High School Semester or Year Abroad in Costa Rica
Expand your Horizons through Language, Culture, and Adventure
Looking for a meaningful, in-depth and exciting way for your teen to study abroad? Intercultura Costa Rica’s Teen High School Abroad Program offers an unforgettable opportunity for high school students to fully immerse themselves in Spanish language and Costa Rican culture while continuing their academic progress. Set in a safe, supportive environment, our program allows teens to attend a local private high school alongside Costa Rican peers, live with carefully selected host families, and participate in weekend adventures and cultural activities at Intercultura. They will not only improve their language skills but also grow in confidence, independence, and global awareness.
It’s a life-changing journey that broadens horizons, builds lifelong friendships, and fosters a deeper understanding of the world.
Teens learn cross-cultural, empowered communication skills through classroom learning and hands-on experience interacting with Costa Ricans from all walks of life. Throughout the camp, teens are pushed to step our of their comfort zone, explore the concepts of social responsibility, intercultural intelligence and learn how to use today’s technological tools as an agent for positive change. At the end of the two-week camp they will not only have moved closer to their goal of Spanish fluency, but also increased their intercultural intelligence AND their confidence to navigate the quickly changing culture of our world.
TEEN CAMP PROGRAM DETAILS
What Your Teen Will Experience And How To Get Started
Our camp takes place at both our campuses, Heredia City and Samara Beach, providing teens the chance to experience the varied landscapes of Costa Rican culture in a traditional university city, followed by a week at our beautiful tropical beach school. In addition, they will visit the many different natural landscapes Costa Rica offers, from mountainous rainforest to indigenous communities to lowland jungle. We are first and foremost a school, not a travel agency; as such we keep our program prices accessible, and we offer two need and merit-based partial scholarships for each teen camp.
THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE:
We keep parents and teens informed, with a pre-arrival online orientation and a group parent chat before and during the program, as well as daily photo postings during the camp on a private platform.
The maximum number of participants for camp is 24, minimum is 12 (student-staff maximum ratio 8:1)
Spanish classes are held in small groups of maximum 6 students, placed according to age and Spanish ability (average class size is 4)
Intercultura is students “home away from home”, and they enjoy hanging out with their new friends at our beautiful campuses, with lots of social area, study rooms, student kitchens and outdoor space with hammocks!
SCHOOL STAFF:
Intercultura was founded in 1993 and has been receiving student groups since 1994. Our experience and recommendations from past participants speak for themselves. (include link to group refs and teen refs here)
In addition to our Teen Program director and homestay coordinator, we have two dedicated, 24/7 bilingual chaperones for the camp.
At both campuses, we have a full staff of multilingual coordinators and experienced, dynamic professors who are specifically trained to give young adult classes by our Academic Director (include link to Marcelo-s bio here)
ACCOMMODATIONS:
The first week students are in carefully selected homestays at our city campus, a short walk to school. Our full-time homestay coordinator is available at any time for advising or any emergency needs.
The second week students are at a Samara Beach hotel, 4 blocks from school, with AC and pool, in shared, same-gender rooms.
At homestays, all students have their own room, and may request to be the only student at their homestay. Or, they can request a homestay with another same-gender student (separate room), or can request to share a room if travelling with a friend. Homestays are all within a short walk of school (max. 10-15 minute walk)
The school and our homestay families are accustomed to hosting students of all ages, ethnicities, religions, gender-identity and sexual orientation. Campers are encouraged to write to us with any special concerns we should take into account while choosing a homestay family.
Homestays can provide vegetarian food. Vegan supplements are also available upon request.
Campers must have travel insurance, bring a debit card for emergencies, and have cash on hand for extra expenses (repellent, sunscreen, snacks, souvenirs, etc)
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- Pre-arrival orientation session and placement exam
- 4 hours of group Spanish per day
- 3 nutritious meals per day
- Daily snacks during activities
- Homestay accommodation for the week at the city campus
- Hotel accommodation for the week at the beach campus
- All tours, activities, transport and lodging for the duration of the program
- Service learning activities
- Graduation and course certificate
- Dedicated platforms for parent-staff communications and postings pre- and during camp
* Airfare, personal/self-care items and spending money are not included (students typically bring between $100-$130 for the 2 weeks.
The following is a rough outline of our camp itinerary. Activities may be adjusted or change times depending on weather and other factors.
Pre-Camp Online Orientation:
Parents and teens are invited to join us for a pre-arrival orientation, approximately one month before the program start date. We will answer any questions participants may have and give an overview of the program, things to expect and what to bring.
Sunday Arrival Day:
ARRIVAL AT SAN JOSE AIRPORT (all day, preferably before 5.30pm):
Students arrive at SJO airport, where they will be picked up by their host family and taken the house to get settled in, receive their keys, connect to wifi and have a snack.
