High School in Costa Rica

Apply Now
  • Overview

    In Costa Rica, locals say pura vida, but this is more than just a phrase. Studying abroad in Costa Rica for a summer (1-2 months), trimester, semester or full academic  year will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in this way of life that values less stress and a slow pace – and a deep appreciation for nature. In this country famed for its commitment to environmental protection (over 20% of the territory is protected reserve or animal refuge) students get full language and cultural immersion by living with a local host family and attending a local high school. And not to mention an instant buddy: for summer and trimester students, you’re guaranteed to live with a host sibling your age.

    Are you ready to make pura vida your motto? If you check off any of the below, Costa Rica might be the next stamp on your passport:

    • You prefer to go with the flow – schedules are flexible and you roll with whatever changes come your way
    • You have a commitment to speaking Spanish – even if you’re a complete beginner (all levels welcome – language courses include in semester and academic year programs)
    • You’re an environmental justice warrior and want to learn from the experts (and live their values)
    • Internet might be spotty but you’re okay with less screen time. Bring on the IRL interactions!

    Our alumna Leah Miller shares her reflections on her Costa Rica program:

    “My exchange made me more sure about what I want to do in life because of the cultural and historical influences I experienced. No matter how much I love my high school, now I will always want to get on a plane and travel to explore other cultures. Thanks to this experience, I also know that I can do it! And it made me prepared to work hard for the things that I really want. I may not be the most normal person, but this experience taught me that travel is where I belong. It made me confident that that’s what I need to be doing with my life.” – Leah Miller, 2017 Greenheart Travel high school abroad alum

  • Program Dates

    Fall 2024 Dates

    Application Deadline: March 15, 2024 Extended to April 1, 2024

    • Trimester: July – September 2024
    • Semester: July – November 2024
    • Academic Year: July 2024 – June 2025

    Spring 2025 Dates

    Application Deadline: September 15, 2024
    Apply early and save! Apply by June 15, 2024 and save $300 off a trimester or semester program and $500 off an academic year program.

    • Trimester: Early/Mid February – Late April/Early May 2025
    • Semester: February – July 2025
    • Academic Year: February – December 2025

    Can’t go for a full month but still want to learn Spanish? Check out our 2-4 week summer language camp options in Costa Rica or Spain! 

     

    Arrival and Departure 

    All students are required to book flights on their own. An airport transfer upon arrival is included in the cost of the program. We will provide your exact arrival and departure dates after acceptance, as well as the exact timeframes you should arrive/depart, so that you can start to search for possible flights. We require prior approval of a proposed itinerary before you purchase any flights.

    Nervous about flying on your own? We recommend students and parents sitting down together to review the following resources:

    For many Greenheart Travel students their first time flying is across the world to start their exchange program! You can read our alumni experiences on our blog, such as Emily’s or Madison’s blogs on their experiences flying to Japan or Rachel’s tips on what you actually need to know about flying.

  • Costs and Inclusions

    Program Fees for Fall 2024

    Trimester: $7,110
    Semester: $14,220
    Academic Year: $23,360

    Packaged into the Price:

    All lengths: 

    • Airport pickup upon arrival
    • Host family accommodation and 2 meals (semester or academic year) or 3 meals (trimester or summer) per day
    • Comprehensive medical/accident insurance
    • Arrival Orientation in San Jose
    • Certificate of Completion upon successful completion of the program for use on college applications.
    • Access to Greenheart Travel Facebook groups to connect with alumni and others on your start date ahead of your program.
    • Greenheart Atlas Program 
    • Greenheart Travel T-shirt & other Greenheart swag

    Semester and Academic Year lengths includes all of the above, and: 

    • 2 weeks (semester) or 3 weeks (academic year) of Spanish classes (20 hours/week)
    • 1 full weekend excursion 
    • 1 half-day excursion
    • Tuition in a Santa Ines High school in Heredia

    Our Support and Services: 

    • Visa Assistance in applying for the visa ahead of arrival, including visa paperwork and extensive directions and support.
    • Extensive pre-departure advice and support from your US-based program manager! They will be with you from your first inquiry, all the way through preparing to leave and your arrival in Costa Rica.
    • Support from in-country staff upon arrival to Costa Rica.
    • Online pre-departure cultural and logistical orientation before you leave.
    • 24-hour in-country and emergency support for the duration of the program, including 24-hour emergency phone numbers to reach a program manager at any time.
    • Opportunity to apply for a Greenheart Grant to give back to your community at home or abroad.

