Location
  • Costa Rica
    • Heredia
Term
Academic Year, Fall, J-Term, Maymester, Short Term, Spring, Spring Break, Summer, Winter
Subject Areas
Animal Science Business Cultural Studies Education Film Hispanic Studies History Hospitality Humanities Language Studies Latin American Studies Liberal Arts Linguistics Literature Social Sciences Social Work Wildlife Sciences +7
529 Plan eligibility
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
High School Diploma Associates Bachelors
Housing
Host Family
Language
Spanish

Pricing

Starting Price
3195
Price Details
Program Price Includes:
- Pre-Departure Advising
- Visa Advising
- International Medical Insurance
- Program Orientation
- University Tuition & Fees
- Onsite Directors & Staff
- Homestay & Meals
- Laundry
- Excursions
- Cultural Activities
- Volunteer & Community Service
- Transcript Processing
- Airport Transfers
- Reception & Farewell Activity
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Classes Meals Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare SIM cards Travel Insurance
Sep 28, 2024
Feb 10, 2025
6 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Costa Rica consistently ranks as the happiest country on the planet. Travel to this tropical destination with Arcos and see why! Our study abroad program is based in the charming city of Heredia, known as the City of Flowers. It is perfectly positioned in the beautiful central valley with mountain views and cool temperatures. This ideal location allows us to easily embark on our excursions to explore the fascinating regions of this Central American country. Classes are held at a private university campus with lots of green space. You can choose from electives and Spanish language classes of all levels. Unique to Arcos are our internship courses and Animal Studies program based at a local wildlife rescue center. Our life-changing study abroad programs are known for the quality and personal care we provide our students. Step through the arch and into a world of growth and possibilities!

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Excursions to the Pacific coast and La Fortuna.
  • Intern or volunteer at a wildlife rescue center, teach English, or participate in an ecology and tree planting project.
  • Live with carefully vetted homestays specifically chosen for each student.
  • Enjoy a tropical and healthy diet, with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables (some unique only to Costa Rica!), and the world’s best coffee.
  • Experience the bountiful biodiversity of Costa Rica’s natural wealth of plants, animals, and ecosystems.

Program Reviews

4.88 Rating
based on 17 reviews
  • 5 rating 88.24%
  • 4 rating 11.76%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.4
  • Support 4.85
  • Fun 4.8
  • Housing 4.9
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 1 - 8 of 17 reviews
Default avatar
JudelMay
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Choose ARCOS as your leading vendor!

ARCOS is the best and the leading vendor for all your study abroad needs. I finished traveling for about two weeks to Costa Rica with my group of 24 students, and I always felt safe and taken cared of. They organize the on ground cultural activities, events, transportation, translations, homestays, etc. and really, anything else you would need. Communication is easy, and they really work with you. The entire ARCOS team and program directors were all so knowledgeable and helpful from start to finish. I appreciate ARCOS so, so much and look forward to many more study abroad trips with them!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
During one of our cultural activities, the Heredia City Tour, the students and I were able to go to the market, break up into groups, and purchase multiple and different types of fruits. Then, we went to a nearby cafeteria where they prepared it for all of us to taste! I got to taste a lot of different types of fruit including cas, the Costa Rican guava.
3 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Danna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Loved the experience

I loved my experience studying abroad in Costa Rica. I was placed in the care of an amazing host mother and I had amazing ARCOS directors on my side that helped teach us about the history of Costa Rica. We also had amazing excursions where I got to experience events I wouldn’t of be able to do in California. For example, snorkeling and ziplining would not be something K could experience in my hometown so getting to do it in a new environment surrounded by nature and amazing scenery was a one of kind experience.

3 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Cristina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Time

It was my first time traveling since I was 11/12 years old. I had a great time visiting Costa Rica. I would love to come back. The tour guides, Angie and Cata, were terrific. They were funny and friendly. The homestead was grand. I wish I had my Mama Tika cooking for me to this day. The excursions were fun, and I enjoyed conversing with the friendly Costa Ricans. This experience made me think I could travel in the future since, prior, I did not want to travel. I want to use this program when traveling.

3 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Diana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ARCOS is AMAZING!

Once again a stellar program for our Child and Adolescent Studies majors. The 13 day custom program was amazing and so representative of the phenomenal leadership of ARCOS. Each day was arranged perfectly and our students learned so much about the true culture of Costa Rica. We have basically left our heart in Costa Rica. We loved all the cultural and service learning activities. We highly recommend this vendor if you want professionalism, individual attention and quality. Thanks again to Janiva, Cata, Angie, Alejandro and Brent! Our amazing Costa Rica team!

What was your funniest moment?
We loved the cooking class and folkorico dance class.
Pros
  • Organized
  • Knowledgeable
  • Connected staff
Cons
  • 13 days was not enough
  • Had some rain in CR
  • NONE
2 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Theresa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rica - Winter 2025

Loved this trip - it was a real immersion in Costa Rican hospitality and a great introduction to the businesses and business climate there.

Our tour guide was great, and the weather (supposed to be dry season) was funny. We experienced a lot of rain, but luckily, it wasn't cold. We saw a lot, learned a lot, ate a lot, and laughed a lot.

