Discover Costa Rica: A Top Study Abroad Destination for High School Students Seeking Cultural Immersion and Adventure

Costa Rica, a small Central American country known for its lush rainforests, biodiversity, wildlife, and pristine beaches, is an ideal study abroad destination for high school students seeking adventure, cultural immersion, and educational experiences. In this article, we’ll take you through some of the highlights Costa Rica has to offer, based on program reviews and travel experiences!

Arcos Journeys participants with their host family chickens in Atenas.

Atenas: Authentic culture and perfect climate

Atenas, a picturesque town located in the central part of Costa Rica, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Central Valley, Atenas offers visitors a charming blend of traditional Costa Rican culture and modern amenities. Surrounded by lush coffee plantations and verdant countryside, the town boasts a pleasant climate year-round, claiming the title of “The Best Climate in the World” by National Geographic. With its friendly community, colorful architecture, and stunning vistas of the distant mountains, Atenas provides a safe and explorable town for high school students. Additionally, the town’s central location makes it a convenient base for exploring the diverse attractions of Costa Rica, including national parks, volcanoes, and pristine beaches. Atenas truly embodies the essence of the country’s pura vida lifestyle, making it an enchanting destination for high school students seeking an authentic Costa Rican experience.

A golden sunset over the pacific ocean on an Arcos Journeys excursion.

Manuel Antonio: Pacific Beach and Biodiversity 

Manuel Antonio, situated on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is a tropical paradise renowned for its stunning natural beauty and abundant biodiversity. This small coastal town is home to the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park, a jewel of the country’s protected areas. The park encompasses lush rainforests, pristine white sand beaches, and an array of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and colorful tropical birds. Visitors can hike through the park’s well-maintained trails, leading to breathtaking viewpoints and hidden waterfalls. With its vibrant blend of nature and adventure, Manuel Antonio provides a perfect balance between relaxation and exploration. Manuel Antonio is a tropical paradise that captivates visitors with its natural wonders, making it an unforgettable destination for high school students.

Arcos Journeys high school students pose in front of the majestic Arenal Volcano on their hike at Bogarín Nature Trail in La Fortuna.

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna: Adventure and Wellness 

At the Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna region, students can partake in adventure sports like zip-lining through the forest canopy and hiking through the lush landscape. Alongside these adrenaline-pumping activities, students can also enjoy rejuvenating hot springs nestled in the lush landscape near the Arenal Volcano. The hot springs offer a unique and relaxing experience in the heart of nature where students can soak in a series of naturally heated mineral pools with various temperatures and sizes.

GUANACASTE caption: A relaxing afternoon on Conchal beach, known for its white sand and shell-covered shore.

Guanacaste: Blue Zones and Breathtaking Beaches 

The Guanacaste region is home to one of the world’s only Blue Zones, where people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. High school students can discover the secrets behind this phenomenon, learn about local traditions, and explore the region’s stunning beaches, such as Brasilito and Conchal. Guanacaste beaches offer a variety of activities, including surfing lessons, snorkeling, and wildlife watching, providing unforgettable experiences for high school students.

One of the best ways to explore the rainforest is on horseback.

For a truly immersive and authentic Costa Rican experience, consider the High School Program – Tropical Discovery, Blue Zones & Spanish” offered by Arcos Journeys Abroad. With a focus on the “Pura Vida” lifestyle, this program introduces students to La Fortuna’s tropical environment, wellness practices in the Guanacaste region, and much more. Students visit the famous Bogarin Nature Trail, known for its multitude of sloths and go horseback riding through the jungle. Directed by the experienced Arcos staff, students will be in safe and professional hands as they explore the natural beauty and local culture of Costa Rica. This program also includes Spanish language lessons, ensuring that students not only experience the country’s stunning landscapes but also develop a deeper understanding of its people and culture. Parents can trust that Arcos Journeys Abroad will provide a secure and enriching experience for their high schoolers.

Arcos Journeys participants celebrate a cumpleaños with their host family, cake and a piñata.