MEET & GREET WELCOME (6.30 to 8pm):
The family will then walk you to school, where you will be welcomed by our bilingual chaperones and meet your fellow campers. We will have some ice-breakers, followed by a pizza party and delicious local ice-cream and sorbets. After dinner, your chaperones will return you to your host family for the night so you can rest before your first day of classes!
Monday to Friday, Week 1, Heredia:
After your delicious, hearty breakfast at the homestay you will walk to school with your host family (first day) and other campers. On Monday, you will have an orientation about school and the culture in general, followed by a tour of the lovely town of Heredia where you will visit the marketplace, central plaza with its colonial architecture, the Olympic swimming pool, and more. After the tour, you will have a Latin cooking class which is also your lunch!
AFTERNOON: Spanish classes are held in the afternoon (leaving the sunny mornings free for activities and tours), after which you will return to your host family for dinner, before heading out for your first evening activity with the group.
Over the next few days, you will enjoy tours to an indigenous community, waterfalls, tropical animal rescue center, roller-skating and volunteering, and a party with local students!
Weekend Trip #1:
This weekend is action-packed…you will see a live volcano, zipline through the cloud forest, enjoy waterslides and hot springs at night, take a boat-trip across a lake, ending up in Samara for your next week of classes at our beautiful campus right on the beach! You will check into your hotel, where you can relax at the pool before dinner at a local restaurant and a walk around the town.
Monday to Thursday, Week 2, Samara:
Monday starts with surf, Latin dance and beach time, followed by afternoon Spanish classes, dinner at a local restaurant, and a bonfire on the beach with s’mores, weather permitting. Classes alternate mornings and afternoons for the rest of the week, with activities the rest of the day that include Zumba or indoor soccer with locals, dolphin-watching, snorkeling, beach volleyball, and more. At the end of the week, you will have a graduation celebration at the school.
Weekend Trip # 2:
You will leave Thursday after class for one of Costa Rica’s amazing national parks, where you will rappel down a riverside cliff, bathe in the natural hotsprings right at your hotel, go tubing down the river, ride horses and swim in a clear blue waterfall! You will return on Saturday night for your last night back at a hotel close to the airport for your last night with the group, where you will enjoy a farewell dinner and one last night at the pool!
Sunday Departure Day:
Camp is over, bags are packed, and our bilingual chaperones will be accompanying the students to the airport in groups according to their departure time. We hope you have learned a lot and to see you back in Costa Rica soon, !Buen Viaje y PURA VIDA!
To register, please fill out our online registration for Teen Spanish Summer Camp.
If you have any questions or concerns before registering, you may contact us [email protected] or via Whats App at +506- 8330-3555 to talk to our group and teen advisor, Torri, or one of our directors.
- 10% discount for 3+ family members travelling together
- $200 Early-bird discount for bookings with deposits received before April 1st .
- Two need and merit-based scholarships per teen camp, as justified by required financial statements and teacher recommendations. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to apply.
1. GAIN GLOBAL COMPETENCIES
Our goal is to provide youth with the opportunity to understand the world through a global lens, while fostering conscious, intercultural communication competencies.
2. LANGUAGE LEARNING BENEFITS
There are so many proven benefits to language learning, especially for young brains that easily absorb new concepts! Give your child the opportunity to make real life connections within the meaningful context that immersion experiences offer.
3. NEW CULTURES & PEOPLE
Not only do we gain a better understanding of the world in which we live, we also learn to appreciate how we perceive “the other” and we garner a deeper appreciation for how our own micro & macro cultures can interact and benefit from contact with new ones.
4. SAFE & SUSTAINABLE ADVENTURE
Intercultura´s summer camp provides a packed schedule led by experienced chaperones and professors, who also understand the importance of fostering responsible independence.
5. INVEST IN THE FUTURE
Colleges, internships and first jobs are asking for competency in multiple languages. Give your child the opportunity to stand out and to be ahead of the game!
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- Intensive Spanish Classes
- Homestay with Costa Rican family (private room, laundry, breakfast and dinner, plus lunches on weekends)
- Registration and tuition fees at local private high school
- Free cultural activities at Intercultura for duration of program (Latin Dance, cooking, yoga, Conversation club, culture tours)
- Multilingual support staff at Intercultura
- Advising on school, cultural and logistical questions
- Supplementary high school insurance
- School uniforms
- Supervision by Intercultura staff and homestays (expect a curfew!)
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- Airfare
- Primary health insurance (obligatory)
- Weekend and day trips (optional)
- School books and laboratory fees (obligatory)
- Spending money
Highschool in Costa Rica begins each year in February and is divided into two semesters:
February to June and July to December
Students can do a full year (both semesters) or choose just one semester. Either way, they will need to arrive 3 weeks prior to the start of the high school semester for Spanish classes at Intercultura. Students can choose from the following:
- Full-year Immersion: Arrive in mid-January for Spanish classes. Begin high school in February and finish in mid-December (with 2 weeks vacation in late June-early July.)
- Spring Semester: Arrive in mid-January for Spanish classes. Begin high school in February and finish in late June.
