10 Best Summer Programs for High School Students in Costa Rica 

Our community of travelers absolutely ADORES these Costa Rica summer programs for high school students! ☆ Studying abroad during high school is one of the best opportunities students can undertake, for language learning, volunteering and cultural experiences.

The variety of programs available including high school programs in Costa Rica, are making high school study abroad more accessible, as well as making it possible to find a program that fits your needs and allows you to follow your dreams.

For a culturally rich high school exchange program in one of the happiest countries in the world, why not explore all that Costa Rica has to offer? From agriculturally diverse jungles to verdant mountains and full-of-life cities and towns, Costa Rica is a lesser-known destination for high school students, but is nevertheless full of incredible opportunities.

Tou-can do it! Attend high school in Costa Rica <3

Brush up on your Spanish language skills, be immersed in Latin American culture and engage in community projects as you study your high school abroad in Costa Rica program.

Take part in exciting extracurriculars, from learning to dance cumbia to cooking up a delicious gallo pinto, learning about the authentic Costa Rican way of life from your homestay family. Just make sure to pack your hiking boots, surfboard and wetsuit; there is not shortage of trails to explore and waves to ride!

Here’s a sneak peek at the best high school study abroad programs in Costa Rica:

• Maximo Nivel
• SPI Study Abroad
• Travel for Teens
• Arcos Journeys Abroad
• Carpe Diem Education
• Tico Lingo
• Projects Abroad
• GoBeyond Student Travel
• Intercultura Costa Rica
• Greenheart Travel

The best programs for high school in Costa Rica this year

1. Maximo Nivel

“Learning Spanish through Maximo was great! Classes were pretty intensive but I definitely picked up some Spanish. The host family I stayed with was very kind and provided everything I needed. I met a lot of people through the program from all over the world and I would definitely recommend if you are looking for a immersive program that is affordable!” —Read more Maximo Nivel reviews here

• Where? Manuel Antonio
• When? Summer, 1-4 Weeks
• Why? Make the most of a fully immersive experience in Costa Rica, staying with a host family and attending daily Spanish lessons. Living in the beach town of Manuel Antonio will be one of the most unique experiences you can have, with the incredible Manuel Antonio National Park quite literally at your doorstep. You'll also get to explore further afield in places like San Jose and Irazu Volcano National Park. Participants will spend their days doing community service, playing sports, exploring the area, and experiencing cultural activities. This program is all-inclusive, meaning your fees cover all meals, accommodation, activities, transportation during the program, Spanish classes and books, and more.
• More info on Maximo Nivel

2. SPI Study Abroad

“I participated in the two week summer in Monteverde, Costa Rica. It was truly one of the best two weeks of my life. It is a trip I will never forget and one that will continue to benefit me through my life. I learned to appreciate the different culture and experience new things and food (which was delicious). I improved my Spanish and I learned about the importance of trees and how to protect the environment as I volunteered at farms. I have stayed in touch with the people I met and I am glad I participated in this program.”—Read more SPI Study Abroad reviews here. 

• Where? Puerto Viejo, Monteverde, San Pedro, Santo Domingo, amongst others
• When? Year Round, Summer
• Why? Choose from a huge variety of locations for your experience with SPI’s Costa Rica summer programs for high school students. This organization offers immersion and volunteer programs for high school students to practice their Spanish language skills, whilst creating amazing memories through excursions and activities. As well as homestay accommodation, meals, tuition, insurance and guidance, SPI’s programs also include all the exciting activities on offer, from scuba diving to visits to National Parks. Traveling to Costa Rica with SPI has all the potential to be a meaningful experience that will boost your education and career prospects, and expand your world view.
• More info on SPI Study Abroad

3. Travel for Teens

“My Costa Rica experience with TFT was an unforgettable one. I appreciated how it was not just a “vacation” but I was very invested in the culture and communities there. From zip-lining across the green rainforest, to building playgrounds for Costa Rican children, TFT did a fantastic job at allowing me to see all the amazing things Costa Rica has to offer.”—Read more Travel for Teens reviews here.

