How do I apply to CEA CAPA Education Abroad in San José, Costa Rica?

You can apply to CEA CAPA Education Abroad in San José, Costa Rica by clicking the "Apply Now" button.

Is housing provided for CEA CAPA Education Abroad in San José, Costa Rica?

Yes, the program includes housing. Participants stay in apartments or with a host family.

What's included in CEA CAPA Education Abroad in San José, Costa Rica's fee?

The program fee includes some accommodation, activities, airport transfers, and classes.

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CEA CAPA Education Abroad in San José, Costa Rica

Q: Where is CEA CAPA Education Abroad in San José, Costa Rica located?

CEA CAPA Education Abroad in San José, Costa Rica is located in San José, Costa Rica.

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CEA CAPA Education Abroad

4.94 (52 reviews)

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Students

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CEA CAPA Education Abroad in San José, Costa Rica

CEA CAPA Education Abroad

4.94 · 52 reviews

Community Choice Award Winner

Location

Costa Rica
- San José

Term

Fall, J-Term, Spring, Summer, Winter

Subject Areas

Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, Work study, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding

Health & Safety

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Program Details

Program Type

Provider

Degree Level

High School Diploma Associates Bachelors

Housing

Apartment Host Family

Language

English

Pricing

Price Details

Included: Personalized Pre-departure Advising; Tuition & Registration; Travel Medical Insurance; Onsite Orientation; Housing; Volunteer Opportunities; Onsite Staff Support; Excursions and Cultural Engagement; Host Institution Services & Amenities and more. Scholarships available.

What's Included

Some Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Classes

Last Reviewed: Sep 20, 2026

Wish List

91 travelers are looking at this program

Frequently asked questions

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About Program

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, blends urban life and natural beauty with more than 800+ miles of coastline and acres of lush rainforests lying just a short drive from this diverse metropolitan center.

Study a wide range of subjects with CEA CAPA’s partner university Veritas University. It boasts a large international student body with a focus on international business, intensive and medical Spanish language, and health sciences. Courses are taught in both Spanish and English.

Interested? Click the “Visit Site” button now to see what’s possible!

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COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

This program offers strong academic support with engaging, discussion-based classes and opportunities for hands-on learning, especially in Spanish and environmental studies. Students appreciate the close-knit community formed through homestays and group excursions, as well as the attentive, responsive staff who assist with safety, health, and travel.

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Program Highlights

Hands-on learning experiences that transform the world abroad into a classroom
Personalized Pre-Departure Advising, including visa and immigration support
Courses offered in English that fulfill major and general graduation requirements
Comprehensive on-site support, including 24/7 emergency phone
Career workshops, Internships Abroad, and Alumni Ambassador positions

Video and Photos

CEA Study Abroad Students in San Jose, Costa Rica

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Diversity & Inclusion 💙

BIPOC Support

CEA CAPA provides, in conjunction with Diversity Abroad, Destination Guides which provide resources and tips for Black/African-American students, Latinx students, Asian American students, and all other students of color.

www.ceastudyabroad.com

LGBTQIA+ Support

Through our personalized advising, CEA CAPA takes steps to understand the needs of a diversity of student identities like the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition to diversity and identity training, CEA CAPA leadership engage in continuous department level project work to identify and revise policies and practices using the appropriate Justice, Equity, Diversity or Inclusion lens as a frame to reduce bias and barriers that impact students, faculty, and staff. CEA CAPA is intentional in elevating diverse student voices and providing a platform for a broad array of identities to share their experiences abroad. The CEA CAPA World Blog promotes stories and personal experiences from the perspectives of diverse student bloggers and vloggers.

Neurodivergent Support

CEA CAPA is willing and able to assist students with learning disabilities and physical disabilities. Students are requested to disclose disabilities through the application health forms as part of their application and in discussion with their application advisor or program manager. The earlier CEA CAPA is made aware of learning or physical disabilities the better we can work with the student, institution, and overseas team to tailor an Individualized Education Program if necessary to support the student.

www.ceastudyabroad.com

Impact 🌎

Sustainability

CEA CAPA makes a conscious effort to create study abroad experiences that leave a positive impact on host communities. Each location implements a variety of strategies to support the local community and promote sustainability. Examples include:

Use of recycling bins in Study Center locations and in CEA CAPA housing

Signage in CEA CAPA housing urging students to limit water and electricity usage

Students are often given reusable bags and water bottles upon arrival to limit single plastic use

Students are provided with instructions for acquiring transportation passes to promote use of public transportation rather than taxis

