. 
• Once they’re abroad, take a step back, and breathe.

“A ship in the harbor is safe. But that’s not what ships are built for.” -John Augustus

Once they’ve arrived safely and told you they’re doing great, they’ll begin their exciting whirlwind of meeting new friends, attending orientation, seeing some incredible sites, and diving into Spanish conversations and classes. Check-in with them as needed to hear about the fun, but resist the urge to spend hours texting or calling every day. With such a short stint abroad, this is not only their golden opportunity to immerse in Spanish, but to sharpen their independence and build strong friendships with their new peers.

Sometimes study abroad programs keep a blog of student activities, so follow this to stay updated on the group’s activities. You may also wish to connect with other parents in the program, to stay looped into the group’s activities. Check with the study abroad program to see if a parent group exists, or ask how you can start one.

What are the best travel abroad programs in Costa Rica for teens?

Great programs, like the ones below, not only have stellar reviews on GoAbroad, but they provide student experiences with top-notch safety and support. 

College Credit and Service Learning with ISA Study Abroad

ISA, a reputable study abroad provider established in 1989, offers a high-school Spanish Language and Culture Program at the Universidad Latina in the town of Heredia. Taught by university professors, students will be in a class with only other ISA high school students and live with other ISA high school students in homestays near the university. Students must have taken at least 1 year of high school Spanish to apply for this program.

High School Community Service Program with API

API has been a trusted provider of high school and college study abroad programs since 1997. In this 2-week program, based in San Jose, students will learn Spanish, live with a host family, and participate in various social and cultural community activities to deepen their understanding of the country and the language. Students must have taken at least one year of high school Spanish to apply.

Sol Abroad

This top-rated high school program offers language courses at the prestigious ATESA language school, in the central highlands town, Atenas. Students take Spanish courses and live with a host family. Exciting excursions and adventure activities are included in the program cost, as well!

Spanish Immersion and Volunteer with SPI Study Abroad

SPI has been providing exceptional educational travel experiences for more than 20 years, and their Spanish language Immersion Program offers two locations: Monteverde or Flamingo Beach, both small towns known for stunning wildlife and outdoors. Upper-level courses can include IB/AP prep, as students perfect their Spanish language. In addition, they volunteer a few times a week within the community. The program also provides cultural and adventure excursions. 

Spanish Language Camp with Greenheart Travel

Your teen can learn Spanish with other high school students from around the world in this immersive program. Greenheat is a well-known non-profit offering quality high school summer programs in two Costa Rica locations—the capital city, San Jose, and the coastal town, Quepos. Students live with host families and participate in fun activities like salsa dancing, cooking classes, local tours, and more! 

Projects Abroad in Costa Rica

If your teen is looking for a humanitarian-focused program without academic classes, Projects Abroad offers a variety of Costa Rica volunteer programs for teens in a variety of locations which immerse students in local community projects. In addition, exciting activities and cultural excursions round-out this summer experience. This program does not require high school Spanish course completion to apply, although it’s helpful! Their Costa Rica service trips for high school students provide guaranteed meaningful adventures.

Maximo Nivel

No matter your child’s program preference, Maximo Nivel has program in the Rich Coast to fit every bill. From teen Spanish immersion programs in Costa Rica to service learning or adventure-oriented options, your teen will be safe and sound—and having the time of their life—while traveling to Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel.

You’re ready to help your teen study abroad in Costa Rica!

Help build your child’s leadership skills and independence; give them an adventure of a lifetime!

After reading through this guide and doing some of your own research, I hope you feel more prepared, empowered, and comfortable with sending your teen abroad to Costa Rica! Study abroad, even for a short time, can have a long-lasting and positive impact on their personal, academic, and professional development. 

As you help them prepare for this Costa Rica adventure, whether it’s giving financial, logistic, or emotional support (and maybe all three!) remember that you are setting them up for a wonderful life experience and that your help is a huge investment in their future. 

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