Program Details
| Program Length | Start | End | Program Cost | Age on Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange Year | Late June | Early August | US$7,000 | 15-17.6 |
Age Explanation: Age on Departure reflect both the years and month(s) of the age of the applicant at the start of the program. For example, if the age is listed as 16.1 the applicant should be 16 years and 1 month at departure.
Costa Rica Details :
Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations for AFS-USA Exchange Students, and with good reason.
Costa Rica is Spanish for “the rich coast,” and you’ll discover that it’s just another way of saying “paradise.” This lush country is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea with 755 miles of coastline. More than 30 percent of the country, including its famous rainforest, is set aside as national parkland or protected areas. Costa Rica has 500 bird species and 8,000 plant species that have been discovered so far, majestic volcanoes, countless rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, as well as some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see. The country combines rural towns, forests, farmlands, and small cities to create a laid back yet exciting ambiance. It is also home to proud, friendly, and peaceful citizens, known as “Ticos” (men) and “Ticas” (women).
Costa Rica is one of a handful of nations in the world that does not have an army. Instead, it spends heavily on health care and education, enabling Costa Ricans to enjoy an unparalleled quality of life in Latin America. Families are very close and meals typically contain rice, beans, corn, meat, chicken, or fish. You and your new Costa Rican friends will probably socialize in groups, enjoying movies, dancing, parties, sports, or community clubs. The country hosts more than 350 students from 21 countries each year and has more than 50 years of experience in the AFS Network.
Year and Semester :
The school year runs from mid-February through the end of November, with vacations during Easter and for two weeks in July. Most students will attend co-ed public schools where classes consist mainly of lectures and discussions. School uniforms are the norm. Attending school is an integral part of your experience and is the best way to make friends and experience what life is like as a Costa Rican teen. Study groups often meet after school in students’ houses, especially before exams. But it’s not all studying; teenagers like to organize outings together as well. AFS Costa Rica also organizes orientation activities during your stay and gives you the opportunity to meet other Exchange Students from around the world and to share your culture with classmates, friends, host families, and local volunteers. At the end of your program, an End-of-Stay Orientation will allow you to look back and talk with other AFS Exchange Students about your experiences.
Summer Homestay Plus :
Enjoy a summer in Costa Rica! Live with a host famiy, participate in social and cultural community activies, learn Spanish, and, at the end of the program, experience a nature tour by bus. During the five-day trip chaperoned by AFS Volunteers, you will explore different communities, national parks, and beaches. In this program, you will be able to begin to understand why the Costa Ricans, in greeting people or just because they’re in a good mood, always say ”pura vida”, (the pure life).
Summer Language Study :
Live with a Costa Rican host family and immerse yourself in the Spanish language. Not only will you be able to use it in your host family’s home and in the community, but AFS will provide you with four weeks of language classes based on your skill level. During the last two weeks, you’ll have free time to spend with your host family and new friends to test your newfound Spanish skills. And remember: the more community activities you participate in, the more you’ll improve your Spanish. At the end of your stay, AFS Costa Rica will take you on a nature bus tour. This five-day trip will allow you to explore different communities, national parks, and beaches.
Summer Community Service :
If you have a desire for adventure and an aspiration to do community service, this program is for you! Your luggage of choice is a backpack as you help preserve the rainforests, contribute to community development, and earn a minimum of 40 credit hours . You will volunteer to help to preserve the amazing biodiversity of Costa Rica and protect the enviornment. You will also assist a Costa Rican community through projects geared toward improving the local schools or work with people. This physically challenging program, in which living conditions include a rustic lodge, also includes a short homestay experience, arrival orientation, get-togethers, an End-of-Stay two-day trip to a beach resort, and more.