• Where? San Jose, Tortuguero, Turrialba
• When? Summer, 1-2 Weeks
• Why? Spend up to two weeks taking part in one of Travel For Teens’ high school programs in Costa Rica, that will benefit the local community as well as yourself. Learn the ropes of environmental volunteering, from improving the ecosystem to cleaning up the beach, as well as helping to a community with limited resources through an education program. Travel for Teens programs make overseas education simple by assisting with all the administration, transportation, and organization of all the activities, so you can focus on enjoying your time in Costa Rica, making friends, and making the most of the incredible opportunities.
• More info on Travel for Teens

4. Arcos Journeys Abroad

“I learned so much more Spanish, and it was great practice for traveling alone in a foreign country. Make sure you know at least a little bit of Spanish before you come, and don’t forget to bring an umbrella. I’d say the biggest challenges for me were just being away from home for so long, and the language barrier.” —Read more Arcos Journeys Abroad reviews here.

• Where? Atenas
• When? Summer, 2-4 weeks
• Why? Arcos Journeys Abroad ensures high school students will receive the best education in their open-air classrooms—on orange and mango farms! You'll truly be experiencing life in the picturesque tropical paradise of Atenas. As well as brushing up on those Spanish skills, high school students with Arcos will also be able to take part in cultural excursions and volunteering, with continuous support from the organization, including pre-departure. Airport transfers and accommodation with a host family are included, allowing total integration into the Costa Rican community.
• More info on Arcos Journeys Abroad

5. Carpe Diem Education

“My experience with Carpe not only transformed my world view, but it taught me a lot about living with a group and it gave me the tools I needed to be a confident independent traveller. It also helped me realize the importance of being an active member in society- whether that means becoming very involved in politics, controlling your environmental footprint, or buying from local and organic companies. It is such a privilege to be born in the United States, a country that has so much influence in the world, but it is what we do with that privilege that matters.”—Read more Carpe Diem Education reviews here.

• Where? Rural areas, San Jose, Santo Domingo
• When? 3-6 Months, Fall/Spring
• Why? Through living with a host family, high school students studying abroad with Carpe Diem education will experience authentic Costa Rican culture and language. One-to-one or small group tuition ensures students will receive the maximum benefit from their course. Carpe Diem Education’s program in Costa Rica is ideal for anyone interested in biology, wildlife and sustainability, as students can also take part in environmental projects, earning a SCUBA certification as well as plenty of hands-on experience. Food, accommodation and cultural activities are all included.
• More info on Carpe Diem Education

6. Tico Lingo - Spanish Immersion School

“I stayed in Costa Rica for a month in June 2017 it was a really rewarding experience. I couldn't have asked for a better homestay family, we still text everyday even months later. I went to costa rica with only having a year of learning Spanish prior coming to Tico lingo. I think it would have been a little better if I had a couple more years of experience before coming and that way I could have spoke, and improved my Spanish more. But overall I had an incredible experience with my homestay family and I'll definitely be returning to see them. My Tico family made me realise how much I truly love the language and so next year my American parents and I decided that I'll be spending my senior year abroad in Peru learning Spanish with rotary exchange program.”—Read more Tico Lingo Spanish Immersion School reviews here.

• Where? Heredia
• When? 2-4 Weeks, Year Round, Summer
• Why? Tico Lingo’s Spanish Immersion Summer camp runs for 3 weeks, combining intensive Spanish classes with cultural activities and excursions for high school students. With classes ranging from dance to cooking to yoga, Tico Lingo’s Spanish Immersion program enables students to develop their passions as well as learning a new language and culture, making friends and having fun! With homestay accommodation, high school students can continue practicing their Spanish with their host family, who can also teach them more about Costa Rican culture and the quaint, historical city of Heredia. What better way to make the most of summer vacation?
• More info on Tico Lingo

7. Projects Abroad

“When I look back on my experience in Costa Rica, I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. The greatest beauty I can recall from my trip is the new adventures I endured— whether that be Costa Rican dance lessons, speaking fluent Spanish for the first time, horseback riding, or watching bats leave their caves at night. While there were certainly some difficulties in terms of the living conditions, I can wholeheartedly say that my time there shaped me for the better.”—Read more Projects Abroad reviews here.