Living with a Costa Rican host family offers a unique and enriching experience for high school students seeking an immersive language program such as the Spanish Language and Costa Rican Culture Program with Arcos Journeys Abroad. Costa Rican families are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature, making students feel like a part of the family from the moment they arrive. Sharing daily life with a host family provides an opportunity to practice and improve Spanish language skills while gaining a deeper understanding of Costa Rican customs, traditions, and way of life. From enjoying delicious homemade meals of gallo pinto and casados to participating in family gatherings and celebrations, living with a host family allows for an authentic glimpse into the local culture. Through this immersive experience, high school students not only foster meaningful connections with their host family but also develop a greater appreciation and respect for the Costa Rican way of life. Living with a Costa Rican host family truly offers a transformative cultural experience that creates lasting memories and friendships.

Arcos students lead enriching educational activities for children at a local school.

Volunteering in Costa Rica is one of the most rewarding and meaningful ways to experience the country. The Community Service & Eco Tourism Program with Arcos Journeys Abroad is the ideal opportunity for high school students wanting to make a positive impact while immersing themselves in the country’s rich culture and breathtaking natural wonders. This program combines community service initiatives with eco-tourism activities, creating a well-rounded experience that contributes to local communities. Participants engage in various community projects, such as volunteering at schools, conservation centers, or local environmental organizations, actively participating in initiatives that address pressing social and environmental issues. From reforestation efforts to beach clean-ups, participants actively contribute to the preservation of Costa Rica’s remarkable biodiversity. In addition to community service, participants have the chance to explore the country’s stunning landscapes, including national parks, tropical rainforests, and pristine beaches. Through guided eco-tourism activities, such as hiking, wildlife spotting, and engaging in sustainable tourism practices, participants develop a deep appreciation for Costa Rica’s natural beauty and gain a deep e understanding of the importance of environmental conservation while creating lasting memories.

High school students make hand-made tortillas in the Arcos Journeys Abroad Costa Rican cooking class.

Costa Rica is a remarkable destination for high school students looking to explore, learn, and grow through study abroad programs. Whether it’s the lush rainforests, the majestic Arenal Volcano, or the picturesque Pacific coast, this diverse country has something for everyone. And with the help of Arcos Journeys Abroad, students can fully immerse themselves in the Costa Rican way of life, gaining valuable life skills and unforgettable memories along the way. Don’t forget to read study abroad reviews and consider the top study abroad destinations to make the most of your international education experience!

Abroad101.com Cool Study Abroad Program of the Week in Costa Rica with SOL Education Abroad

Year after Year, one of the top study abroad programs as rated by students is SOL Education Abroad’s program in Heredia, Costa Rica.  Learn/Improve Spanish in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and explore the verdant cloud forests and tropical coastlines of this popular Central American country.  Immersing yourself in the Spanish language and culture and studies at the city campus of Latin University of Costa Rica.  It can’t be beat!

Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.  Classes are taught at the prestigious Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, a private university with an actual campus, which is often a rarity in Latin America. Students really get to become part of Costa Rican student life on this program. In addition to the academics, cultural activities are included on the weekdays, and excursions to different parts of the country on the weekends. The program also includes volunteer and community service experiences. You will live with one of our carefully selected host families and our onsite director will be available for you 24-7.

To learn more or apply to this program please visit:

https://www.studyabroad101.com/programs/sol-education-abroad-heredia-universidad-latina-de-costa-rica

 

 

Abroad101 March 2017 Students of the Month

 

Abroad101 donates to study abroad fundraisers that are set up by hopeful students who hope to study abroad. Working together with GoEnnounce we choose a student mission to be highlighted and then award a donation to start off the fundraising efforts. March 2017 students winners tell us about their coming study abroad trips to England, Costa Rica, Panama, Spain and South Korea.

Sydney Lundquist, our 115th Abroad101 Student of the Week winner is currently a senior at Washington and Lee University. She is an excellent student who is majoring in Biology and has received numerous awards and distinctions such as the W&L Biology Departmental Award and the Scholar Athlete Academic Honor Roll. Along with this, Sydney is also very involved in volunteer work, clubs, societies and extracurricular activities, and is dedicated to environmental sustainability, basketball and her faith.

Sydney’s goal is to eventually earn a Ph. D in conservation ecology. For now the plan is to Study Abroad in England and attend the University of Cambridge in October 2017. She will be working in Biological Sciences for Zoology research examining freshwater mussel conservation. This unique opportunity and experience will provide the chance to explore and understand new ecosystems, work with conservation ecology professionals, grow as a leader and ecologist and provide her with the unparalleled opportunity to explore the world.

