High School Study Abroad in Costa Rica
86 High School Trips to Costa Rica
Featured High School Program Provider of the Month
MAXIMO NIVEL
Develop your Spanish skills in Costa Rica with the Maximo Nivel S...
Travel For Teens
Join us in Costa Rica for unforgettable memories and valuable ser...
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Arcos Journeys Abroad
Immerse yourself in the Spanish language of Costa Rica, the happi...
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AFS-USA
Our high school study abroad program in Costa Rica is filled with...
Global Leadership Adventures
Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you ...
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Beyond Sports Tours
The Girls Leadership Academy for Service & Sport (GLASS) is desig...
CIEE High School Abroad
Delve into the science of climate change surrounded by Costa Rica...
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Seeds of Change Research
During the Seeds of Change Tropical Rainforest Research Program, ...
See All 2 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...
See All 13 ProgramsGreenheart Travel
Learn and improve your Spanish skills through full language and c...
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GVI offers a variety of opportunities for young adults between th...
See All 4 ProgramsRustic Pathways
Costa Rica is where adventure, service, cultural immersion, and t...
Westcoast Connection
Dive into the perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cul...
See All 8 ProgramsARCC Programs
The Costa Rica: Cloud Forest Community Initiative program offers ...
See All 3 ProgramsFreepackers
Experience an unforgettable summer camp in the heart of Costa Ric...
Putney Student Travel
Travel to Costa Rica, a model of conservation and biodiversity, a...
Intercultura Costa Rica
Learn the language. Live the culture. Be the change. Join our sum...
Language Vacation
Enjoy a summer Spanish learning vacation in a typical "Tico" town...
See All 2 ProgramsInternational Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
Experience an enriching summer in Costa Rica with IVHQ's Teen Vol...
Broadreach
Want to know what it's like to work with animals every day? Think...
See All 2 ProgramsGoBeyond Student Travel
Travel to Costa Rica with GoBeyond to help improve the harsh cond...
Tico Lingo - Spanish Immersion School
The Teen Spanish Summer Camp combines intensive Spanish classes, ...
Global Works
Global Works specializes in service trips and educational experie...
See All 2 ProgramsThe Experiment in International Living
Explore Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes, vibrant communities, and...
Bethel University Global Studies
Girl Scouts – Heart of the South, get ready to explore Costa Rica...
Rooted Life Adventures
Join us from June 21st to August 1st, 2025, for a 6-week Summer C...
The Road Less Traveled
Join us in Costa Rica as we experience life off the beaten path i...
Lakeside International School
Lakeside International School, located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica,...
Manuel Antonio Spanish School
We provide regularly scheduled, private live Spanish sessions tai...
Bright Light Volunteers
Learn, serve, and lead with Bright Light Volunteers in a country ...
Propella Tours
Discover Costa Rica is a flexible, intensive short-term education...
Outward Bound Costa Rica
Experience an unforgettable adventure with fellow Girl Scouts fro...
See All 2 ProgramsA Guide to High School Programs Abroad in Costa Rica
Best Cities for Teens
Whether you choose to adopt the slightly more busy city life or a laid back beachside lifestyle, one truth remains: with the right amount of dedication to speaking Spanish and openness to new experiences, your high school program in Costa Rica will be exciting and productive. The most popular destinations for high school programs in Costa Rica include:
San José. The capital and largest city, known locally as Chepe, is a bit of a concrete eyesore. Even so, students who take the time to get to know the city through a high school program will be treated to a playground of historic neighborhoods and colorful street art. During high school programs in San José students will be able to witness firsthand the interweavings of the Tico’s indigenous heritage and colonial past.
Heredia. This university town is small and easily managed by first time visitors to Costa Rica. Its adorable town square will keep you busy after class, and its accessibility to nearby mountain towns and villages means opportunities for adventure (the culturally immersive type!) are abundant. Don’t forget to take a dip in the nearby waterfalls or swimming holes!
Other student-friendly highland cities include San Joaquín de Flores and Monteverde, and for those that want to study on the coast, Samara, Manuel Antonio, and Playa Flamingo (Yes, FLAMINGO!) all host high school program opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The education system in Costa Rica is similar to other parts of the world—public high school is free and private high school comes at a cost. If you want to study abroad in Costa Rica in high school, you will need to pay the associated tuition.
Secondary school in Costa Rica lasts from about 12-years-old to 18-years-old, lasting about 6 years. These 6 years are split into two cycles of 3 years each.
High school in Costa Rica, or secondary school, is about 6 years long. Secondary school is split into two cycles of 3 years each; the first cycle is dedicated to general education, and the second cycle is intended for pursuit of a specialization.
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