Study Abroad in Costa Rica for U.S. High School Students

Despite its small size, Costa Rica is home to 6% of the world's biodiversity. Located on an isthmus between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, its scenic beauty is impressive. With three types of natural forests, volcanoes, thermal host springs, mountains, coral reefs and beaches it is a diverse and dynamic country.

Boasting the second-highest literacy rate in the world, Costa Rica is a long-standing socially and politically stable democracy. Recognizing the global importance of protecting its natural diversity, a system of National Parks was established in 1970; which has set aside more than a quarter of the country for conservation.

Placement, Host Families, Schools, and Support

The High School Abroad Program is the best way for high school students to become global citizens. Our representatives at the Costa Rican-American Centro Cultural de San Pedro will be responsible for the placement and support of students while in Costa Rica. They will screen and select host families in the areas of three separate Costa Rican high schools: Lincoln School, St. Francis School, or Cloud Forest School.

Students will be placed in one of these three schools depending on their level of Spanish, interest in International Baccalaureate curriculum and their concern for the environment. All three schools are private and meet or exceed the levels of the average American high school. Host families will live in close proximity to the school selected. Families on this program will be compensated for room and board.

Academic Program

Three separate academic options are available to our Costa Rica bound students. The Lincoln School classes are conducted primarily in English. St. Francis School classes are conducted primarily in Spanish. Both schools offer the International Baccalaureate curriculum to interested students.

Credits are generally accepted without prejudice by the student's home school in the US Classes at the Cloud Forest School are taught in both English and Spanish with a focus on environmental issues. Students will be involved in hands-on projects that cultivate their concern and respect for the planet.

Eligibility Requirements

On the day of departure, students must be between the ages of 15 and 18 years old and have completed at least one year of high school. The student's level of Spanish ability and/or interest in conservation will determine in to which school students will be placed. A student must demonstrate through the application process his/her flexibility, maturity, adaptability and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture.

Program Dates & Prices

Application Deadlines

Visa

CIEE will provide the documentation necessary from our overseas partners to apply for the visa. The application and fees for the visa are the participant's responsibility. Costa Rican visas will be obtained while in country, not prior to departure

Program Includes

• Selection, interview and screening of appropriate host family
• Room and board with host family
• Placement and enrollment of student in appropriate high school
• Supervision and support throughout the semester by our local representatives
• Periodic progress reports
• Transportation to and from local airport
• Orientation before leaving US
• Orientation upon arrival in Costa Rica
• International airfare between US departure city and Costa Rica
• Health and liability insurance

Program does not Include

• Round-trip domestic travel to US departure city
• Monthly spending allowance
• Personal phone charges or other personal items

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