Semester Abroad Programs in Costa Rica
Go Organic - Study Abroad in Costa Rica
There are few places in the world as physically beautiful as Costa Rica, which has been inhabited by some very lucky people for more than 100,000 years. Even back in 1502, Christopher Columbus recognized that the region had much to offer (and that's not just because the indigenous people gave him gold during his visit to Limon). Are you going to ignore the opinion of this famous and seasoned explorer?
Education Meets Adventure
As you learn about Costa Rican culture, get caught up in the adventure! You can participate in the countless outdoor activities, get down in the discos or sample some of the local cuisine. Passionate about your java? You can't leave this place without a taste of its famous "cafecito," or coffee. Students can also fill up on the national dish, "gallo pinto," which is a rice and bean dish.
Costa Rican natives are referred to as "Ticos," and because of the heavy European influence, there are few indigenous peoples still living in the country. Ticos are known to be conservative, especially when it comes to family. But you'll find they love to party, whether it's in honor of a family or religious event.
Are you a theater buff? Ticos have a deep love for the performing arts, and the cities of Ecsazu and Santa Ana serve as their cultural center. In fact, there are more theater companies per capita in Costa Rica than in any other nation in the world.
Besides theater trips, students who study abroad in Costa Rica will find plenty to keep them busy outside the classroom:
- San Jose's Mercado Central is a meeting place complete with shops, restaurants and bars;
- "Hang Ten" with some of the best surfing in the world in the waters surrounding Costa Rica; and
- Fly-fishing, beach bathing, hiking, waterskiing, whitewater rafting and horseback riding expeditions are all popular activities.
Ever wanted to visit a tropical rainforest? You can walk for literally days in the rainforests of the Parque Nacional Corcovado in the southern part of the country. Additionally, Pavones on the Pacific Coast is known for some of the best surfing in Central America, and students can go snorkeling and diving at the Reserva Biologica Isla del Caso or deep-sea fishing at Golfito.
Discover Natural Wonders
You've seen pictures of Costa Rica before, right? It's that impossibly green place with luscious beaches, thick rain forests and awe-inspiring waterfalls.
It's no surprise that the natural sciences are the most popular fields of study in Costa Rica. Explore Costa Rican volcanoes is the Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja in the northwest portion of the country-marvel at craters, lagoons, sulphur springs and boiling mud pools, take some scenic hikes or travel on horseback.
Zoology and biology students will discover that Costa Rica is not known as the "rich coast" for nothing. The country is home to a vast selection of animal life, including:
- More than 260 species of mammals, including marine life;
- 65,000 classified species of insects;
- 180 species of amphibians;
- and 235 species of reptiles.
The climate of Costa Rica is tropical and subtropical, making it possible for such an array of animal and plant life. The landscape is diverse and absolutely breathtaking in certain regions, including coastal plains along the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. There are rugged mountains with more than 100 volcanic cones, and warm, scenic beaches.
Education in Peace and Paradise
Costa Rica has been a historically peaceful country in the midst of an often combative world region, which makes the country a prime destination for students interested in politics, international relations and history. The country is proud of its several highly regarded
universities, and some of the founding fathers of Costa Rica were former teachers, including its first president, Jose Maria Castro.
Most universities are located in the well-known city of San Jose. Institutions of higher education in Costa Rica operate on the "carrera system," which means:
Students stick to courses in their chosen study field-taking electives is not a common practice;
Students in the same study field will study together for all four years; and
Students tend to study in groups, which results in close relationships.
You should expect courses to be taught in Spanish, and will have a range of study fields from which to choose. Interested in the environment? Conservation is both a cultural issue and popular study field, and tourism and ecotourism are important issues and up-and-coming topics. "Hablas Espanol" If you want to master the Spanish language and learn about Latin culture, a study abroad program in Costa Rica is perfect for you.
Plus, you can enjoy an abundance of museums and sites representing the history and culture of the country, including:
- The National Museum, which displays Costa Rican art and history exhibits;
- Indulge your artistic side with a visit to the Museum of Costa Rican Art;
- Check out the Joyas del Tropico Museum, which focuses on natural history.
What's that? You'd rather lounge on the beach? Well, you can do that, too. Studying in Costa Rica will not only provide a great place in which to learn, but is also a wonderful adventure destination. Students who study abroad in Costa Rica will quickly embrace one of the country's mottos: "El mundo es de los audaces," or "the world is owned by the bold/audacious." Be bold. Study in Costa Rica.
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