• Where? Heredia, Nicoya Peninsula
• When? 1-2 Weeks, 2-4 Weeks
• Why? Volunteer for up to four weeks in Costa Rica’s expansive Diria National Park, getting to know the zone’s unique horticulture and wildlife, as well as touring the park’s renowned waterfalls. Get involved with reforestation projects and animal studies in the park, as well as community work such as child care in local communities. High school students can also take part in extracurricular activities, such as dance classes, as they practice their Spanish language and take in Costa Rica’s beautiful culture. 
• More info on Projects Abroad

8. GoBeyond Student Travel

“I think the program ran super smoothly first and foremost. The counselors were fantastic and all of the adventures were exactly what I signed up for. I loved the small group dynamic as well I loved the group bonding experiences because it allowed me to feel more comfortable within the group and engage with others. I was also able to reflect about what I was doing while I was there which was unique and helped me really appreciate what I was doing. The group discussions helped me engage with myself and think about who I was and wanted to do. The best about it was that it had a great balance between service and fun exploring which is unique.”—Read more GoBeyond Student Travel reviews here.

• Where? Costa Rica
• When? 2-4 Weeks, Summer
• Why? GoBeyond Student Travel will find a program that is tailored to you, your interests and your personal objectives. Whether you are searching for a summer of adventure, wanting to contribute to a community project, or brush up on your Spanish language, GoBeyond Student Travel’s programs aim to help you meet your goals as well as bettering the communities with which they work. The program includes all transportation within Costa Rica, trips, educational excursions, cultural activities as well as all the guidance you will need to help your trip run smoothly.
• More info on GoBeyond Student Travel

9. Intercultura Costa Rica

“I have recommended this program to other teens who are looking to go a little outside their comfort zone and improve their Spanish! The fact that we had classes in addition to everyday in Spanish I interactions helped to improve my Spanish more than months of my high school class. Also, the trip was so fun!”—Read more Intercultura Costa Rica reviews here.

• Where? Heredia
• When? 1-2 Weeks, 2-4 Weeks, Summer
• Why? Intercultura’s Costa Rica high school summer programs give you the option to study at two locations— first, in Heredia, where high school students can explore the historical architecture, museums and gardens, and later, you’ll travel to the beach of Playa Samara, where the second half of the program takes place between epic ocean sunsets. Students are guided every step of the way, both in their Spanish classes and their cultural activities. With all classes, activities, meals and homestay accommodation included, you can spend less time sweating the small stuff and more time enjoying your summer in Costa Rica! 
• More info on Intercultura Costa Rica

10. Greenheart Travel

“My exchange made me more sure about what I want to do in life because of the cultural and historical influences I experienced. No matter how much I love my high school, now I will always want to get on a plane and travel to explore other cultures. Thanks to this experience, I also know that I can do it! And it made me prepared to work hard for the things that I really want.” —Read more Greenheart Travel reviews here.

• Where? Arenal, Heredia, San Jose, Rural Areas
• When? 3-6 Months, 7-12 Months
• Why? Choose to study a trimester, semester or a full academic year at a local high school in Costa Rica, with guidance from Greenheart Travel. With plenty of pre-departure advice and orientation, as well as in-country counselling and a personal mentor, high school students can be assured that they will be taken care of from the get-go. All meals and homestay accommodation are also included, allowing for an even more authentic immersion experience. As well as studying, exchange students will also have the opportunity to take part in excursions to truly experience Costa Rica to the fullest.
• More info on Greenheart Travel

[Browse ALL Costa Rica High School Summer Programs]

You’re ready for high school abroad in Costa Rica

Make lifelong friends & the best memories of your life during Costa Rica summer programs for high school students

Studying abroad during high school in Costa Rica is an incredible way to experience a different culture, open your mind to a new worldview, as well as improving your future career prospects. You never know—you might pick up a new hobby, develop a new skill and find your passion!

At the very least, you will make new friends and gain a load of life experience that will stay with you on your return home. You will increase your independence and confidence through rising to the challenges of living within a different culture, however, with the support and advice provided by Costa Rica high school programs, you won’t be alone on your journey.

Whether you study abroad in Costa Rica for a year, a semester or just for the summer, the benefits will stick with you throughout your high school career and beyond! As well as learning or improving your Spanish, you could earn high school credits whilst having fun and making amazing memories. So, get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

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