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High School Study Abroad in Costa Rica

From the clear turquoise seas on either coast to the rolling inland coffee farms, Costa Rica is an attractive destination for high school students in search of both chilling and thrilling experiences. Students can exchange their high school classrooms for a learning experience that comes complete with a passport, awesome photos (selfies with sea turtles!), diverse new friends, and improved Spanish skills. Students who attend high school programs in Costa Rica will go home with a number of Spanish credits under their belt and a tan that’ll make everyone jealous. 
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88 High School Trips to Costa Rica

Maximo Nivel participants in the classroom
91 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

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Summer Camp in Costa Rica - Spanish Camp!

Develop your Spanish skills in Costa Rica with the Maximo Nivel S...

Travel for Teens students in Costa Rica
9.679 reviews

Travel For Teens

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Travel For Teens: Costa Rica Adventure and Service

Join us in Costa Rica for unforgettable memories and valuable ser...

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High School in Costa Rica - ArcosJourney (LP)
9.7363 reviews

Arcos Journeys Abroad

Spanish Language & Costa Rican Culture

Immerse yourself in the Spanish language of Costa Rica, the happi...

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students wearing patterned skirts
81 reviews

AFS-USA

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AFS Intercultural Programs: Study Abroad in Costa Rica

Our high school study abroad program in Costa Rica is filled with...

GLA students
9.7860 reviews

Global Leadership Adventures

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Top Rated Program High School Abroad in Costa Rica 2025
GLA Costa Rica - Volunteer Programs for Teens

Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you ...

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Beyond Sports GLASS
101 reviews

Beyond Sports Tours

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Beyond Sports Travel

The Girls Leadership Academy for Service & Sport (GLASS) is desig...

CIEE students riding horses in Costa Rica
00 reviews

CIEE High School Abroad

CIEE HS Summer Abroad: Climate Change in Monteverde

Delve into the science of climate change surrounded by Costa Rica...

Rafting in Costa Rica
9.710 reviews

Global Works - Travel with Purpose

Costa Rica: Summer Service Adventures

Global Works specializes in service trips and educational experie...

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Seeds of Change Research
96 reviews

Seeds of Change Research

Tropical Field Research

During the Seeds of Change Tropical Rainforest Research Program, ...

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9.6837 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...

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9.52 reviews

Greenheart Travel

Teen Language Camp in Costa Rica with Greenheart

Learn and improve your Spanish skills through full language and c...

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9.5286 reviews

GVI

High School Volunteer Abroad Programs

GVI offers a variety of opportunities for young adults between th...

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9.235 reviews

Rustic Pathways

Costa Rica Surf, Adventure, Service & Turtle Programs

Costa Rica is where adventure, service, cultural immersion, and t...

102 reviews

Westcoast Connection

Costa Rica Service & Adventure - 21 Days

Dive into the perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cul...

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101 reviews

Freepackers

Summer Camp in the Tropical Forest - Costa Rica

Experience an unforgettable summer camp in the heart of Costa Ric...

9.577 reviews

Putney Student Travel

Costa Rica Service Programs

Travel to Costa Rica, a model of conservation and biodiversity, a...

101 reviews

Intercultura Costa Rica

Spanish Adventure & Leadership Camp for Teenagers

Learn the language. Live the culture. Be the change. Join our sum...

9.437 reviews

ARCC Programs

Costa Rica: Cloud Forest Community Initiative

The Costa Rica: Cloud Forest Community Initiative program offers ...

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00 reviews

Language Vacation

Spanish Summer Immersion for Teenagers in Costa Rica

Enjoy a summer Spanish learning vacation in a typical "Tico" town...

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00 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Teen Volunteer Summer Camp in Costa Rica

Experience an enriching summer in Costa Rica with IVHQ's Teen Vol...

A Guide to High School Programs Abroad in Costa Rica

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Frequently Asked Questions

The education system in Costa Rica is similar to other parts of the world—public high school is free and private high school comes at a cost. If you want to study abroad in Costa Rica in high school, you will need to pay the associated tuition.

Secondary school in Costa Rica lasts from about 12-years-old to 18-years-old, lasting about 6 years. These 6 years are split into two cycles of 3 years each.

High school in Costa Rica, or secondary school, is about 6 years long. Secondary school is split into two cycles of 3 years each; the first cycle is dedicated to general education, and the second cycle is intended for pursuit of a specialization.

Latest Program Reviews

Experience of a lifetime

September 17, 2025by: Beth Ruby - CanadaProgram: Costa Rica Service & Adventure - 21 Days
10

Our 15-year-old daughter had the experience of a lifetime on her trip to Costa Rica with Westcoast Connections. From before we even registered her for this trip until after she got home, we were impressed with the communications and support we received from the Westcoast staff. We felt confident about her safety, health and well-being throughout the trip. The travel, accommodations and activities were all excellent. From a social perspective, she went on this trip without knowing a single other participant and came home with 20+ new, wonderful friends. The staff did a great job making sure the social dynamics of the group were positive and inclusive.

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