Program Reviews

4.94 Rating

based on 52 reviews

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Rating Spread Study

5 rating 94.23%
4 rating 5.77%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Academics 4.3
Support 5
Fun 4.95
Housing 4.85
Safety 4.5

Good for Students, Adventure travelers, Solo Travelers

Showing 1 - 8 of 52 reviews

I had the time of my life spending the summer in Costa Rica. This program is the perfect fit for you if you love biology, environmental science, learning Spanish, or pre-health, and if you love exploring both city and nature. Costa Rica has some of the best beaches, forests, animals/birds, an awesome night scene, amazing people, and delicious food. You will be pushed outside your comfort zone, but also welcomed to the comfortable home of your host family and a super supportive onsite staff. For true cultural immersion, San Jose is perfect. For beaches and more touristy attractions, a cheap bus ticket can take you just about anywhere. My only drawback was occasional safety concerns, but being sure not to walk alone at night and keeping an eye on your belongings will keep you safe. I would highly recommend this program to any prospective students!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

It can be daunting to go to a Spanish-speaking country if you are not a native speaker, especially if you have not learned Spanish. But, in Costa Rica, my experience is that locals are very kind and welcoming, and will be very grateful if you put effort into trying, even if you mess up. Simple things like greeting the waiter/cashier before ordering are super important. Don’t be afraid- this is a perfect opportunity to learn more about another part of the world and improve your multicultural communication!

Pros

I made so many really awesome friends from all over the US in my program that I still keep in contact with.
My Spanish-speaking improved enormously from classes and from everyday conversations.
The program excursions, beaches, jungles, tourist attractions, and local spots are all beautiful, not too expensive, and once in a lifetime opportunities.

What other participants should know

Traveling to reach the beach from San Jose was not expensive but it took anywhere from 3-7 hours by bus
Public transportation is not centralized, so it can be confusing to get around, BUT not impossible (and Uber for short destinations is super cheap and safe)
You have to be very careful walking in the city, and it is likely you will be catcalled multiple times a day if you are a woman.

Statue in San Jose symbolizing Costa Rica’s independence

Wall of the French bakery on the way to school

Comida Caribeña en Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Food)

Sunset after a boat tour in Puerto Viejo

Program excursion- ziplining tour in Monteverde cloud forest

This study abroad experience was unique from others offered by my university because there were students from multiple different universities. As someone who loves adventure and nature, Costa Rica was the perfect place to study abroad. On weekends I explored the rainforests, went surfing, ziplining, hiking, and more. In addition to my personal travels with friends, our classes also had really interesting field trips associated with them. For example, my tropical marine biology class had a weekend field trip to Cuajiniquil where we went snorkeling to observe different types of reefs and fish and their behaviors. In San Jose there was also a lot to do and explore. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is interested in studying abroad, improving their Spanish, and loves nature.

What was your funniest moment?

One of my funniest moments would probably be getting out of the Uber to run the last mile to the bus station with all of our things for a weekend trip because there was unexpected traffic and we weren't going to otherwise make it on time.

Pros

Creating lifelong friendships with the people in my program.
Having the ability to travel to numerous places within Costa Rica and experiencing the natural beauty of the country.
Being immersed in Costa Rican culture

What other participants should know

Due to the infrastructure, elevation, and traffic, traveling anywhere within the country takes much longer than expected.

In flight view from Santa Teresa to San José

I absolutely loved the Costa Rica Spanish Language, Liberal Arts & Environmental Sciences semester abroad! All of the students were excited to make friends and have an amazing semester with everyone, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. The weekend excursion trips were so much fun, and my favorite part was traveling during Holy Week around Costa Rica and Panama. It was so beautiful and there was so much wildlife. Exploring San Jose was nice too, there's a lot of museums, restaurants, and bars to check out. The city can be a little sketchy at times, so be careful of your surroundings and travel in groups. Use Uber to get around the city since it's cheap.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

My advice would be to start researching and planning your weekend trips early! Most of your weekends will be free, so figure out where you'd like to visit around the country along with transportation and housing. Both buses and hostels are very cheap, so traveling most places is affordable.

