About the Country

Study abroad in Costa Rica and embrace the "pura vida" lifestyle of one of the happiest countries on Earth. Nestled between the Caribbean and the Pacific, it features fantastic beaches, mountains, volcanoes, and rainforests. Costa Rica's capital, San José, offers a thriving student scene with its universities and artistic community. Refine your Spanish language skills, delve into environmental and sustainability studies, and seek adventure in the heart of Central America. 

Cities in Costa Rica

San José

San José, Costa Rica

San José, the capital city of Costa Rica blends urban life and natural beauty; more than 800 miles of coastline and acres of lus...

Popular Costa Rica Programs

Excursions

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna

Arenal Volcano is located next to La Fortuna, built in 1969 after the original town was destroyed by a huge eruption. On the way to La Fortuna, you’ll stop at Finca Don ...

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park

Located on the Central Pacific Coast in Puntarenas Province, Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most popular and beautiful national parks and home to many endangered ...

Doka Estate Coffee Tour & Poas Volcano

Doka Estate Coffee Tour & Poas Volcano

Enjoy beautiful views from the mountainside and savor a warm cup of coffee as you gaze out at the coffee plantations of Alajuela. Thanks to eruptions from Poás Volcano,...

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Visit a cloud forest that boasts a complex, far-reaching ecosystem that’s home to thousands of species of mammals, birds, insects, and plants, including many endemic and...

Landmarks in Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park

Learn More
Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano

Learn More
Braulio Carrillo National Park

Braulio Carrillo National Park

San José

Learn More

Student Testimonials

"I had a wonderful Fall '22 experience with CEA CAPA in the program in San Jose and I experienced the culture and environment of beautiful Costa Rica. My classes were integral in my experience, including Spanish, and marine biology and ecology. They t..."

Carver Tunnell

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

GoOverseas

Fall 2023, Costa Rica

"Originally, I saw the study abroad flyers around my campus, and I was very interested but I have a lot of financial struggles so I knew I wouldn’t be able to afford it. Late one night, my mom told me that it would be a good opportunity, and to ..."

Dylan Richburg

Xavier University of Louisiana

GoOverseas

Summer 2023, Costa Rica

"I didn’t speak Spanish and I stood out because I was a minority so I was quite nervous upon arriving. When I got there I was welcomed immensely by my host family. She was above and beyond, taking us out to eat, serving lunch meals even when it ..."

Dylan Richburg

Xavier University of Louisiana

GoAbroad

Summer 2023, Costa Rica

"Studying abroad in Costa Rica was a transformative experience that profoundly altered the trajectory of my life and reshaped my perspective in ways I could not have anticipated. Immersed in the rich tapestry of Costa Rican culture, I found myself nav..."

Zoe Spencer

Xavier University of Louisiana

GoOverseas

Summer 2023, Costa Rica

"Great study abroad experience for anyone wanting to learn or practice their Spanish because you're fully immersed in the environment through school and your homestay. Lots of opportunities to explore the city and country, plus travel is cheap too! CE..."

Emily Hung

Ithaca College

GoOverseas

Fall 2022, Costa Rica