    Additional Expenses to Budget For:

    • Flights to/from Costa Rica
    • Public transportation to/from school (if needed)
    • School uniforms (approximately $100)
    • Textbooks and school supplies (approximately $400)
    • School lunches during the week (approximately $80)
    • Personal spending money for entertainment, extracurriculars, toiletries, etc.
    • Local SIM card and any other cell phone costs

    Payment Details

    • $1,500 Application Fee due by the program deadline to formally apply
    • $5,000 Commitment Payment due 14 days after acceptance
    • Remaining balance is due 16 weeks prior to your start date. If your program starts within 16 weeks of acceptance, the remaining program balance payment will be due at the same time as the commitment payment. 

    Worried about the program fee?

    Our goal is to help make travel accessible to everyone and we are here to help when you are deciding if this experience is financially do-able. Each year we offer scholarships for high school study abroad students! We also have a guide to fundraising your program fee, and many high school students fundraise in their hometown ahead of their program.

    We also offer discounts for applying early (plus there are many other benefits to applying early!) for each start date and for US families that have hosted an exchange student with Greenheart Exchange.

    Please inquire here if you have questions about the program fee, scholarships, or fundraising for your program.

  • Eligibility

    In researching a study abroad program, you have already shown you are a leader and open-minded in your academic pursuits. These are just a few of the traits that our exchange students possess. You’re motivated to immerse yourself in another culture and flexible enough to live outside your comfort zone. You should also:

    • Be between 14 and 18 years of age (at the time of travel)
    • Be from the United States or Canada
    • Possess a high school cumulative GPA of at least 2.75/4.0
    • Be in great mental* and physical health
    • Have a genuine interest in becoming a part of your host family and community
    • Be willing to study and learn Spanish. If your command of Spanish is not sufficient to follow lessons in school, you will be expected to take additional language lessons at your own cost

    Check out our summer language camp program in Costa Rica to get a head start on your Spanish skills.

    *What does it mean to be in good mental health?

    Moving to a new culture and staying in unfamiliar surroundings without your normal support structure can be very stressful, even to a well-adjusted student. Sending a student with pre-existing conditions on a long-term exchange program could exacerbate whatever challenges the student was previously facing. In order to ensure the safety of our participants, we must be rigorous in our pre-screening of all high school abroad applicants.

    Therefore, we may not be able to accept students who have struggled with any kind of mental illness, specifically within the last 2 years and/or are reliant on medication to address their existing mental health condition. Each student will be addressed on a case by case basis and ultimately it is Greenheart Travel’s in-country partner who holds the right to accept or decline a student based on their individual policy.

    These include, but are not limited to:

    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
    • Eating disorders
    • Chronic debilitating migraines
    • Bipolar Disorder

    All students who currently experience one or more of these conditions will be required to submit an addendum to the terms and conditions as well as a letter of support from their current mental health specialist. If the student’s mental health issue has been managed (post-medication) for over 2 years, we will still require a note from his/her relevant practitioner (psychologist, therapist, psychiatrist, etc) as part of the application process.  We encourage you to discuss your specific situation with us directly, before securing these documents.

    Please note that students who have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD will not be guaranteed any academic accommodations plans by the host school abroad.

  • Academic Info

    The government of Costa Rica invests much of its funding toward their education system. To fully embrace your local Costa Rican community you will attend a public school and all of your classes will be taught in Spanish. Mandatory school uniforms minimize economic differences among classmates and will make your packing process much easier! Typical classes include; Math, Spanish, English, Science, Geography and Agriculture.

    So, what about credits? 

    Neither Greenheart Travel nor the host school abroad provides high school credit. All credit must be granted through your home school in the U.S. or Canada. All U.S./Canadian schools have different policies. Here’s a blog post to read more about how some alumni have transferred credits.  

    In Costa Rica, we cannot guarantee your host school will provide you an official transcript. If your school will not, some host schools will provide documentation, letters, and any other materials you require upon request. You must have good behavior, attendance, and performance in order for the school to fulfill this request.  