- Fall Semester: Arrive in late June for Spanish classes. Begin high school in mid-July and finish in mid-December
Enrollment Process:
Step 1: Initial Inquiry & Information Session
Once a student or parent contacts Intercultura Costa Rica expressing interest in the High School Abroad program, one of our program coordinators will respond promptly. We’ll provide detailed information about the program, answer any questions, and offer to set up a video or phone call to go over expectations, logistics, and next steps.
Step 2: Application Submission
Students submit a completed application form along with:
- A personal statement or motivation letter
- A recommendation from a teacher or counselor
- Academic transcripts from the past two years
- A parent/guardian consent form
Our team reviews the application to ensure the student is a good fit for the program and is emotionally and academically prepared for the experience.
Step 3: Interview & Language Assessment
Once the application is received, we’ll schedule an informal Zoom interview with the student (and sometimes the parents) to get to know them better and answer any final questions. We also conduct a short Spanish language assessment to help us plan appropriate language support during the initial immersion phase.
Step 4: Acceptance & Deposit
Accepted students receive a welcome packet with an official acceptance letter, program agreement, and invoice for the deposit to secure their spot. Upon payment of the deposit, their place in the program is confirmed.
Step 5: Homestay & School Placement
We carefully match each student with one of our trusted long-term homestay families, selected for their experience in hosting international teens and their warm, welcoming approach. At the same time, we begin working with our partner high schools to place the student in a suitable academic setting based on their interests, grade level, and goals.
Step 6: Pre-Departure Orientation
A few weeks before arrival, students and families receive a comprehensive pre-departure guide covering travel logistics, packing lists, cultural tips, safety information, and more. We also hold a virtual orientation session to help students feel confident and prepared before leaving home.
Step 7: Arrival in Costa Rica
Students arrive in Costa Rica and are welcomed by their homestay family, who will pick them up at the airport and help them get settled. They will accompany the teen to Intercultura on the first day, where they will have a cultural orientation and an orientation tour around the town. They will spend the next few weeks in our intensive Spanish language & culture program, which allows them to adjust gradually to Costa Rican culture, get comfortable with Intercultura and our support staff, improve their Spanish skills, and build friendships with other international and local students.
Step 8: Transition to High School & Homestay Life
After the orientation and language study phase, students begin attending the private local high school we partner with. Intercultura staff remain available throughout the program for support, regular check-ins, and guidance to ensure a successful and enriching experience. Teens may take any of our free cultural activities at school (Latin dance, cooking, yoga, conversation club), may participate in weekend or day tours (extra cost), or just spend time on campus.
Teen Immersion Program Staff:
- Annia Delgado, Student advisor and teen program coordinator
- Amy Schmidt, groups and teens program coordinator
- Claudia Kiebl, Enrollment Coordinator
- Laura Ellington, Founding Director
- Marcelo Arroyo, Academic Director
Read more about our team here
Please contact us for further details or to set up a video call:
- Email: [email protected]
- Whats App: +(506) 8330-2666/8330-3555
REVIEWS
On our drive north, Cora just shared 4 hours of adventures from these two weeks. And, we ran out of energy, not stories, upon arrival. I am so thrilled to hear what an amazing camp this was. Cora adores the two teachers and thinks this group of kids is just wonderful. I do think it takes a special parent to send their kid to a camp abroad, so I am grateful to all of you for sending your kids with Cora this summer. Aside from departure flights, which have nothing to do with Intercultura, this camp seems to have gone on without a hitch. Pretty spectacular! Thank you to all from the Cora Family.
Cora
Camp July 2024
Eli made it home at 1am. He was full of stories and had so many wonderful things to say about your kids. When I asked him his favorite part of the experience, he said, "the friends I made". Good luck to those still trying to get their kids home!
Eli
Camp July 2024
Samantha got home (Boston area) around 6pm yesterday. Like Eli, full of stories! She absolutely loved the experience. So grateful to Torri, the chaperones, the teachers, hosts, and you families for sharing your awesome kids. Thank you!!
Samantha
Camp July 2024
OUTSTANDING, in every respect. We sent our 13 year old, who traveled from the U.S.A., by himself, and he came back raving about the experience -- the homestays, the food, the Spanish classes, and the trips and tours. As a parent, I can attest to the extraordinary care, attention, and responsiveness of camp staff who stayed in touch with us throughout. Moreover, at the end of the trip, when our child unexpectedly had to stay an extra day or two (due to ridiculous airline issues) the camp promptly made arrangements for our kid to stay over with the family he already knew and loved. I can't recommend this program more highly. My kid, who has traveled with us to many places around the world, said this was the best trip he had ever been on.
Thank you guys so much for giving Josh such a terrific experience!
Grant Vinik
Camp July 2024
INTERCULTURA COSTA RICA HAS 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE HOSTING TEEN GROUPS
We know how to offer an experience of a lifetime! Read our featured article in the Costa Rican Times.
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