Costa Rica is the place of pura vida (pure life), a contagious attitude of living life to the fullest. And it shows – Costa Rica is the world’s happiest country according to the Happy Planet index. A peaceful country with no standing army, Costa Rica has a long democratic tradition. Democracy, peace, and political freedom are often mentioned as their greatest blessings.
By living with a host family and studying at a local high school in Costa Rica, you’ll be fully immersed in their Spanish language dialect and vibrant culture. You’ll be so much more than a tourist. But you’ll still get to visit some of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations on a one-week bus trip with other AFS Exchange Students from all over the world. Most of the time, you’ll simply live pura vida.
Costa Ricans call themselves “ticos,” and you’ll often hear them demonstrate their national pride by describing something as “muy tico,” or “very Costa Rican.” Ticos are generally easy-going, so you’re likely to get along with most people you meet.
With its tropical climate, biodiversity, fresh food, and relaxed lifestyle, studying abroad in Costa Rica is an enchanting way to discover a new culture. In time, through your homestay and high school life, you’ll feel at home in this idyllic society.
School Yearlong Program offers you a great opportunity to live and study in another country for a period of up to 11 months. This program will suit you if you really want to live with a host family, learn a new language and feel a part of a local community.
For information regarding partial scholarships, please write to us at india@afs.org