Study Abroad in Costa Rica

Yes, Costa Rica is generally safe and welcoming to international students. Like any destination, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated areas at night. Use registered taxis or trusted rideshare apps, and keep valuables secure, especially in busy urban areas. Locals are friendly and helpful—embracing the “Pura Vida” lifestyle means living well and peacefully.

Public buses and shuttles connect major destinations, while domestic flights or private transfers are convenient for longer journeys. In cities like San José, walking and public transport are effective. Many students also enjoy weekend trips to beaches or national parks—organized group tours are common and safe.

Orientation events, university classes, and Expanish-hosted activities make it easy to connect with others. Veritas University also offers clubs, volunteer projects, and excursions. Attending local festivals or taking part in homestays gives students firsthand access to Costa Rican culture and new friendships.

Getting a prepaid SIM card from providers like Kolbi, Claro, or Movistar is simple and affordable. Just ensure your phone is unlocked before traveling. Plans with mobile data are ideal for using WhatsApp, Google Maps, or local ride-hailing and bus apps.

For U.S. students, Costa Rica offers something specific that Spain and Argentina do not: an academic environment where environmental science, sustainability, and conservation are not elective topics but the foundation of the country's identity. Costa Rica has protected over 25% of its land, leads the world in renewable energy, and has a strong tradition of environmental policy and ecotourism. For students in environmental studies, biology, sustainability, Latin American studies, or Spanish, it is an unusually focused and academically relevant destination.

Daily life often includes a mix of classes, outdoor activities, and cultural immersion, with a strong emphasis on community and nature.

Expanish Costa Rica programs are delivered through Veritas University, a recognized Costa Rican private university that issues an official academic transcript at program completion. Before you leave home, your Expanish advisor helps you get pre-approval from your home university registrar, so you know exactly which credits will count before your flight. Semester programs typically yield 12 to 15 transferable credits; summer programs yield up to 6; Spanish intensive programs yield up to 6 credits over one to three months.

Yes. Expanish accepts all forms of U.S. financial aid including Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), institutional grants, study abroad scholarships, and private loans. We also offer two annual scholarships: the $1,000 Financial Need Scholarship and the $300 Ambassador Scholarship. To apply federal aid, you typically enroll through your home university's study abroad office, and your Expanish advisor can help guide you through the process.

San José is Costa Rica's capital city and the base for Expanish semester and summer programs. It is urban, well-connected by transit, and home to Veritas University, giving you access to city amenities, cultural events, and quick weekend escapes to nearby national parks and beaches. Sámara is a small Pacific coast beach town that offers Expanish's Spanish intensive programs in a relaxed, nature-focused setting. It suits students who want immersive language study with a slower pace, daily access to the ocean, and a close-knit community. Both locations offer transferable credits.