Two Countries, One Semester: Guatemala + Costa Rica

Study Abroad in Guatemala and Costa Rica

The combined Guatemala and Costa Rica Semester Program offers students a unique opportunity to experience two vibrant cultures in one life-changing exchange program. Participants will live with both a Guatemalan and a Costa Rican host family, become integrated members of local communities, and attend classes at local high schools.

Spend one trimester in Guatemala, a culturally rich nation where Mayan traditions and colonial history continue to shape daily life. After this enriching experience, students will continue their journey in Costa Rica, a country known for its stunning natural landscapes, remarkable biodiversity, and the warm, welcoming spirit of Pura Vida.

Things To Know About Guatemala

Guatemala is a culturally rich country shaped by a blend of traditions, languages, and histories. Its population includes four primary cultural groups—Ladino, Maya, Garífuna, and Xinca—and more than 20 languages are spoken throughout the country. Respect, family, and community are central to daily life, with strong social bonds that often extend beyond the immediate family to include grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives. As an exchange student, you’ll have the opportunity to experience this strong sense of connection and belonging firsthand.

Things To Know About Costa Rica

Costa Ricans, known as “ticos,” take pride in their country and culture, often describing things they love as “muy tico,” or “very Costa Rican.” Known for their friendly, easygoing nature and the spirit of Pura Vida, Costa Ricans place a high value on community, well-being, and enjoying life. Costa Rica is recognized for its long democratic tradition, commitment to peace, and emphasis on political freedom, values that are woven into everyday life throughout the country.

Airfare

Eligibility

Graduates Eligible?	No, high school graduates are not eligible to participate.
Minimum GPA	No GPA requirement
Age Range (at program start)	15 years and 0 months to 17 years and 6 months
Language Skills	Spanish A1

Based on differences in culture, strict government regulation of medications, and other local customs, it has been our experience that not all of our international AFS partners are able to support students with certain diagnoses, including but not limited to, severe allergies, strict dietary restrictions, ADD/ADHD, and those currently taking or who have taken psychotropic medications and/or received counseling for mental/psychological issues within the past year. If this applies to you, please get in touch with an AFS Study Abroad Specialist early so that we can determine the right experience for you.

Your Journey to Guatemala and Costa Rica

Visa Information

AFS will provide visa guidance and support documents (if applicable). Visa processes can be lengthy and complex; you may be required to travel long distances to apply for the visa if there is not an embassy, consulate, etc. close to your home. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond a return date from your host country. We urge you to apply for or renew your passport as soon as possible if applying to an AFS program. We recommend not taking any trips (domestically or internationally) within 2 months prior to your AFS program as it may interfere with the visa application process and result in a late program start date.

Travel & Orientation

In the months before your departure, AFSers have the opportunity to participate in various preparatory activities, including an online Student Learning Journey, which is an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to learn how to develop essential global skills, intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact, maximizing the outcomes of the AFS learning experience.

Also, during this time, AFS-USA will coordinate and share your international travel with you. You will need to coordinate your own travel to the point of international departure. From there, your journey will begin when you land Antigua, Guatemala, where you’ll be met by staff and volunteers…as well as your fellow AFSers from around the world! Shortly after arrival, you will attend an arrival orientation and get a crash course on Guatemalan culture, living with a host family, safety, and support structures. Before your time in Costa Rica, you’ll attend an additional orientation to prepare you for the transition.

Program Highlights

2-days survival Spanish language camp
Arrival orientations with other students and volunteers
Attend high school and live with host families in both countries

City tour of Antigua, Guatemala – the colonial capital city of Central America
Museum & tour visits: art, jade, and coffee
Develop a program on biodiversity and a green legacy project
Visit National Parks and explore conservation in Costa Rica

Guatemala and Costa Rica Program Highlights 2

Seasonal celebrations such as Holy Week or Independence Day festivities, local town fairs, and traditional Mayan ceremonies
Experience traditional cuisine – full of authentic flavors and cultural heritage
Optional trip to Tikal: one of the most impressive Mayan archaeological sites in the world

What’s included

75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 50,000 dedicated volunteers
Accommodations
Round-trip international airfare for the designated program dates
Program activity fees
Worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance
Access to an in-country support team and network, as well as our Participant Support Department based here in the U.S.
International secondary medical travel coverage
Visa support and guidance
Inclusion in a worldwide returnee and alumni network of over 1,000,000 people

What’s not included

Domestic travel to your international departure city
Visa and passport fees
Spending money
Fees imposed by the airlines outside of your international ticket, such as luggage fees.
Additional fees may apply depending on the specific host country. Please email [email protected] for additional details.
We invite you to learn more about where your dollars go, our payment and refund policy, and answers to our Frequently Asked Questions.

Scholarships and Aid

We believe in the power of intercultural experiences and the potential of our students! That’s why we’re dedicated to meeting the demonstrated financial need of accepted applicants. The deadline to be considered for scholarships for semester and year-long programs departing January through March is July 15th. Learn more and view all deadlines below!

Learn More View Deadlines

Returning Home

Life-changing” is hard to describe, yet it’s nearly always the first thing that AFSers say when asked about their experience abroad. “Transformed” is another one. When you return home from your study abroad in Costa Rica, you’ll bring with you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. You’ll have gained maturity and independence, discovered new passions, and developed the confidence and resilience to accomplish anything you set out to do.

That transformation isn’t only visible to you, though – others see it as well. AFSers gain critical skills for college and careers. Second language fluency, intercultural competence, creativity, and critical reasoning will help you succeed, whatever path you take. “Life-changing” means it’s only the beginning. It’s not just an adventure abroad; it’s a whole new reality. The perspectives and personal connections you gained will stay with you and likely draw you back to the second home you found in Costa Rica.

In fact, our alumni reviews have made AFS one of the top-rated organizations in the study abroad industry.