Our tour guide was so knowledgeable about her country - we got a great history lesson, learned a lot about the flora and fauna from her, and got to experience so much of Costa Rica. It was great.

What was your funniest moment?
Tie between zip-lining and horseback riding.
Zip-lining was so much fun, and the guides were excellent.
Horseback riding at the Los Lagos resort was hilarious - some of the group had never ridden a horse before, and we all had a lot of laughs.
Pros
  • tour guide Andrea was awesome (so was our bus driver Marlon) - she shared her love of the nature and the history of her home country, and she was fun, kind and a joy to be around
  • living with the families gave us a real taste for the every day lives of the Costa Rican people
  • the business tours were eye-opening and very informative
Cons
  • didn't love drive from Jacos to Heredia on a Sunday evening between Christmas and New Year's - horrible traffic and long drive when we were so tired from flight the day before
  • didn't love LONG layovers in Mexico city airport - those were brutal
  • least favorite lecture was one totally in Spanish - even with the translator (who was very nice) it was hard to follow
2 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Molly
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rica Spring 2024

The program was great and offers a good base for exploring the country. However, you must challenge yourself to interact with locals and form connections there. This will be a great trip if you explore on your own in addition to what the program offers. Overall, it was fun and rewarding trip. I had an incredible host family, especially host sister who welcomed me with open arms. I was so lucky that she showed me many parts of Costa Rica that I would have never seen without a close connection to her. Costa Rica felt incredibly safe and was a great place to learn Spanish.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Planning my own trip using public transport on busses for the first time was scary, but so worth it! Try taking the bus and go new places, just don’t go alone if you’re nervous. I went all over, with my furthest bus ride taking 7 hours!
Pros
  • Location
  • Biodiversity (volcanoes, rainforest, beach, waterfall)
  • Host family
Cons
  • Hard to befriend locals unless through your host family
  • Not challenging courseload
  • We were not allowed to visit the Caribbean coast
7 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Gracia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Winter interim 2023-2024 Costa Rica

I loved my experience with Arcos Abroad and most importantly the leadership —Andrea and Jonathan.

I enjoyed so many amazing experiences that I may not have had if I had not taken this opportunity. Andrea was so passionate and enthusiastic, making the experiences much more enjoyable and rewarding. I also felt super grateful and safe with Jonathan’s driving!

Overall, learning the history of beautiful Costa Rica and interacting with both the environment and culture was amazing!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I were to go back again I would come more prepared with medicine like drenamin (mispell). I was unaware that I had motion sickness, thankfully my friend had some patches that really fixed that. So when in doubt just bring that just in case
Pros
  • Leadership (Andrea & Jonathan)
  • Activities
  • Hotel/hostel accommodations
Cons
  • Motion sickness
8 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jaanika
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

12 Weeks of Pura Vida: Immersive Insights from My Costa Rican Study Abroad Adventure

My 12-week study abroad program in Costa Rica was nothing short of extraordinary, and I can confidently say it was a life-changing adventure. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that ARCOS had meticulously crafted an experience designed for maximum impact and enrichment.

The directors of the program were exceptional. Their passion for Costa Rica and commitment to our educational growth were evident in every interaction. They were always approachable, providing insightful guidance and support whenever needed. Their deep knowledge of the country and its culture enriched our experience immeasurably.

Equally remarkable was my host family. They welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like a part of their family from day one. Their warmth, generosity, and willingness to share their daily lives created a nurturing environment that allowed me to immerse myself fully in Costa Rican culture. The connections I formed with them were one of the highlights of my stay.

ARCOS's organization was impeccable. Every aspect of the program was thoughtfully planned and executed, from the engaging classes to the thoughtfully curated excursions. The meticulous attention to detail ensured that each moment was both educational and enjoyable. The team’s dedication to our well-being and success was evident in the seamless execution of every facet of the program.

The classes were intellectually stimulating and provided a new perspective on the world. They not only deepened my understanding of Costa Rican society but also challenged my preconceived notions. The knowledge I gained has broadened my worldview and fostered a profound personal growth.

The excursions were equally transformative. Exploring the diverse landscapes of Costa Rica—from lush rainforests to pristine beaches—opened my eyes to the incredible beauty of our planet. These experiences were not just recreational; they were integral to my education, offering practical insights that complemented my academic learning.

In summary, my time in Costa Rica was a truly transformative experience. The exceptional support from the ARCOS team, the warmth of my host family, and the enriching classes and excursions combined to create a program that changed my mindset and my life. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity and recommend this study abroad program to anyone seeking a meaningful and impactful global experience.

What was your funniest moment?
My host mom told me how to use the shower, turn it on a little for it to be warm and turn it all the way for it to get colder, well I didn't understand that, or I forgot. I turned it all the way to the left thinking like it was at home and it would be warm. It was not, it was cold. I thought everyone just took cold showers there, so did I...for 6 weeks of my trip until I told my host mom about it, she laughed so hard and re-explained the shower to me.
Pros
  • Directors always willing to help whoever, whenever
  • FOOD!
  • The scenery and history of the country
Cons
  • not a con for me but for others, not much English being spoke in public/stores
  • bus system is kind of hard to navigate
  • homesickness but it goes away
18 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers