Discover Study Abroad in San José, Costa Rica
Experience Costa Rica’s vibrant capital, an unforgettable blend of academic opportunity, cultural immersion, and adventurous “Pura Vida” lifestyle that makes studying abroad truly life-changing. Located in the heart of Central America, San José combines a safe urban environment with rainforest, volcanoes, and Caribbean & Pacific coast access just hours away.
Study Abroad Programs in San José
Why Study Abroad in San José, Costa Rica?
Studying abroad in San José means more than earning credit, it’s about exploring diverse ecosystems, practicing Spanish daily, and connecting with global thinkers in one of the world’s most biodiverse countries.
Learn Spanish, explore historic neighborhoods, coffee plantations, and artisan markets.
Courses in Environmental Science, Business, Engineering, Health or Spanish language transfer to U.S. universities.
From rainforests to volcanoes, every weekend is an outdoor adventure.
Year-round sunshine supports field study and eco-tourism.
Where Will You Study in San José?
We partner with local university, Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencias y Tecnología, so that our students have a chance to dive into the local culture in a supportive and welcoming environement.
Why Choose Us for Costa Rica Study Abroad
Students live, learn, and explore with support from local coordinators and professors, gaining practical skills and global perspective. Studying abroad in Costa Rica with our programs means personalized support, academic excellence, and unforgettable experiences.
Local host family stays and safe student housing options.
Dynamic urban study center in walkable neighborhoods.
Spanish language classes paired with cultural excursions.
Adventure trips to volcanoes, national parks, and beaches.
Hear From Our Students
I love the environment in Expanish created by the people working there, everyone was very sweet and welcoming, they were very approachable and kind! I loved coming to expanish after class to eat or do homework and watching TSITP is definitely a core memory!
Genuinely the best experience and was more than I could've ever imagined. Overall, an amazing and unforgettable experience that you will not regret at all!
Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and my experience with Expanish in Buenos Aires was nothing short of incredible. If you’re considering studying abroad or learning Spanish in Buenos Aires, I cannot recommend Expanish enough.
One of my favorite parts about studying abroad was living with my host mom. Expanish did a really good job pairing me and my friend with her because we have a lot of the same interests and we had a lot to talk about.
From the Blog
6 Incredible Ways Living in a Homestay Shapes Your Abroad Experience
When it comes to living abroad, there are dozens of different living options for students of all ages. We recommend that if students want to achieve the fully immersive experience and maximize their language learning, they should consider living in a homestay an absolute must. There are countless advantages of living in a homestay while living abroad, but if you’re still on the fence about it, consider the following ways that living with a host family can enhance your abroad experience.
Different ways of Approaching Spanish
Are you new to learning Spanish and aren’t really sure how to approach studying a foreign language? There are a variety of ways to learn and improve your Spanish. As an accredited Spanish school in Buenos Aires, we’ve had years perfecting our craft, meaning that teaching students Spanish is what we do best. Here are 5 tips to learn and improve your Spanish.
7 Things You Learn (Besides the Language) While Abroad
Studying overseas can be a life-changing experience. Courses abroad like the one offered by Expanish, not only offer you the possibility of learning a new language, but you will also gain some life-changing experiences. Here are a few ways in which a language course abroad will reshape your life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Studying Abroad in San José, Costa Rica
What is it like to study abroad in San José, Costa Rica?
Is San José a good location for students in Costa Rica?
What kind of housing is available in San José?
How do students spend their free time in San José?
Is San José safe for international students?
What makes San José different from beach destinations in Costa Rica?
Plan Your Study Abroad
How to Apply: Study in San José
Apply online, send your transcript, and receive your acceptance letter. Here's how to secure your spot to study in San José, step by step. Once you're accepted, you'll complete your forms and get ready to travel.
Visa Guide: Studying in San José
Planning to study in San José? Find out whether you need a student visa for Costa Rica, which documents to prepare, and when to start. Step-by-step guides cover passport rules and what to do if a visa is denied.
Student Housing in San José
Live with a local host family, in a student residence, or in a shared apartment in San José. Every option is vetted for quality and safety, dietary needs are covered, and you can pick the setting that best fits how you want to live and practice Spanish.
Arrival & First Day in San José
Know your start date and book the right flight, then get picked up at the airport and taken to your housing in San José. After check-in you'll have time to settle in before the evening orientation, where you'll learn what to bring on day one.