    Then, you should take this documentation back to your home school as proof of your participation in the program. Your home school is responsible for awarding you credit for this program or not.  

    Before You Go Abroad

    You should meet with your US high school before you leave and share the general curriculum guidelines for Costa Rica with your guidance counselor and/or teachers.  

    Because the curriculum will vary by school and we cannot guarantee you’ll take any specific classes, it is important that you arrange the required classes required for your graduation, such as U.S. History, before or after your time abroad.  

    Greenheart Travel will be able to provide information about the general curriculum for your age level in Costa Rica, but you will not know your course schedule until after you arrive in country and start attending school.  

    Access your High School Curriculum Guidelines for Costa Rica here!

    Once You’re Abroad

    Please keep in mind that the grading system in other countries is different than the US. Most host schools will not grant grades or transcripts as it is too difficult to evaluate your work due to the language barrier. If your host school is able to award you grades, they won’t be an exact match to what you would get in the US.

  • Summer Study Abroad

    Can’t miss part of your semester or a full academic year? No te preocupes! (Psst – that means “don’t worry”)

    During North American summers, Costa Rican schools are still in session! You can still attend a local high school and live with a local host family and get the full exchange experience without missing your school year. You can see all the details here:

    High School Summer in Costa Rica

  • Host Families

    The best way to learn about a new culture and language is to be fully immersed in it which is why all Greenheart Travel high school abroad students live with local host families. All of our host families are volunteers and will treat you as a member of their family. By being a part of your family’s daily life, you will learn to live and speak like a local.

    For Summer (1-2 months) and Trimester students, you are guaranteed a host family with a host sibling who attends the same high school. 

    Prospective host families undergo a rigorous screening process. Participants can rest assured that only suitable host families will be selected. In fact, many of our current host families have hosted students in the past, showing what an impactful experience it was.

    In order to qualify as a host family, the prospective hosts must:

    • Successfully pass a criminal background check
    • Undergo and pass an in-person interview with program staff
    • Agree to and pass a home inspection

    We will connect you with your host family prior to your arrival in your host country. By e-mailing and speaking with them before arriving, it will help break the ice when you finally meet in person. It will also show that you are as excited to live with them as they are to host you!

    Host families have many reasons why they want to welcome you! Our host families are volunteers, meaning they don’t receive compensation for housing and feeding students during their program. Many host families love the experience of cultural exchange – they learn just as much about your country as you do theirs. Many are also former exchange students and want to return the favor, or they have children who have gone or will go to study in the U.S. Having an exchange student exposes their children to new languages and cultures.

    A Greenheart Traveler and his Costa Rican host family!

  • Activities & Excursions

    Semester and academic year programs have 1 full weekend excursion and 1 half-day excursion included in the cost of their program.

    All students regardless of length will also be able to participate in organized activities, excursions, and short trips for a chance to see life beyond your host community. Sample some delicious BBQ while meeting new friends, take a hiking tour in the rain forest, or experience the thrill of seeing the Arenal volcano up close during your time in Costa Rica! These are just a few of the possible adventures you could enjoy during your high school abroad program.

    In addition to program activities and excursions, there are also school-sponsored activities students can take part in, such as

    • Teatro
    • Fútbol
    • Atletismo
    • Danza
    • Música
    • Baloncesto
    • Basketball
    • Baile
    • Yoga
    • Portugués

    What do our alumni say about their experience studying abroad?

    Not only has my High School Year Abroad with Greenheart Travel helped me learn Spanish as a second language, but it has also exposed me to different lifestyles and customs. Through living with a host family, attending school in a small, coffee-farming town & developing friendships with local students, I have gained entirely new perspectives and experiences. Studying abroad has given me the opportunity to change the way I see myself and everything around me, and that it a gift that I will cherish and benefit from for the rest of my life.” — Rachel Maloney, high school abroad alumni 2016

  • Placements

    For summer (1-2 months) and trimester lengths, we place most of our students 1-2 hours outside of San Jose in small to medium-sized towns. Close to the rainforest, but also to the city, this part of Costa Rica is a great place to call home. Our most common placements are in the following towns: San Ramon, Palmares, and Zarcero. We work with several public (and private, upon request) high schools in these areas.

