Study Abroad Programs in San Jose, Costa Rica

Spend a semester or academic year in the lively capital of San José with AIFS Abroad! You’ll earn up to 20 credits per semester from Universidad Veritas through various courses and internship opportunities. Courses are taught in English and Spanish. No previous Spanish language study is required for most programs. Universidad Veritas offers an internship program and volunteer opportunities that’ll help you make the most of your semester abroad. Their Spanish Language and Internship Program welcomes students with an advanced level of Spanish and a minimum of 2 years of college-level Spanish. It combines a 4-week Spanish language course with a 12-week internship placement within local companies or NGOs based on your major. You’ll also enjoy cultural and social activities, including: • Costa Rican cooking classes • Visits to local museums and historical sites • A 3-day trip to Arenal Volcano, hot springs, and Monteverde Cloud Forest • A 3-day trip to the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park • Day trip to Poás Volcano, Doka Coffee Estate, and Sarchi artisans Optional excursions include a 2-day trip hiking and rafting in Sarapiquí.

Dive into an unforgettable study abroad journey in San José, Costa Rica, where academic excellence meets vibrant culture and jaw-dropping natural beauty. At LCI Veritas, you’ll experience a cutting-edge education in arts, design, and sustainability, all delivered through innovative programs and hands-on learning that bring your passions to life. This program is perfect for bold, creative, and adventurous students ready to expand their horizons. Sharpen your skills in fields like graphic design, photography, and environmental studies while engaging in small, interactive classes led by inspiring faculty. Every day is an opportunity to challenge yourself and think differently. Located in the dynamic capital of San José, LCI Veritas puts you just a step away from Costa Rica’s breathtaking landscapes—think lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and pristine beaches. Earn transferable credits, gain real-world experience, and immerse yourself in a culture as warm and welcoming as its people. Your next great adventure starts here!

San José – or Chepe, as it is lovingly called by locals – is the political, economic, and cultural hub of Costa Rica. It is where most Costa Ricans live, study, and work. The city allows you to experience a bustling and cosmopolitan Latin American metropolis while also having the rest of the country's pristine wonders at your fingertips. Sign up for our program in San José and study at Veritas University, a well-respected institution in Costa Rica. This is open to all Spanish proficiency levels - beginning, intermediate, and advanced. Depending on your language skills, you can choose to take classes in Spanish together with Costa Rican students or in English with international students. While in Costa Rica, take the time to visit our office situated one block away from the Universidad Veritas. It is within walking distance of small neighborhoods, shopping centers, and cafés, so rest assured, you will find something fun to do. We have a computer lab with internet access, a meeting room, a travel resource library, a kitchen, and a resident director's office.

Live and study in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Maximo Nivel offers the most intensive and professional Spanish immersion program in Latin America. Our Native Spanish Program emphasizes oral communication and integrated skills development to truly help build your Spanish language proficiency - this is a great immersion experience! Our native-speaking Spanish teachers are highly qualified professional instructors with years of experience. Our Tandem Conversation program pairs Spanish program participants with our local English students for free conversation practice.

Spend six weeks in Costa Rica during summer 2026 earning university credit while studying Environmental Science and Biology. This program takes place at Veritas University in San José and offers students the chance to learn about one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world. With courses taught in English and optional Spanish language classes, you'll gain academic knowledge and experience life in a new culture. Classes are held Monday through Thursday, allowing students time to enjoy cultural activities and explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty. The program includes field-based learning, hands-on assignments, and weekend excursions. Whether you’re staying with a local host family or living with other students, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in Costa Rican life while earning 6 U.S. semester credits. No prior Spanish knowledge is needed, and a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. The program welcomes students from freshman to senior year. Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the start of the program.

CIS Abroad Study and Intern Abroad programs are some of the most affordable, comprehensive program packages available. We also don't cut any corners by offering everything you would expect from an overseas program: tuition, housing, support, insurance, excursions, social and cultural activities, and airport pick-up – all considered the core of our package. Some programs also include all or most meals, extensive off-site orientations/excursions, transportation passes, and more. Whether you want to study for a year, semester, or summer, intern for a month to a year, or take an intensive foreign language course for a couple of weeks, CIS Abroad has the perfect program for you at the best value! "You're Going Places with CIS Abroad!"

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, blends urban life and natural beauty with more than 800 miles of coastline and acres of lush rainforests lying just a short drive from this diverse metropolitan center. Study a wide range of subjects with CEA CAPA’s partner university: Veritas University. It boasts a large international student body and diverse curriculum including international business, intensive and medical Spanish language, environmental sciences, and health sciences. Courses are available in both Spanish and English. Get the most out of your time in Costa Rica by taking advantage of the numerous cultural and learning opportunities CEA CAPA provides. Whether you enjoy concerts, sports, cooking classes, language exchanges, or something entirely different, our resident staff will get you involved in the local culture. Interested in going abroad with CEA CAPA? Contact us to get started!