Pros

Spent a lot of time in nature
Made great friends
Experienced life in another country

What other participants should know

The city can be a little sketchy

Procession in Panama City during Holy Week

Fer-de-lance snake at La Selva Research Station

Getting the opportunity to study abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica, was by far one of the greatest experiences of my life! I got to live with an amazing host family, go on tons of adventures, excursions, beach trips, and explored all over the city of San Jose! I met so many new people, made so many new friends and got to really immerse myself in the Costa Rican culture which I absolutely loved! The city of San Jose itself had so so much to do including farmers markets, tons of cute cafes to study in, entertainment everywhere, cultural events, concerts, Christmas markets, and more! Almost every weekend my friends and I from my program took buses which were super accessible + cheap to the coasts and spent the weekends at the prettiest beach towns ever! CEA CAPA had a very supportive on-site team that provided help + support whenever necessary as well which was such a big help. I would recommend this program to anyone and everyone! Costa Rica is an incredible country and being able to experience it through CEA CAPA was a dream!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

CEA took us on a weekend excursion to Monteverde, Costa Rica and while we were there a few people from my program and I went ziplining through the rainforest super high up in the mountains! It literally felt like we were flying -- we could see the entire canyon from above, as well as the ocean. It was definitely a little scary but such an incredible experience!

Pros

San Jose is SUCH a fun city with tons of things to do!
San Jose is a pretty central location in Costa Rica, so it made traveling to other parts of the country super easy! Costa Rica's beaches are absolutely stunning!
All of the CEA CAPA excursions they had planned for us were so much fun, as well as other "family" things they had planned including the Thanksgiving dinner. Having that sense of community while so far away from home was something I really appreciated.

What other participants should know

At night like most cities, San Jose could be a bit dangerous. Proceed with caution and be aware of your surrounding and you should be fine!
I went during rainy season which I personally did not mind because I am from the Pacific Northwest and am used to the rain, however some of my peers in my program from places like New Mexico were not used to that amount of rain and didn't enjoy it as much
Setting up an e-sim card and getting my phone to work properly was by far my biggest issue when I went abroad. I definitely should have done more research and would recommend getting and international phone plan before going!

Soccer game at the national stadium against Nicaragua!

The beautiful beaches in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica!

Studying abroad in San José was an unforgettable and transformative experience. The city’s vibrant culture, welcoming people, and rich history made every day feel meaningful. I improved my Spanish skills through daily interactions and classes, which boosted my confidence. From exploring local markets to trying traditional Costa Rican food, I gained a deeper appreciation for the culture. The program also encouraged independence and personal growth while connecting me with students from around the world. Overall, studying in San José helped me grow academically, culturally, and personally, making it one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

What was your funniest moment?

My funnest moment was exploring the lively markets in San José with friends, trying fresh tropical fruits for the first time and laughing as we practiced Spanish with local vendors. The energy, colors, and music made everything feel alive, and it was a moment I’ll always remember.

Pros

Living in San José helped me quickly improve my Spanish through daily immersion
Exposure to a new culture, traditions, and foods broadened my global perspective
Gained independence, confidence, and adaptability in a new environment

What other participants should know

Adjusting to cultural differences and language barriers was challenging at first
Being far from family and friends could feel isolating at times
Navigating transportation and unfamiliar systems sometimes caused stress

I really enjoyed my time in Costa Rica. It opened my eyes to an entire new culture and way of living and really made me branch out.

Living with a host family was the best decision I could have made. I built a relationship in this little amount of time that will last forever. Talking to locals and living with one gave me an experience that I would not have gotten otherwise.

I felt like the people there made me feel very included and I was not looked at weird for looking different and not speaking spanish that well.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

The most suprising thing I saw was in Montezuma, my favorite place I went in Costa Rica. I woke up for the sunrise one morning and while I was looking out I watched a whale jump out of the water. It was insane to see and displayed the quiet beauty of the wildlife in Costa Rica.

Pros

Female traveler friendly
Many people speak english
Many free activities

What other participants should know

A little scary
Not great public transport

I truly enjoyed my experience studying abroad in Costa Rica on CEA CAPA's program to San Jose. I learned medical spanish while also enjoyed my first time out of the country. With CEA CAPA the excursions that come with the program were truly great and a wonderful way to see Costa Rica as the beautiful country it is. The experience was like nothing ever before and I truly cannot wait to go on something like this again. I loved it so much that I am now an ambassador for CEA CAPA and looking into another study abroad experience. It made me see the world as something outside of the everyday life that I live and went to show me that there are so many uniquely different opportunities out there if you go searching for them.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

The most nerve racking moment for me was going to the airport to go to my program. I was scared because it was my first time leaving the country and I didn't know what it will be like. My only advice for overcoming this moment is to face is head first because those who run this program would not allow you to go on this journey if they didn't think you were fit for it.