     

    For semester and academic year programs, all students are placed in Heredia and will attend Centro Educativo Santa Ines.

    Regardless of your program length, we make it a priority to place students with host families that closely match your interests and personality, for example, if you like soccer, we’ll do our best to find a family that also loves soccer! The best time to talk about your interests and preferences is during the application interview and in your host family questionnaire.

  • FAQs

    I am a parent with questions, where do I go?

    Please head to our Parent Handbook page. You’re also welcome to set up a time to chat with us about your child’s program abroad here. We’re happy to talk with you about this big decision!

    I identify as LGBTQ+. How will I be supported?

    Greenheart Travel welcomes travelers identifying as LGTBQ+, and is committed to helping you find the best program for you. We can provide information on the cultural norms of our destination countries and are prepared to advise you on the best programs based on your needs and interests. 

    Please read more here.

    Do I need to be fluent in Spanish?

    No. Unlike our other Spanish speaking destinations, Costa Rica does not require any previous Spanish experience. It certainly helps if you know some, but you can study before you leave.

    For semester and academic year programs, there are 2 weeks (semester) or 3 weeks (academic year) of language classes (20 hours/week) included in the program. This will give students language introduction before classes start!

    One of the main goals of studying abroad is to become fluent in another language while living overseas. The host family and school will not expect you to be fluent when you first arrive and will help you improve your language skills. As long as you try your best, you’ll pick up the language sooner than you might think!

    Can I choose where I will be placed with my host family?

    No – but that’s what pura vida is all about, right? Flexibility and adaptability! For summer and trimester programs, you must be flexible about where you are placed within Costa Rica. We make it a priority to place students with host families that closely match your interests and personality. For this reason we work first to find a suitable family rather than a destination preference. We can never guarantee placements in any specific city or region, and we match based on compatibility with the host family.

    For semester and academic year programs, all students are placed in Heredia and attend Santa Ines high school.

    I know a family in my program country that would like to host me. Is that possible?

    This is possible as long as we have a support network in the family’s host community and there is an available nearby host school.

    Will I be placed in a city like San Jose?

    You will not be placed in a major city like San Jose. A majority of our families live in small to medium sized towns outside of major cities, and it is important you be open-minded to small town life.

    For semester and academic year programs you will be placed in the smaller city of Heredia.

    What if I don’t like my host family? Can I request a new one?

    We do not change host families based on preferences or location. However, if issues arise once you are on the program, we will handle them on a case-by-case basis and may make changes if necessary.

    What visa do I get and how do I apply?

    Student carrying US or Canadian passports who will be staying in Costa Rica for less than 90 days (summer and trimester programs) will not need a visa.

    All students studying on programs that are longer than 90 days (semester or academic year programs) will be required to obtain a student visa for Costa Rica. It is the students’ responsibility to obtain this visa, but Greenheart will provide you guidance and the proper documentation you’ll need to apply.

    Are flights included?

    Round trip airfare to/from Costa Rica is NOT included in the cost of the program.

    Will someone pick me up at the airport?

    Yes! Our in-country partner staff and/or your host family will be eagerly waiting for you when you arrive!

    Can I travel on my own during the program?

    You are not permitted to travel on your own during the program.

    For semester and academic year programs there is one full weekend excursion and a half-day excursion included in the cost of the program. Both are chaperoned and with other exchange students.

    Some schools will offer optional field trips. You must be accompanied by an approved chaperone to travel.

    Will anyone at my school speak English?

    It’s possible that teachers and students at your school will speak English. However, remember that you’re there to learn Spanish!

    All classes will be taught in Spanish as this is a full immersion program.

    Will I have a host sibling my age?

    For summer and trimester programs, you are guaranteed a host sibling around your age. Your host family may also have young children, teenage children, or grown children who no longer live at home. Regardless of the age of your host siblings, they’ll be excited to welcome into the family!

    Most students have their own rooms. However, houses are smaller and depending on your host family, you may be expected to share a room with a host sibling of the same gender.

    Do I need vaccines/shots?

    Greenheart Travel strongly recommends that all program participants be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before arriving to their destination country. If you will not be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the start of your program, please contact a Program Manager to confirm that your destination country will accept non-vaccinated participants.

