Location
  • Costa Rica
    • San José
Term
Academic Year, Fall, J-Term, Short Term, Spring, Summer
General grants/scholarships, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
High School Diploma Bachelors
Housing
Apartment Host Family
Language
English

Pricing

What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Classes Travel Insurance Wifi
What's Included (Extra)

Optional AIFS Abroad flight package at an additional cost.

Nov 21, 2024
Sep 17, 2023
4 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Embark on an enriching journey in Costa Rica with AIFS Abroad’s study, intern, and combined study + intern programs in San José, Costa Rica! Programs are currently offered for JTerm, fall, spring, and summer terms. You may also choose to study for the duration of an academic year. Immerse yourself in the lush landscapes and vibrant culture of this Central American gem while pursuing your academic and professional goals. In our study programs, you’ll have the opportunity to enroll in a variety of courses at local universities. For those looking to gain practical experience, our internships offer placements in diverse sectors. Work alongside local professionals, developing valuable skills while contributing to meaningful projects. With the combined study + intern option, you can enjoy the best of both worlds! Additional details about our programs can be found below.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

At AIFS Abroad, we want to support all participants in their study/internship abroad journey, inclusive of gender, race, religion, age, physical ability, or sexual orientation. Everyone has a complex identity, and faith, spirituality, and religion are important factors when deciding on a program location.
At AIFS Abroad, we want to support all participants in their study/internship abroad journey, inclusive of gender, race, religion, age, physical ability, or sexual orientation. Everyone has a complex identity, and faith, spirituality, and religion are important factors when deciding on a program location.
Everyone’s experience is unique. We recognize the location you choose can have an impact on your sense of belonging. We encourage you to use the information below as you review your options to select the program and location that will be the best choice for you. If you do not hold the identities that are amplified here, this information is still a great resource for you as well. It will give you a better understanding of those who have this identity.

Impact

In response to the overwhelming global climate crisis, AIFS Abroad is pleased to make Sustainability a key priority when considering organizational, operational, and programming decisions. We understand that the only way to effectively combat this crisis and mitigate the effects of climate change is to drastically reduce our environmental impact. Therefore, AIFS Abroad has committed to reaching carbon neutrality by the year 2025. AIFS Abroad is proud to announce we have signed the CANIE Accord, becoming the first US provider to make this commitment.

Program Highlights

  • Cultural and Social Activities
  • On-Site Support to help with any questions or advice you may need throughout the program
  • Health & Safety 24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance
  • Green Initiative: Carbon offsetting for all participants’ flights to and from their program location

Popular Programs

Students jumping for joy at la Universidad Veritas

Spend a semester or academic year in the lively capital city of San José, Costa Rica, with AIFS Abroad! Study a variety of academic program options at the Universidad Veritas, one of the most highly respected universities in Latin America. Located on an urban campus, the university is home to a diverse student population of nearly 2,000, including several hundred international students.

Intern in Costa Rica!

Intern in Costa Rica and enjoy paradise!

San José, the business center and capital of Costa Rica, is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and a top tourist destinations. San José, considered the gateway to the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, is surrounded by lush rainforests and beautiful mountains. Interning in San José will help you gain valuable international work experience!

Study and intern in Costa Rica and explore all that the country has to offer!

Maximize your study abroad experience when you choose to study and intern in Costa Rica! Earn semester credit towards your degree while living in paradise.

