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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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A Guide to High School Programs Abroad in Costa Rica

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

I had so much fun!

June 07, 2025by: Scarlet Marquez - United StatesProgram: GLA Costa Rica: Sea Turtle Initiative™
10

GLA was so amazing!! Costa Rica was so much fun and the experience was unlike any other experience! In Costa Rica for the Sea Turtle Initiative we had so many activities. We went zip lining, white water rafting and walking along the beach. Everything and everyone there was magical the friendships we made were forever long bonds. The hikes at night were beautiful with the gorgeous thunderstorms and the mornings were gorgeous.

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