    All participants are required to submit a record of immunizations during the application process.

    What is the insurance?

    Comprehensive medical and accident insurance will be included in the cost of your program. This will cover you for most medical expenses you might incur, like prescriptions, ER visits, doctor visits, dental accidents, and hospitalizations.

    What happens if I get sick or have an emergency?

    If you get sick, your host family or local coordinator will help you go to the doctor.

    If you have an emergency on program, we have a 24/7 emergency number you can call. Our in-country partner staff and your host family will be there to assist you. Greenheart will be in touch with your parents regarding your emergency.

    Can friends study abroad together?

    Our programs are based on a full, cultural immersion experience so friends are not allowed to study abroad together in the same host town with the exception of semester and academic year students (all placed in Heredia). For summer and trimester programs you’re welcome to both go to Costa Rica at the same time but you would not be placed together. Don’t worry though; making friends in your new host town will happen quickly!

    Can I come home to visit or can my parents visit while I'm abroad?

    No. Visits are not allowed during the summer high school program. If your family wishes to visit, they should plan to meet you after your program is completed. In this instance, Greenheart Travel’s National office and international partner office should be informed of your family’s plans.

    Do you offer any scholarships, financial aid, or special discounts?

    Yes. Every year we offer various scholarships for select high school program destinations. There are two Early Bird Deadline discounts offered each year as well. If you have hosted a student for Greenheart Exchange, you are also eligible for a Greenheart Host Family discount.

    My school requires service learning in order to graduate. How will I do that abroad?

    Greenheart Travel is proud to offer the Greenheart Club for all of our students. The Greenheart Club challenges our participants to pursue a deeper level of immersion through volunteerism. As a member of the Greenheart Club, you will receive guidance in strategizing creative ways to give back to your community, have access to tools for tracking your impact and receive incentives for your efforts as a global leader. This is a great chance for you to get to know the local community outside of the classroom while you study abroad.

    Can I take the SATs while abroad?

    You will not be able to take the SATs while abroad.  We highly recommend taking the SATs prior to or after the program.

    When should I apply?

    We recommend you apply a minimum of 6 months prior to your desired semester.

    The sooner you can apply the better, as acceptance, gathering documents, etc. can take a long time. Read more about why applying early is a good idea.

    Our final deadlines for fall start dates are March 15, and September 15 for spring departures.

    I have already graduated, am I still eligible?

    We cannot take already graduated student’s on our High School Study Abroad in Costa Rica program. Please look into our Gap Year Programs for short term Spanish programs that can take Gap Year students who are 18 or over.

    On a case by case basis, we can accept already graduated students for High School programs in Argentina, Belgium, France, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, and England.

    Can I speak to current high school students or alumni?

    Yes! Check out our blog or you can join our exclusive teen programs Facebook group to talk to current and past students.

    We also have a list of mentors (teens and parents) that are past participants open to chatting about their experience with potential new participants. Please inquire here if you want to be put in touch with a mentor.

  • Why Greenheart Travel?

    Greenheart Travel has been working with high schoolers for many years, and there are advantages of applying for this program through us:

    • 33 years of experience with cultural exchange programs
    • Friendly, responsive, and professional support from your program manager.
    • Connect with alumni and others on the program via our Greenheart Travel only Facebook forums, before you even leave!
    • We try and make our program fees as inclusive as we can. We include things like medical insurance so you don’t run into any hidden fees down the line.
    • Greenheart Atlas Program. The Greenheart Travel Atlas is a cultural training interactive guidebook alongside five videos where you will find three main topics covered: Personal/Professional Development, Cultural Understanding, & Environmental Awareness.
    • Our alumni recommend us! GoOverseas.com Reviews // GoAbroad.com Reviews
    • Hands-on support and personal attention every step of the way
    • 24/7 emergency phone number to reach a staff member at any time
    • Pre-departure “Culture Shock and Adjustment” Webinar before you leave
    • Discounts for future Greenheart Travel programs
    • We are a non-profit, mission-based organization
    • Continued support throughout your time abroad

    We also have some unique offerings to our Greenheart Travel students and alumni!