Pros

Priced appropriately
Interesting Classes
Fun excursions

I attended the CEA CAPA Medical Spanish course at Universidad de Veritas in San Jose, Costa Rica, and had an amazing experience. Even though it was a 4-week abroad experience, I truly learned so much about academically, culturally, and personally. My growth independently, in my Spanish speaking, and understanding of Costa Rican culture is something I will never forget. From the beginning, I felt very supported by the program; emotionally, physically, and academically. Besides the academics, the country DID NOT disappoint. It had always been a dream of mine to go to Costa Rica, and the school did an amazing job organizing weekend trips to places such as Monteverde and Jaco. As a young woman, I felt fairly safe during my time in San Jose. However, I would recommend always going out in a group and never alone; no matter the time of day. The locals in San Jose are very friendly, and often stare as they typically as confused of why you are there and not in a more touristy area. They love to stop and ask where you are from and why you are there; and it is just because they are curious! I really did not have any issues with safety while I was abroad. The school and program also helps lots of emotional support such as on-site therapists, as well as the staff themselves. I highly recommend this study abroad program, and experience!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

Honestly, my most nerve-racking experience was traveling to the country. It was a big step for me to leave what was comfortable and move somewhere for a month by myself, and it truly was worth it. The culture shock was something that did impact my mental health the first few days, however, the program really helps to get you familiar while the area by taking you on bus/walking tours the first few days you get there, which is something that really helped me get more comfortable. Also, being able to discuss my feeling to my roommates and host family helped to build our relationship a lot faster.

Pros

Traveling to a country I have always wanted to visit
Meeting amazing people who I plan on visiting in the near future
Learning the importance of culture in Costa Rican healthcare

What other participants should know

It not being long enough!

Waterfall in Puntarenas, Monteverde, Costa Rica

Taco Tuesday at Lolita, San Jose, Costa Rica

Community Questions

My daughter wants to study her last year of high school in Costa rica. Is that possible?

I believe CEA only works with college students, but some Rotary chapters help high school students study abroad. Good luck!

By Demitra Kourtzidis on July 5, 2018

See all 2 answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Alumni Spotlight: Katie Rezendes

Why did you choose this program?

I chose CEA CAPA due to the amazing reviews I have heard from others when looking into the program. I had not heard of CEA CAPA before, so when I saw my study abroad office offer this experience, I was hesitant. Then, I decided to do some of my own research, and found someone who had shared their experience in San Jose online. After messaging with her about some of my thoughts and concerns, I realized this would be something I would really be interested in! The staff of CEA were very involved and supportive at the start; from applying on the interest form, till my flight back to the United States. They were all very involved, and made sure I was comfortable the entire shift. Their care, and compassion really did make a difference in my experience!

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

My home university had sent our three different study abroad experiences working with CEA CAPA, San Jose being one of them, so I had replied to that email with any questions, or concerns I may of had. Shortly after, I started receiving emails from CEA CAPA about interest meetings, important dates, and ways to learn more about the program. This really got me more interested reading about other peoples stories, and seeing the lives they had built abroad.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

The one piece of advice I would give to someone thinking of joining this experience would be to just do it. Personally, my issues with my anxiety and leaving home almost held me back from going, and I am so glad I went. It is important to remember that there are outlets and support the entire time you are abroad, and so many people coming from all over the world in the same position as you. Use others to rely on, and be vulnerable about how you are feeling. Everyone I met in the program and such amazing and empathetic people, and truly helped me get comfortable with the new life we had built. I can promise it will be an experience you will never forget!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

The average day-to-day life on a school day looked a little different everyday. In the Medical Spanish course it ran for 4 hours a day Monday-Friday. I would get up around 8am and eat breakfast for 8:30am so I could take my walk with my roommates to Veritas University and be at class for 9am. Class would typically go from 9Am-10:30Am before a 30 minute break, and then from 11Am-12Pm. After class, we had the rest of the day to do whatever we wanted, so my friends and I would usually go do work or practice our patient simulations due that week, go get food from the surrounding markets and restaurants, or do our own mini excursion for the rest of the day. Each day typically look pretty similar unless there was an planned excursion with the program or weekend trip.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear going abroad mainly was starting a mini life somewhere else for the first time. I had been out of the country a few times before, however this was the longest and furthest I ever was from family. The thought of being completely by myself and having to figure everything out alone was really scary, and almost held me back from taking this opportunity. There were many ways I overcame this. One being getting out of my comfort zone from day one, and doing everything I could and was allowed too. I tried to say yes to everything, and that was how I made most of my favorite memories abroad. However, the thing that helped the most was being open and honest with my roommates and host family about the way I was feeling. They are the closet thing I had to family abroad, and building that trust helped us all get so much closer in the time I was there.

Is it safe as a woman traveling outside of the city on weekends?

