High School Study Abroad - Australia

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Costa Rica: The Happiest Place on the Planet

An ancient stone structure keeps a lookout over miles of rainforest in Costa Rica.

We can’t stop talking about Costa Rica. Think about it: To live in a country with stunning coastlines hugging both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean; To improve your Spanish while immersed in one of the safest, friendliest and most international of Latin American destinations; To visit cloud forests, watch tortoise migrations and learn about biodiversity all in one small country whose national saying is “Pura Vida?” Vamos!

Small Country, Big Heart. Mash the states of New Hampshire and Vermont together and you get a feel for the size of Costa Rica. Despite its dimensions, this country packs a punch. Friendly locals, fresh foods and a relaxed lifestyle make this country a dream to live amongst. Throw in volcanoes, rainforests, cosmopolitan cities and sun-soaked beaches and you have yourself one incredibly diverse destination.

High Levels of Life Satisfaction. Costa Rica boasts some of the highest life satisfaction rates in the world. We're convinced that, over the course of your exchange to Costa Rica, your own personal happiness index may too increase drastically.

Tough Love. Costa Rican families watch closely over their children, so expect a curfew during your program. This is only because Costa Ricans take family very seriously, so these measures are for your safety! Also, get ready for city living, as 95% of placements are suburban and urban.

Student Quote

"Living alone in a foreign country really helped me figure out more about myself as an individual. I also learned how to be more self-confident and self-reliant. School was extremely different for me, much more laid back. The teacher-student relationship was also a lot more relaxed, and the teachers were more like friends to their students."

-Callie, Semester, 2009