    Greenheart Global Impact Grants (GIGs)

    Greenheart GIG Grants are funds awarded to Greenheart Travel participants to use for community development projects in their host or home country. A GIG is the opportunity to create, improve, or maintain an impactful, community-focused project abroad or at home. Grant funds could be applied to supporting women’s cooperatives, schools, community centers, or health clinics, for example. Grant winners will be featured on our website, social media, and blog. You can see our past winners on our blog here.

    Greenheart Alumni Program

    We created the Greenheart Travel Alumni Program to provide resources and a community to support alumni in their advancement as global leaders, and a way to celebrate and reward our participants for being ambitious, inspiring catalysts of cultural exchange!

    Junior Greenheart Global Leaders Conference

    Each May Greenheart offers full-ride scholarships to around 10 teen alumni to attend our annual conference in Chicago. You can see more about what Jr. GGLC is and what you could do at the conference here.

  • Application Process

    Committing to studying abroad can feel daunting, but we are here every step of the way to make the application process as simple as possible! Below are the various steps you’ll need to take to be accepted on a high school abroad program.

    1. Start Your Application HereYou will be sent more information as well as the link to our application portal to begin your formal application. Once the initial form is complete, you will be connected to a High School Abroad program manager who will speak with you and a parent to go over the details of the program.

    2. Submit Basic Program Information: The first step in our application portal will be basic things like your chosen start date, etc.

    3. Submit your fee: A $1,500 application fee is required in order to apply for the program. This is subtracted from your total program fee, it’s not additional. 

    4. Complete Application & Documents: Provide more detailed information about yourself in Part 2 of the application. In this section, you’ll tell us more information like your work history, motivations for joining the program, travel history, and emergency contacts. You will also submit your documents (below) within your portal account.

    5. Interview: After submitting your application fee, you will schedule an interview. During this interview, we will ask you questions about living with a host family, adjusting to new situations and homesickness, among other things. You will also receive an overview of the next few months and what you can expect. This is done via Zoom, and at least one parent should also be in attendance.

    6. You’re Accepted! Once you’ve completed all the steps, Greenheart Travel will thoroughly review your application and will contact you within 2-3 weeks about your acceptance. Then, you’ll get more information about preparation, visas, and placement.

    7. Commitment Payment: Once you are accepted to the program, you will need to submit a $5,000 commitment payment within 14 days to confirm your spot on the program. We cannot start the host family matching process until we have this deposit. Once you submit your commitment payment you will unlock the acceptance portion of your portal, which includes things like pre-departure videos, travel and arrival information, the Greenheart Travel Atlas, and more.

    7. Book your flights, and get ready for your adventure to Costa Rica! 

    Required Documents

    In addition to completing an application, you will also be required to submit documents. You can be collecting the documents during the application process, but all documents will be due 14 days after you submit your application fee.

    The following documents will be required for all destinations:

    • Letter of Recommendation (from a teacher, coach or guidance counselor) – does not need to be sealed, should be scanned and uploaded to the document portal
    • Transcripts from the last 3 years (unofficial transcripts accepted)
    • Student Dear Family Letter
    • Parent Questionnaire & Letter
    • Photo Album (5-7 photos of you on a Word document with captions in English and host country’s language)
    • Medical Form (including immunizations)
    • Copy of your passport
    • 60-90 second self-introduction video sent via YouTube link

    Payments

    For payments, a $1,500 non-refundable fee will be due with your submitted application. This is a deposit will be deducted from your overall program cost. If we are able to take a last-minute application submitted after the deadline, the deposit will be $2,000.

    Once you are accepted onto the program, a $5,000 commitment payment will be due within 14 days of acceptance.  The remaining balance is due 16 weeks prior to your start date, or at the same time as your commitment payment, whichever comes first.

    You’ve Been Accepted, Now What?

    Start getting ready for your adventure! Your program manager will be in regular communication with you to make sure that you are on track in your preparations to go abroad.

    • Upon acceptance, you will receive a student handbook (parents – you get one, too!) and access to the Greenheart Travel Atlas, as well as the Greenheart Club.
    • You will receive your host family and school placement roughly 2-3 months after acceptance
    • We will also schedule an online pre-orientation with other Greenheart students a few weeks before your departure!
  • Schedule a Call

    Have questions or want to talk to one of the program coordinators? Set up a time to have a phone call below.


View all