We wish Sydney all the best at Cambridge and hope that she will have a life changing experience there!

Learn more about Sydney’s mission here.


Congratulations goes to our 116th Abroad101 Student of the Week winner, Kendall Shanks! One of Kendall’s passion is to learn languages, she is learning French and plans on studying Spanish, Mandarin as well as conversational Italian in college. During high school while working on an article about the struggling English-language learner program in her school district, Kendall’s eyes were opened  about the struggles the non english speaking students encountered. This one article shaped her plans for the future. She decided to work to protect members of the community that are silenced and disenfranchised.

Kendall’s future plan is to earn a degree in Global Studies and a minor in International Relations. She has been accepted to attend the Global program at Long Island University, in New York. The program will start in the fall of 2017, and she will spend one year in Costa Rica, living with a host family.  For Kendall, being able to study abroad will give her the unique opportunity to understand the issues refugees and immigrants face in their native countries.

Kendall started her fundraising Mission and will use the funds to pay for the tuition abroad.

To check out Kendall’s Mission and donate to her cause, click here!


Cecilia Mercier, is our 117th Abroad101 Student of the Week winner!

Cecilia is currently a junior at Southeastern Louisiana University, in Hammond, where she is majoring in International Management with a minor in Marketing. Her biggest passion is to travel and to discover new places and to constantly learn more about diversity, ethics, and cultures. She speaks fluent French, Spanish and English. To be able to speak several languages has helped her a lot when traveling, and it has also made her more open-minded and aware of different cultures. Through traveling Cecilia has not only become a better person but has also learned how to adapt to any kind of environment and situation and to communicate with people from different backgrounds, countries and cultures.

In order to graduate and obtain her bachelor’s degree in International Management, Cecilia is required to go Study Abroad this upcoming Summer 2017.  She will be attending the “Business, Economics & Marketing in Panama” program and will spend 10 days in Panama. Cecilia has always been fascinated about the country of Panama, and is really excited to go there.  There, she will be talking to local business owners and people that have experience working internationally, so this will be a once in a life time learning experience for Cecilia and she is confident that it will help her for her future career.

We wish Cecilia all the best in Panama and hope that she will have a life changing experience there!

To check out Cecilia’s Mission and donate to her cause, click here!


Our 118th Abroad101 Student of the Week winner is Marissa Small-Towns who is a student-athlete at The College of Charleston pursuing a major in International business and a minor in spanish.

When not competing in track and field meets around the southeast, Marissa finds herself in the library, volunteering on behalf of her team and finding ways to enhance her Spanish speaking skills outside of the classroom.

Marissa is fundraising for a Maymester program in Seville, Spain. This program is through Spanish Studies Abroad. The program will provide 3 credits which are necessary to complete a Spanish minor, and it will also assist in completing the study abroad requirement for the International Business Major. In addition Marissa hopes to immerse herself into another culture, which will help her prepare for a career in International Business and Spanish. She believes that it is very important to practice speaking Spanish in another country and out of the classroom, because speaking with native speakers is an enriching experience and offers opportunities to learn about the culture, local customs and words and speech that you might not necessarily learn in the classroom.

To check out Marissa’s Mission and donate to her cause, click here!

 


Sashalee Rashford, our 119th Abroad101 Student of the Week winner, will be going to South Korea for the summer with ISA (International Studies Abroad)! As a music business major Sashalee feels that it is important to learn about the industries around the world and how they work in those specific areas. During the Fall semester her senior project involved researching the history of the music industry in Korea and over this past summer Sashalee began to teach herself the basics of the Korean language. As you can tell, Sashalee is taking this opportunity very seriously!

The funds that are raised for this summer program will go towards class tuition and excursions. Sashalee has been saving for this trip and working hard to obtain scholarships for the trip as well. It’s a worthy cause and we hope Sashalee is able to learn many things about the music business and South Korea this summer.

We wish her all the best in South Korea and hope that she will have a life changing experience there!

Learn more about Sashalee’s mission here.


The Abroad 101 Student of the Week initiative awards a student who created a Mission for a study abroad program on GoEnnounce with a donation to their fundraiser. Learn more about this partnership from Abroad101 CEO Mark Shay and GoEnnounce founder Melissa Davis here.

Stay tuned for our next Abroad101 Students of the Week!