Arcos: High School Programs in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica
- Atenas
- Heredia
About Program
Costa Rica is a paradise for Spanish immersion, cultural exploration, and outdoor adventure! Home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity you will find an amazing array of flora and fauna. The landscapes are breathtaking with verdant volcanos, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches. Choose from a variety of journeys in this Central American country with Arcos Take Spanish classes in a tropical setting and live with a homestay. Learn about the health benefits of nature on the mind, body, and spirit. Explore the unique cultures of Costa Rica and the lifestyle that makes this the happiest country on the planet. Participate in eco adventures such as ziplining, whitewater rafting, hiking, horseback riding, and surfing. Costa Rica is the “pura vida” experience you have been waiting for!
Video and Photos
Program Highlights
- Experience the thrill of a zipline through the rainforest
- Try your hand at surfing at Manuel Antonio National Park
- Observe native wildlife such as sloths, spider monkeys, toucans, and poison dart frogs
- Participate in community service and learn about the power of helping others
- Hike to magnificent waterfalls and soak in hot springs heated by Arenal Volcano
Popular Programs

Perform community service in the rural community of Atenas. Help build an organic garden at a school or paint a classroom. Work with children on homework and sports activities. Participate in cultural workshops to complement your experience such as cooking classes and art workshops. For eco adventure, zipline through the rainforest and soak in hot springs. Horseback ride through verdant grasslands at the base of Arenal Volcano. Travel to the Pacific coast for surfing and whitewater rafting!

Let nature be your guide on this healing journey. This program places emphasis on the benefits of nature for movement and health as you travel through Costa Rica’s top natural areas and climate zones. Explore high altitude cloud forests for yoga and meditation. Hike through lush rainforests for breath and inspiration. Visit the Pacific coast to learn the secrets to a long and healthy life from the locals. Enjoy workshops that focus on healthy cooking and dietary lifestyle.

Live like a local in La Fortuna at the base of Arenal Volcano. Discover the region's hot springs, waterfalls, and rainforests. Volunteer at a nature trail and observe wildlife such as sloths, toucans, and poison dart frogs. Focus on wellness through cooking workshops, market visits, yoga classes, and meditative hikes. Outdoor activities for wellness abound such as horseback riding and whitewater rafting. Travel to the Guanacaste beaches and spend time at a local farm.

Discover the unique cultures that are found in Costa Rica. Start in San Jose, the capital, to tour the historical district and participate in an indigenous artisans workshop. Travel across the country to coffee farms, national parks, workshops, and an indigenous reserve. Explore the cool highlands and communities of the Central Valley and wind down to the Pacific coast and the Nicoya peninsula for beach activities and a pottery workshop. Visit Cartago and Costa Rica’s most sacred shrine.

Study Spanish in a tropical paradise! Classes are taught on an orange and mango farm surrounded by nature. Live with carefully selected homestays and enjoy delicious local cuisine. In the afternoons play soccer, volunteer, or attend a cooking class. Visit an animal rescue center where you will see all types of wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, and macaws. Travel to the rainforest for ziplining and to Manuel Antonio beach for swimming, hiking, and whitewater rafting.