Want to know what it's like to work with animals every day? Thinking of being a veterinarian? Join us in a tropical paradise and get a hands-on introduction to veterinary medicine. The best way to learn about a future in veterinary medicine is to roll up your sleeves and jump right in! Working alongside professionals, you'll learn how to examine different types of animals, give injections, and perform necropsy and diagnostic tests. Attend lectures on anatomy, immunology, diagnostics, pathology, animal behavior, and other topics. Observe and assist local veterinarians in drawing blood, interpreting radiographs, and performing spay/neuter surgeries. This is a real-world experience with animals on actual working farms, in clinics, and even a wildlife rescue center. The excitement doesn't stop there, though. Raft the rapids of the Sarapiqui, zip-line through the jungle canopy, and experience Costa Rica's friendly culture in a way that few do. For summer 2026, we are offering four sessions (while spots are available): June 18 - July 9, 2026 June 25 - July 16, 2026 July 12 - August 2, 2026 July 19 - August 9, 2026 For more information on cost and availability, check our website.

Located in the central valley of Costa Rica, San José is a vibrant urban center in the heart of a serene and beautiful nation. Three volcanoes surround the city, and quaint villages, farms, and coffee plantations dot the hillsides. Though the metropolitan area is home to 36% of the nation’s population, one can easily explore the smaller central area of the city and discover its neighborhood markets and local restaurants. Cultural opportunities, including theater, music, cinema, and dance, are also abundant in San José. Students can visit the Museo Nacional, the Museo de Oro Precolombino with its sparkling collection of pre-Columbian gold, or the Museo de Jade, boasting the world’s largest collection of jade.

Join Xplore’s In-Country TEFL/TESOL + Placement Program for expert support, a guaranteed teaching job in Costa Rica, and lifetime placement opportunities. Whether you have a degree or not, we can place you in a teaching position! Earn a globally recognized 120-hour Level 5 TEFL/TESOL certification and start your teaching career with confidence. Our Teach in Costa Rica program is based in San Ramón, a charming town famous for its rich history, vibrant local cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Costa Rica is a top destination for teaching in the Americas, offering stunning natural beauty, a warm culture, and one of the safest environments for foreigners in Central and South America. With a supportive expat infrastructure, it’s the perfect setting for professional growth and personal adventure. The demand for native English speakers is high, and the Costa Rican government invests heavily in education, creating abundant opportunities for teachers. Take advantage of this growing demand and immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most captivating countries.

Live "the Spanish way" while learning the language at Don Quijote. Our unique and immersive learning environment helps students reach their full language potential, inside and outside the classroom. We provide a range of courses for all skill levels based on individual needs. We achieve this by taking a personalized and student-centered approach involving instructors and students in the learning process. All our teachers are native speakers who hold university degrees and years of proven experience. We also offer online classes for those who do not have the opportunity to visit our locations. In addition, all students who attend at least 85% of classes during their Spanish course will receive a Don Quijote certificate at the end of the program. Whatever course students choose to enroll in or which skill they need to hone, we guarantee success at Don Quijote. Pick an ideal course and start a unique Spanish learning journey!

Go on a life-changing journey abroad through the gap year and semester courses of Outward Bound Costa Rica. Open to participants from 17 years old and up, these programs are available in fall and spring. - Outdoor Leader Semester: Earn 10 academic credits and internationally recognized certifications engaged in various activities for 65 days. This program offers a paid summer internship to top graduates. - Coast to Coast Expedition: Receive 12 academic credits and international certifications in outdoor education while participating in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for 85 days. - 35-65 Day Residential Gap Semester: Receive 10 academic credits while diving into STEAM topics in the tropics of Costa Rica and Panama. This program lasts from 35 to 65 days. Our gap year and semester courses involve a broad range of outdoor activities, from rainforest trekking, whitewater rafting, to surfing. A homestay with a local family allows you to truly immerse in local traditions and way of life. * Please note that, for the health and safety of our participants, OBCR has made program adjustments to these courses. Please visit our website to view our COVID-19 considerations.*

A MEDLIFE Nursing Service Learning Service Trip offers free, high-quality healthcare to communities that lack access to essential health services. Local practitioners staff our Nursing Students Service Trips and offer crucial medical treatment and preventative screenings. These service-learning trips are specifically designed to identify patients who require ongoing support and assistance. As a nursing student volunteer, your tasks may include the following: Supporting local healthcare providers in essential medical duties, such as triage. Recording vital signs and compiling patient medical records. Shadowing local medical professionals to gain insights into healthcare practices in developing communities. Providing education on hygiene, family planning, and various healthcare topics to individuals, families, and communities. Join MEDLIFE’s local nurses during home visits to gain insight into the prevalent or high-priority medical needs within the community.

Broaden your academic knowledge and global perspective with Universidad Santa Paula! With our aim to promote internationalization, we offer a range of international programs designed to enhance your academic and professional journey. We provide immersive experiences, combining practical learning with cultural engagement. The university also offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses for international students eager to spend a few years living the Costa Rican way of life while completing their degree. Plus, we have Specialization Courses targeted towards graduates and professionals.