Program Reviews

4.96 Rating
based on 26 reviews
  • 5 rating 96.15%
  • 4 rating 3.85%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.95
  • Housing 4.8
  • Safety 4.6
Showing 1 - 8 of 26 reviews
Default avatar
Courtney
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fabulous experience in San José

I went into this study abroad program not knowing anyone but ended the semester with life-long friends. I spent the semester attending Veritas University, where I took incredible classes in Spanish language and dialects, Ecotourism in Costa Rica, and Mural Painting and Public Art. All of my courses had cultural components and/or excursions included, which I loved as a way to get outside the classroom. AIFS took our group on three weekend excursions at the beginning of the semester, which provided awesome opportunities to see more touristy parts of the country (Manuel Antonio, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano) and make new friends in the program. They also did smaller excursions into the city throughout the semester, such as museums or butterfly gardens, and had a nice goodbye-dinner at the end of the semester for all of us. AIFS, unlike the other study abroad programs partnered at Veritas University, has a small student center right near campus. This place was a lifeline for me during the semester; I loved having a place to make lunch, reconvene with friends, or talk to the incredible program staff Karla or Jesenia. They truly got me through the semester and I don't know what I would have done without them. I loved my experience abroad because of the support I received and would definitely recommend any program with AIFS!

Pros
  • classes
  • on-site staff support
  • affordable
62 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Clay
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Do this program!

I don't have enough good things to say about studying abroad with AIFS in Costa Rica. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and AIFS was hands down one of the best parts of the experience. Not only does AIFS have an office building near the university (and none of the other programs do!), but Karla (resident director), Jessenia and Pablo (assistant resident directors) go out of their way to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable. AIFS was by far the most organized, professional, and kind program that I saw and would 1000% choose them again to study abroad. The classes weren't hard and there was a really good balance of academics while also being able to explore the country. If you're deciding which company to choose to study abroad: GO WITH AIFS. You won't regret it.

Pros
  • AIFS goes out of their way to support you
  • Great way to practice and grow Spanish
  • Classes are not hard
98 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kylie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Views of paradise and hiking to heaven

My study abroad trip to San Jose, Costa Rica was the best 4 months of my life. In the time that I was there I hiked up multiple mountains and a volcano. I also made hikes to 6 different waterfalls in which I got to swim in 2 of them. I went to a black sand beach, many white sand beaches and a beach made out of broken seashells (I suggest wearing shoes, lol). I got to ride on more boats than I can count, a banana boat, a buggy, a zipline, and many busses. I also got to take 2 Spanish Classes that ensured you learn the language and 3 Elective classes that all applied towards my degree. My host family and the support staff (Karla and Catalina) were my specific highlight though. No matter what problems came up, my host family, Karla, and Catalina were there for me. Everyone in Costa Rica was so nice and I miss them everyday. If you love to do adventurous and sometimes adrenaline activating activities, Costa Rica is the trip for you!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I saw a raccoon tear through a bag to steal peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and monkeys run over to try to take them from the raccoons.
130 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Haden
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Great Opportunity for Growth and Adventures

Global Experiences in San Jose provided us an opportunity to explore an environment that was very different from what most of us were used to and in a way that gave us time to go explore on our own during many of the weekends (in addition to a few planned trips to places that were really unique and interesting). San Jose (and sometimes Costa Rica as a whole) was very different from what some of us expected and they were many weekends where we had really amazing and crazy adventures. We were able to explore so much, have so much fun and make lifelong memories along the way.

Besides our weekend and planned trips, we spent most of our actual time in San Jose at our internships. All of our internships were pretty different and unique (mine was an NGO working to organize girls' clubs in disadvantaged communities to prevent teen pregnancy), although some of us had shared experiences with similar work environments or focus areas. Our local coordinator, Mariel, was really helpful and really tried to set us up with the best suited internships but did so almost entirely with people or groups that she knew first-hand or second-hand or trusted would be great opportunities for us.

Mariel was very friendly and even organized a group-work day where we all went to a work-share area with a pool and shared about our work experiences and learned about each other, which was a great addition to our already-planned events. She also really tried to set me up with an additional internship in another field I'm really passionate about (i.e., indigenous issues) and although the opportunity did not pan out about because of lack of availability, she really tried to find me another opportunity on top of the one she had already set me up with, which was really generous and thoughtful, and I know future interns will be in great hands.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I wish we had started explored the rest of CR sooner, so that we could've had more opportunities and time spent traveling and exploring the (bio)diversity of Costa Rica.
108 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Isobel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An amazing opportunity that was worth every second!

