Program Details
| Program Length | Approx. Start Date | Approx. End | 2009 Price | Age on Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Fall Departure Jul 15-17 |
Return Jun 11-13 |
$8,900 | 15 yr 0 mos - 17yr 6 mos |
| Year | Spring Departure Feb 9-12 '09 |
Return Jan 10-14 '10 |
$8,900 | 15 yr 0 mos - 18 yr 0 mos |
| Semester | Fall Departure Jul 14-17 |
Return Jan 4-6 |
$7,900 | 15 yr 0 mos - 17 yr 6 mos |
| Semester | Spring Departure Feb 9-12 '09 |
Return July 12-16 '09 |
$7,900 | 15 yr 0 mos - 17 yr 11 mos |
| Summer Language Study | Late June | Early August | $6,900 | 15 yr 0 mos - 18 yr 0 mos |
| Summer Community Service/Team Mission | Late June | Late July | $5,900 | 15 yr 0 mos - 18 yr 0 mos |
All programs to Costa Rica depart from Miami.
Note about travel dates: Travel date ranges are provided to help with general scheduling. Please do not reserve any domestic travel based on these dates. AFS will notify confirmed participants with specific travel details approximately 45 days prior to departure.
About Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations for AFS-USA Exchange Students, and with good reason. The country is home to proud, friendly, and peaceful citizens known as ticos (men) and ticas (women). They are usually conservative but they enjoy sharing their life and social activities with new people.
This lush country—Costa Rica means “the rich coast” in Spanish—is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and has 755 miles of coastline. More than 30 percent of the country, including its famous rainforests, is set aside as national parkland or protected areas. Costa Rica has more than 500 bird species and 8,000 plant species, majestic volcanoes, countless rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see. It also combines rural towns, forests, farmlands, and small cities to create a relaxed yet exciting ambiance. Costa Rica spends heavily on healthcare and education, enabling Costa Ricans to enjoy an unparalleled quality of life in Latin America.
Year and Semester Programs
School runs from February through December, with vacations during Easter and for two weeks in July. Most students will attend public schools where school uniforms are the norm. Study groups often meet after school in students’ houses, especially before exams. But don’t think it’s all studying; teenagers like to organize outings together as well. AFS Costa Rica also organizes activities during your stay that give you the opportunity to meet other AFS Exchange Students from around the world and share your culture with classmates, friends, host families, and local volunteers. At the end of your program, an End-of-Stay Orientation lets you look back and talk with other AFS Exchange Students about your experiences.
View PDF Brochure for Costa Rica School Programs.
Summer Homestay Language Study Program
Not only will you be able to improve your Spanish in your host family’s home and in the community, but AFS gives you four weeks of language classes based on your skill level. During the last two weeks, you will have free time with your host family and new friends to test your newfound Spanish skills. And remember: the more community activities you participate in, the more you will improve your Spanish. At the end of your stay, AFS Costa Rica will take you on a nature bus tour. This five-day trip will explore different communities, national parks, and beaches.
Summer Community Service Program
If you like adventure and community service, this program is for you! Your luggage of choice will be a backpack as you help preserve the rainforests, contribute to community development, and earn a minimum of 40 credit hours. You will help preserve the amazing biodiversity of Costa Rica and protect the environment. You will also assist a community through projects geared toward improving the local schools or working with people. This physically challenging program, in which living conditions include a rustic lodge, also includes a short homestay experience, get-togethers, a two-day End-of-Stay Trip to a beach resort, and more.
Summer Homestay Program
Catalog correction: program not offered in 2009
All programs, prices, and travel dates are subject to change without notice.
