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Experience Costa Rica with AIFS Abroad

The outside of a building in Costa Rica.
A sunset on a beach in Costa Rica.
A beach in Costa Rica.

Go Abroad in Costa Rica

Study or intern abroad with AIFS in Costa Rica, one of the world’s most ecologically varied countries and a magnet for those interested in wildlife and the natural world.

View all Programs in Costa Rica

Choosing the Right City for You

A group of students walking through a street in San Jose, Costa Rica.

San Jose

A mellow and breathtaking city, San José is Costa Rica’s capital. It is known for its exciting variety of museums, parks, theaters, and historic buildings. Its diverse architecture is a pleasure to observe, as it can give students a taste of life over a century ago. The city’s artistic expressions are unique: music, dance and handicrafts all have a singular flavor and are distinguished because of their quality. Spend your days participating in a mix of recreation, sport, and rest on San José’s beaches, comprised of 1,228 km of coastline. 

“As an Environmental Science and Policy Major, one of the reasons I chose Costa Rica was because of its rich and breathtaking landscapes. I came with hopes of immersing myself in the Latin American culture while simultaneously learning about the environmental regulations and protection agencies that work to preserve its unique environment.

I went on a field trip with my Tropical Medicine class to a place called Quiturrisi where one of Costa Rica’s indigenous tribes lives, the Huetares Tribe. We went to learn about their lifestyle and the types of natural medicines they use. We sat as their Medicine Man, Chocho, told us about their history. I loved the trip overall and can’t wait for our next visit.

The greatest part of my experience abroad was living with my host family. My “mama tica” in Costa Rica truly changed and touched my life. I still send her Christmas cards and talk to her over Facebook. She opened up her house to me and it truly became my home.

We took a Jeep to the top of Miro Mountain, a mountain in Jaco that has a half-built mansion. The view from the top was absolutely incredible, and it was interesting to see the different works of graffiti

As an Environmental Science and Policy Major, one of the reasons I chose Costa Rica was because of its rich and breathtaking landscapes. I came with hopes of immersing myself in the Latin American culture while simultaneously learning about the environmental regulations and protection agencies that work to preserve its unique environment.

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Students on rafts in a river in Costa Rica.