This was something many people back home asked me when I returned was how much I traveled with my friends independently while abroad. My answer to this would be yes, with some limitations. Our biggest solo weekend trip we did was to Puerto Viejo, which is close to the Panama boarder. We had about 11 girls starting off, and then invited 3 of our male friends to come as we realized the area we were staying in had some bad reviews regarding visiting Americans. With this large of a group, we really did not have any issues while away, as we used our best judgement of what we thought was safe, and wasn't safe. It is important to remember that you are in someone else's home, so being respectful of the locals there is very important if you expect to receive respect back. I believe solo traveling outside of the program is possible and safe with a realistic and well-planned trip!

Priscilla Jimenez

2015 Alum

Gabriella Cisneros

2015 Alum

Caitlyn Tait

2014 Alum

Lauren Gabauer

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Leo Durán

Program

CEA CAPA Education Abroad in San José, Costa Rica

Job Title

Academic Director, CEA Costa Rica

Leo Durán is the Academic Director for the CEA Study Abroad program in San José, Costa Rica. A native of Costa Rica, Leo spent a few years studying and working in the United States. His academic background in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) has helped him to experience teaching in four different countries. Now back home, he loves working with international students and faculty at CEA.

male headshot

Did YOU study abroad?! If so, where and what inspired you to go?

I’ve always been passionate about foreign languages. When I was in high school, I started learning English and French simultaneously and I knew that I needed to spend some time abroad in order to learn these languages better. At ages 16 and 17 I was lucky enough to travel to Oregon and France in two different exchange programs. And that’s where it all began. While my initial inspiration to travel might have been only my interest in improving my language skills, soon after returning home, I realized that I had learned so much more. I was inspired by the wonderful people I had met. I quickly learned that life is a common experience, and I felt the urge to seek out people with different views of the world and to get to know their side of the story. That became my mission. Later, I managed to do a year-long study abroad program in Iowa, which then catapulted me into pursuing a master’s degree in Illinois and a few jobs overseas. Studying and eventually living abroad is definitely an investment in yourself.

What position do you hold at CEA? What has been your career path so far?

I’m the Academic Director for CEA Costa Rica. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in English as a Foreign Language from the University of Costa Rica, and a master’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Prior to joining CEA, I spent more than 15 years in the field of TESOL as an instructor, teacher trainer, curriculum developer and administrator in Costa Rica, the United States, Turkey and China. CEA, however, represents one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. I love how multidimensional my position is—from program development to working with our university partners and advising students, there’s never a dull day at CEA. The best aspect of my job, however, is the day-to-day interaction I get to have with our students. I’m happy I have the opportunity to help them make the most out of their experience in Costa Rica. I am sure I will work in international education for the rest of my life.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Having studied and worked abroad on several occasions, whenever I see students at CEA doing homework or making plans for the weekend, I start reminiscing about my time abroad. I often think of all the amazing people I met who offered a helping hand either through a conversation, an invitation or simply by listening, and I’m thankful to be in the position where I can “return the favor”, However, this is a two-way street, and I’ve learned just as much from our students, which has been very humbling and rewarding. I’ve discovered that everyone everywhere basically wants the same thing. We all strive to reach our goals and fulfill our dreams. I’ve found that you can learn more from people than from the TV or a book. I’m so glad that I’ve grown in ways I had never imagined thanks to every single student, faculty and visitor that I’ve had the privilege to meet.

Describe a time when you felt especially proud to be part of the CEA team.

Studying abroad is exciting, but it can also be challenging. It is sometimes inevitable to experience culture shock and homesickness. I remember two different students on two different occasions who felt this way to the point of wanting to give up and go back home. They both had made up their minds and had told us that they wanted to leave the program early. As the onsite staff, we took the time to speak with the students about their feelings. We listened carefully and gave them all the support they needed. We explained how much they would be missing out on if they went home early. After long chats, and some tears, both students were convinced they had to, and wanted to stay. They each finished their semesters very successfully and happily. What’s more, after returning home they both became CEA Alumni Ambassadors at their respective home schools! They now not only promote our programs, but also encourage their friends and peers to study abroad!

Location

Location:

San José

Currency:

Costa Rican Colón

Weather:

Jan-Mar

79 F / 57 F

Apr-Jun

81 F / 63 F

Jul-Sep

88 F / 73 F

Oct-Dec

86 F / 73 F

Costa Rica is known for its Pura Vida lifestyle and San José is a great place to get familiar with the lifestyle. One of the best ways to discover San José is through the arts; whether you like theatre, dance, or music, this is the quickest way to the heart of Costa Rica.

About CEA CAPA Education Abroad

With 22 destinations across 13 countries, CEA CAPA Education Abroad offers an ideal balance of academics, internships, and adventure to more than 4,000 students each year. Click on “Visit Site” to explore our study and internship opportunities and find out just out how far international education can take you. Why study abroad or complete an...