An internship through Global Experiences in San Jose is unreal. It's unlike anything you've done in a place that most people don't travel to. Having both support and independence makes it an amazing experience for sure! There are so many things unique to living in San Jose and in Costa Rica that really do make the experience both professionally and personally worthwhile in every sense. Being able to travel with the group of interns and on your own make the experience just that much better.

Mariel was amazing and such a huge help to adjusting to Costa Rican life, was able to show us all the local spots and make the two months in San Jose feel like home. There isn't anything that quite lives up to how incredible, personal and unique a trip like this really is!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
The time is going to FLY so make the most of your internship and you'll get out what you put in for sure.

Don't have any expectations but don't forget to budget!

There are going to be days that are hard. Be prepared to fail at some things, forgive yourself for your mistakes, don't take yourself too seriously and say yes to new things!

If you are able to travel around Costa Rica absolutely do it, but if not, there are a hundred ways to make the most of your time staying in San Jose, and always be on the lookout for free events.

You're going to learn so much about working professionally but also about yourself, and you're probably going to want to stay!
100 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A great way to add to your resume!

If you are looking for a work experience unlike any other, then look no further! San Jose is a wonderful city filled with great opportunities for people with almost any interest imaginable. Your internship will be high-quality; you won't just be getting coffee, you'll be involved in meaningful work that impacts your company/organization. While there are certainly challenges throughout the experience, learning how to overcome them is incredibly rewarding, and by the end of your internship, you will have grown into a more mature, confident, and capable person. You will also make connections through your work that will be invaluable in your future professional endeavors. Going all the way to a country like Costa Rica might be an intimidating prospect, but the results are far more gratifying than anything you might find in a more familiar setting. If you want to gain work experience while having an adventure, then this is the program for you!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Taking the bus for the first time on my own was terrifying! I'm from a rural area, so public transportation is not exactly my forte, and the bus system in San Jose can be confusing even to an expert. I could have just taken an Uber, but I wanted to prove to myself that I could figure out the buses. Along with some prior guidance from my location coordinator and a general idea of San Jose's landmarks, I used my gut instinct to navigate the buses, and everything ended up working out!
110 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Caroline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

San José, CR: For People Who Want Something Unique

Interning in San José, Costa Rica was a really interesting experience that took me far out of my comfort zone. This is a unique location because once there, you are immediately immersed in the culture. This may seem like a lot at first, but it ends up being helpful because you get acclimated quickly! Even though Costa Rica is small, it is one of the most biodiverse countries in the whole world. When here, be sure to go on adventures every weekend to see all of the beauty Costa Rica has to offer--from the highest mountains and volcanoes to the beautiful beaches! This experience has pushed me far outside of my comfort zone, which has aided me so much in my personal and professional development! If you are interested in the Spanish language, adventuring, or just doing something really unique, you must come to CR!

What would you improve about this program?
I would say to leave more time for students to explore the country. San José is different than European cities, people who come to Costa Rica don't come to see San José, they come to see the wonderful natural landscapes and wildlife!
110 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
AISHA
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fun and Memorable

I did a J-Term in January 2019 with AIFS in Costa Rica. It was a lovely and fun trip. I loved Costa Rican culture. The people were so friendly and my host family was so kind to me. Their culture is so relaxed and I felt welcomed there. We were doing something different everyday. I took a tour of San Jose, I visited different restaurants, I went to the malls, we went to Manuel Antonio (which is amazingly beautiful), I visited a volcano, a church, and a haunted house in Cartago, I visited museums, saw all types of cool animals, I saw a waterfall, and got to taste some amazing food. The staff of AIFS were so friendly and made sure we had a good time. It was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. The only thing I wish was that I did a semester abroad, but J-Term was good since our group was very small and I got to know the other people better (the semester program has a lot of people).

What would you improve about this program?
I would not improve anything because I felt like everything was executed well in the program.
132 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers