Go on high school exchange in Costa Rica
Why study abroad in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a nature-lover’s dream, with deep rain forests, perfect beaches, mountains, volcanoes, islands and spectacular wildlife. But the country’s best asset is the people, who are warm, welcoming and share a unique way of seeing the world. Pura vida (‘pure life’) is both a greeting and the national philosophy. It encapsulates a friendly and worry-free lifestyle and an appreciation of people, nature and a good time.
High School Classic
High School Classic is the traditional high school exchange program, chosen by most of our students. It is the perfect program for those who long for a genuine high school experience abroad and who are willing to embrace all the surprises it can bring. Here’s how it works: based on your profile, we match you with a host family and school, and the best part is, it can be almost anywhere in Costa Rica! If you’re open to adventure and are willing to let yourself be surprised by your exchange experience, this is the programme for you.
‘Pure life’ in Costa Rica
After a civil war, Costa Rica decided to abolish its military forces, and has since invested those resources in education, healthcare and raising the living standards of the Costa Rican people. So, it’s no surprise that Costa Rica happens to be one of the most well-developed countries in the region, with higher quality of life, better infrastructure and higher quality education than many of its neighbours.
Population: 5 million
Area: 51,000 km2
National parks: 28
Volcanoes: over 60 (6 active)
Capital: San José (340,000 inhabitants)
Currency: Costa Rican colón
Country code: +506
At home in nature
Costa Rica’s natural diversity is stunning for a country so small, and it’s all within easy reach, no matter where you are. Lush rainforests are home to unique wildlife, active volcanoes light up the night sky, and unreal beaches frame the country on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. And the temperate climate means you can enjoy these things all year round. There’s really no end to the natural wonders to discover in this tropical paradise.
High school exchange – all you need to know
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School life in Costa Rica
High school in Costa Rica lasts five to six years, depending on the type of curriculum you choose. While the first three years are dedicated to general education, the remaining two to three years provide specialised training, depending on your chosen area of focus, so you can have a great deal of freedom in determining the course of your studies.
A more intimate school experience
Most schools in Costa Rica are probably smaller than you’re used to back home, so interaction with your classmates is key to making new friends. Costa Rican students are generally very warm and friendly and will be interested in learning about you and your culture. Even so, it is important for you to take initiative and make an effort to approach your classmates and try to make friends. This way you’ll integrate into the community, learn about the local culture and really improve your Spanish.
In some ways, Costa Rican schools might feel a bit traditional compared to your school back home. All schools require you to use a school uniform, and teaching methods tend to be more directive than you may be used to. But consider that this will all be part of the experience, and exposing yourself to different ways of teaching will help you grow and learn in new and exciting ways.
Costa Rican host Families
Costa Rica has a long tradition of openness to foreigners. Families who decide to welcome international students into their home do it because they want to experience genuine cultural exchange. They look forward to learning about your culture and enriching their own home with your presence. Our host families put lots of effort into providing you with the best experience possible, so make sure you do the same and give as much of yourself as you can. It will enhance the experience for everyone!
Family time is very important in Costa Rica, so make sure you try to integrate and participate in family activities. Also be sure to help out around the house and keep your room tidy. Try to communicate openly with your host family, spend time with them and learn as much as you can from them. On top of everything else, they are a great window into the Costa Rican way of life and an incredible resource for you to practice your Spanish.
Exchange student voices from Costa Rica
Costa Ricans are incredibly nice and they will welcome you directly. My classmates always made sure to help me if I got lost and they were very patient when practicing Spanish with me.
My dream has always been to travel, and an exchange year is the perfect way to do that. It gave me the opportunity to see what high school is like in another country and how different lives other teenagers have.
Everyone is really super nice. School can also be quite challenging sometimes, because of the language barrier. But with daily practice, it gets easier, and you will make fast progress.
The exchange year had been a long-time dream of mine, as I had been dreaming of living abroad and becoming independent since primary school. My social skills improved, and I became more courageous.
Quick facts
Who can participate: students age 14–17 on arrival
Departure: July and February
Language requirements: Good English.
Course length: 5 or 10 months
Visa: required
Welcome Camp: included
School year: February to December
School day: 7am-3/4pm
Free Time in Costa Rica
Costa Rica may be a small country, but it has so much to offer in terms of attractions and activities. Schools often have sports programmes, like football, basketball or swimming, and there are so many things you can do on your own to discover the country’s many charms. Take in the stunning tropical landscapes on a volcano hike, learn to surf on the spectacular beaches, or get up close and personal with the unique wildlife.
Not all schools offer extra-curricular activities, but you can always join sports clubs in your local community. The most common sports practiced by the teenagers are soccer, basketball, swimming and volleyball, but take the chance to try something unique, like surfing or zip-lining, too.
Explore further
Several extra trips are organised every year for our exchange students in Costa Rica. You’ll have the chance to visit national parks, climb volcanoes and enjoy beautiful beaches. These excursions are a great opportunity to see more of the country and meet other international students. Contact your local coordinator for more information about these trips.
Welcome Camp
Your exchange experience will begin with a Welcome Camp in Costa Rica’s capital, San José, where we’ll help you feel prepared for the adventure ahead.
Welcome Camp in San José
Your exchange experience will begin with a Welcome Camp in Costa Rica’s capital, San José, where we’ll help you feel prepared for the adventure ahead. You’ll meet other international students who are also beginning their exchanges in Costa Rica, and together you’ll participate in workshops, take some Spanish classes and receive cultural orientation.
The Welcome Camp will also cover some important things, like programme rules, dealing with culture shock and homesickness, safety recommendations, and more. It’s an important introduction to life in your new home, but also a fun adventure you get to share with other young travellers and the perfect way to kickstart your Costa Rican experience!
What’s included:
- Accommodation in a host family
- Personal assistance and contact person in both home and host country
- Emergency support 24/7
- STS bag
- Full board in a host family
- STS Welcome Camp
- Free interview
- STS Diploma
- School spot in a local high school
- Online pre-departure meeting
- Meetings and material to prepare you and your parents
Add-ons
Would you like a little more control over your high school exchange, or prepare yourself a little extra?
With our add-ons, your dreams may become reality.
Sports and more
€600
Do you have a sport or a hobby you can’t live without, or dream to start learning, during your exchange in Costa Rica? Do you love basketball, surfing, or climbing? Are you a fan of photography or painting? You name it, we will try to arrange it! The sky is the limit.
If we can fulfill your wish, you pay an additional fee. If not, there is no charge.
Preparatory language course – Spanish
€800
Are you going on an exchange year to a Spanish-speaking country? Prepare yourself with our digital language course! It’ll help you master the language faster once you’re there and make it easier to understand what your new friends, host family and teachers are saying right from the start.
Designed to prepare you for your exchange year, this course is perfect for those who want to start practising the language as soon as possible. You will gain confidence in the language, get the tools to face the challenges of studying abroad and increase your awareness of different cultures.
The course is digital and includes a total of 28 hours of study spread over three weeks in August. There are several different levels of proficiency on the course, so you will have to take a language test before the start of the course.
Our destinations
Take our short quiz and discover which high school exchange destination fits your vibe.
USA
Discover life as a high school student in the USA. A whole new way of living – from yellow school buses and pep rallies to school pride, homecoming dances, and weekend road trips. You’ll immerse yourself in a culture you’ve only seen in movies, experience the American school spirit firsthand, and find out what everyday life is like as a U.S. teen.
Argentina
A high school year in Argentina will give you a wonderful mix of cultures and indigenous traditions. And your Spanish will get a powerful boost. This is a big, bold and beautiful country with many different landscapes and different climate zones – from subtropical in the north, over the vast green plains (Pampas) in the centre to subpolar and glazier zones in the far south.
Australia
Studying in Australia is more than just sunshine and surf. It’s about meeting new friends, trying Vegemite (yes, really), and learning what it’s like to go to school on the other side of the world. Whether you're in a coastal city or a small rural community, you’ll experience life like a true Aussie teen – full of adventure, culture, and personal growth.
Austria
You don’t have to be skier to love Austria. But if fresh powder and well prepared slopes is your thing then Austria will be your kind of heaven. There are mountains and lift systems everywhere and they are often close to the cities.
Canada
It isn’t hard to see why Canada is attracting an increasing number of international high school students for their year abroad. Canada isn’t just the second-largest country in the world, where the people are friendly and life is easy-going. It also has beautiful natural scenery, wide-open spaces, the great outdoors and plenty of wildlife.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a nature-lover's dream, with deep rain forests, perfect beaches, mountains, volcanoes, islands and spectacular wildlife. But the country's best asset is the people, who are warm, welcoming and share a unique way of seeing the world. Pura vida ('pure life') is both a greeting and the national philosophy. It encapsulates a friendly and worry-free lifestyle and an appreciation of people, nature and a good time.
China
Live and study in one of the world’s most dynamic countries, one that combines the cutting edge of technological development with a history that dates back millennia. The past, present and future seem to merge in China. Discover its unique culture and fascinating language from the inside on an unforgettable high school exchange.
Denmark
Take the chance to study in the lovely country Denmark! Despite the country's small size, there is a lot to discover here. Come with us to Denmark as an exchange student and experience the green landscapes, blue sea and beautiful old towns. Eat typical food such as smørrebrød and frikadeller, rent a bicycle in Copenhagen and treat yourself with some amazing Danish pastry at a cosy café!
Finland
Finland's stark Nordic scenery is home to fascinating wildlife, pristine forests, some 200,000 lakes and the world's happiest people, not to mention Europe's top educational system and an extremely high quality of life (and don't forget the saunas).
France
Around 85 million tourists from all over the world can’t be wrong – France is the place to visit. For decades the country has had the number 1 spot in the World Tourism Organisation’s yearly statistics. It’s no wonder France is a favorite. Shopping, fashion and sightseeing in Paris, the glamorous beach life on the Côte d’Azur, skiing in the French Alps and a beautiful countryside are some of the things that attracts foreigners. Also, it’s no doubt that France is number 1 when it comes to food. Will you try a delicacy such as escargots?
Germany
Germany is the largest country in the EU in terms of population. It’s also the European Union’s biggest economy, which you will notice by the high standards of living. This modern, cosmopolitan country is a centre for technology and innovation. It attracts people from all over the world with a varied cultural scene and a certain love for concerts and festivals.
Great Britain
Studying in the UK is more than afternoon tea and iconic landmarks – it’s a chance to experience life as a British teen and discover a world of new perspectives. From buzzing cities like London and Manchester to charming countryside villages, your exchange year in the UK combines academic challenges with unforgettable cultural moments.
Ireland
A high school exchange in Ireland means diving into a vibrant culture full of music, tradition, and friendly energy. You'll live like a local, attend an Irish secondary school, and become part of a community that is full of character. From green hills and coastal cliffs to school spirit and weekend céilís, life in Ireland is anything but ordinary.
Italy
Go on high school exchange in ItalyFree brochure Why study abroad in Italy? If you ask an Italian why you should come to Italy the answer will probably be because Italy has the best food, the most beautiful language, the greatest culture and world class soccer teams. Well, it’s hard to disagree. This country sure…
Japan
Welcome to a nation like no other! Japan is the world’s third largest economy, and a trendsetter in culture, fashion, and technology. Japanese culture is widely known for its traditional arts as well as its contemporary pop culture. It’s a country where old meets new in a totally unique way.
Netherlands
Most people are familiar with the tulip plantations, the windmills, the expertly built canal system (great for skating in winter time) and lively cities like Amsterdam, Haag and Rotterdam. We are of course talking about the Netherlands – a small but interesting country, with more to offer than just these traditional symbols.
New Zealand
Studying in New Zealand is more than just scenic landscapes and friendly locals – it’s about discovering a whole new way of learning and living.
Norway
Take the opportunity to study in one of the world’s most mesmerising countries. Norway is known worldwide for its exceptional nature and it’s the perfect destination for you who love skiing and snowboarding.
Spain
A high school exchange year in Spain means becoming part of a culture that’s lively, welcoming, and full of everyday moments. You’ll attend a local high school, live with a welcoming host family, and experience what daily life is like as a teenager in Spain. With nearly 500 million people around the world speaking Spanish, gaining confidence in the language will open up new opportunities – both now and in the future.
Sweden
Did you know that Sweden is a 1 574 kilometer long country with nearly 100 000 lakes? Pretty impressive. The country has great coastlines and lots of vast forests. But also charming cities, both big and small, from Malmö in the south to Kiruna in the north. Stockholm, the Swedish capital, is a lively city located in the most amazing archipelago. It is a beautiful country with great wildlife and plenty of wide open spaces. If you're lucky you'll see the King of Sweden, or at least the king of the forest, the famous moose. Come join us for a genuine experience!
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