If you want to spend some time broadening your horizons before going back to earn a degree or entering the workforce, Costa Rica gap year programs may be for you. You could get your hands dirty and make a difference, learn to speak a new language, or study something completey new. Costa Rica gap year programs might be offered over a summer, semester, or even a full year, so no matter your preference, you could experience some of the most beautiful parts of Central America and gain that international travel experience you’ve been waiting for. Read on to learn more and find a great program for you!
Spending your gap year in Costa Rica might open up a world of opportunity. Want to get ahead on your studies, explore the rainforest, learn Spanish, or experience local history and culture? You might accomplish all of that and more in a gap year in Costa Rica program.
If your not sure yet what you want to study in college, taking a gap year in Costa Rica could give you additional time to consider your option and develop some life experience to inform that decision. Rather than rush into a major, you could explore new topics that just may spark a lifelong passion. If you’re already in college, taking a break for a gap year in Costa Rica might broaden your horizons, building personal skills and independence that could benefit you when you return - and throughout your life.
Costa Rica’s culture is diverse, with a thriving immigrant population, unique indigenous traditions and communities, and cultural influences from across the globe. During a Costa Rica gap year, you might interact with people from all walks of life and learn from their experiences. Costa Rica also poses an unique opportunity to explore an equally diverse natural environment. Almost a quarter of Costa Rica is dedicated to national parks and other conservation areas. There are pristine beaches, lush rainforests and mountains—including active volcanoes— to explore. Add this to cultural opportunities in thriving cities and Costa Rica could surely open your mind.
Ready to dive in? Here are some of the types of experiences you might choose for your gap year program in Costa Rica.
Spend Your Gap Year Learning Spanish in Costa Rica
Want to become more fluent in Spanish? Whether you’ve already studied some Spanish or are a total beginner, a gap year program in Costa Rica Spanish might help you develop your proficiency. You could enroll in a program totally focused on learning Spanish in Costa Rica, or simply practice your language skills while learning something else you’re passionate about. With being immersed in Spanish all around you, Costa Rica might be just the place to take your fluency to the next level.
Volunteer in Costa Rica During Your Gap Year
If you’re passionate about making the world a better place, spend your gap year volunteering in Costa Rica. Interested in helping animals or the environment? Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, making it a great place to get your hands dirty. There may be plenty of programs to explore where you can put your love of nature to good use, and learn about plants and animals that might be very different from those at home. Or, if you’re more passionate about community development, spend your time doing work to help a real community succeed. You could teach children to read or even work with the physically disabled. If you want to see the world while doing something that makes an impact, gap year volunteer programs in Costa Rica might be for you.
Learn Something New With A Gap Year in Costa Rica
If you're passionate about learning, consider incorporating some academics into your travels. Explore new subjects or simply dive deep into something you love with gap year programs in Costa Rica! You might be able to study, in English or Spanish, a variety of potential subjects. Why not learn about Latin American literature and history in the very place where it happened. You could read all about an event in the classroom and then visit the historic site. For those interested in wildlife and conservation, a gap year in Costa Rica could provide a unique opportunity to take those studies out of the classroom and into the real world. It's likely hard to find a rainforest close to home! These are just a few of the topics you might explore. Browse the program listings below to find something that may spark a fire in you!
Preparing for Costa Rica Gap Year Programs
Getting ready to spend an extended period of time living abroad is an exciting process. From enrolling, to getting your paperwork in order, to packing, to research, to making sure you can pay for it all… where should you even start? Don't be intimidated! Here’s a list of things you might want to consider.
- Your Visa – Depending on how long you’re planning to stay and what you plan on doing there, the specific visa you need might vary. Follow up with your gap year program for more information to make sure you get the right one.
- Travel – Planning to travel outside Costa Rica? Make sure you’re aware of any travel restrictions on your visa. Also, you might want to budget this in advance so you can make the most out of your trip without having to stress about money.
- Accommodations – This might be built into your selected gap year program, but it may be a good idea to follow up. If you have to do any of the legwork yourself in arranging a place to live, transportation, and food, see if your program has any resources to assist you.
- Expenses – Whether it’s food, transportation, lodging, travel, or emergencies, expenses can add up quick. Are you planning to work while abroad, or do you need your savings to cover it? If you need to work, make sure your visa allows this. Also, you might be able to apply for grants or scholarships to help fund your trip.
- Packing – How to balance bringing everything you need without overdoing it? Keep in mind the time of year you’ll be there, and the nature of your program. The program you choose to attend may have resources to help you prepare.
Above all, remember to have fun! Spending your gap year in Costa Rica might be the exciting, fulfilling experience you’ve been longing for. See the world, learn about a new culture, make new friends, and learn about yourself in the process.
Start Searching for Costa Rica Gap Year Programs!
Ready to pack your bags for an unforgettable gap year in Costa Rica? StudyAbroad.com wants to help you make that happen. To narrow down your options a bit, by city, semester or topic area, feel free to use the filters above. Once you’re ready, start reading up on sponsored listings for Costa Rica gap year programs. When you’ve found ones you might be interested in, reach out to them for more information or to enroll!
