Adventure awaits as you explore beautiful Costa Rica in a total immersion experience including intensive language classes at the Costa Rican Language Academy (CRLA), family home stays, and excursions to such places as Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Costa Rica is a peaceful and democratic country. Its capital, San Jose, enjoys year-round temperatures in the 70s and is the cultural center of the country with its breathtaking National Theatre, museums, galleries and shops. New in 2025, this program will be coordinated by the Illinois Consortium of International Studies and Programs (ICISP.)
2025 Study Abroad Program Information
- Program Dates: Wednesday, May 28 to Saturday, June 28, 2025
- Fee: $3,700 (includes ICISP tuition/fees, homestay with breakfast and dinner, airport transfers
in Costa Rica, overnight excursions, and cultural outings). Airfare is not included.
A recommended flight itinerary will be provided.
- Application available in BIC 3520 or at fssa@cod.edu.
- Scholarship: The Dr. Jaco Scholarship for Spanish Heritage Language Learners is awarded exclusively for the Costa Rica and Spain Summer Language Immersion programs. Preference is given to applicants who are enrolled in or have completed a COD heritage speaker course, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater. Up to $1,000 will be awarded. The study abroad scholarship application is open January 1 until February 20.
- Passport Information: If you do not have a passport, or your passport expires within six months of the program dates, you MUST apply for a passport or renew your passport immediately. Passports can take up to four months to obtain. Do not wait until you are accepted into the program.
For more information, contact Field Studies/Study Abroad at fssa@cod.edu.
Sample Schedule
The following is a sample schedule for Costa Rica Study Abroad:
Week one highlights include getting situated in Costa Rica for your stay.
Day One
- Depart O'Hare to San José; Move in with host families
Day Two
- CRLA Orientation and Placement Tests
Day Three
- Excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park/Quepos Day 1
Day Four
- Manuel Antonio National Park Day 2
Week two highlights include the last day iat Manuel Antonio National Park and the start of language classes.
Day One
- Manuel Antonio National Park Day 3
Day Two
- Costa Rican Language Academy (CRLA) Language classes; Mon-Thurs: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Day Three
- Language classes
- National Museum (afternoon)
Day Four
- Language classes
Day Five
- Language classes
- Group meeting 2 p.m.
Day Six
- Excursion to Poas Volcano and Cafe Britt
Day Seven
- Excursion to Tortuguero National Park Day 1
Week three highlights include visiting Tortugeuro National Park and Arenal Volcano.
Day One
- Tortuguero National Park Day 2
Day Two
- Language classes
Day Three
- Language classes
- National Theatre (afternoon)
Day Four
- Language classes
Day Five
- Language classes
- Group meeting 2 p.m.
Day Six
- Excursion to Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Day 1
Day Seven
- Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Day 2
Week four highlights include free days and a visit to the Jade Museum.
Day One
- Free Day
Day Two
- Language classes
Day Three
- Language classes
Day Four
- Language classes
- Jade Museum (afternoon)
Day Five
- Language classes
- Group meeting 2 p.m.
Day Six
- Free Day
Day Seven
- Free Day
Week five highlights include the last couple free days and a farewell dinner before heading back home.
Day One
- Free Day
Day Two
- Language classes
Day Three
- Language classes
Day Four
- Language classes
Day Five
- Language classes
- Group meeting 2 p.m.
- Farewell Dinner and Folklore Performance
Day Six
- Free Day
Day Seven
- Return to Chicago
Schedule above is subject to change based on the weather.
Travel Details
The Costa Rica study abroad program is open to anyone who has a strong interest in immersing themselves in another culture. Qualified high school students 18 and older may be accepted into the program. Community members are welcome.
An virtual pre-departure orientation will be held in May.
Upon successful completion of classes, students will receive credit for Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced, or Heritage Speaker Spanish (3-4 semester credit hours) depending on placement and Civilization and Culture of Costa Rica (3 semester credit hours.)
All non-COD students are advised to verify course enrollment/credit with their home school before enrolling in the program.
Language Class
All students are required to enroll in a Spanish Language class. Classes will accommodate students at any level: Elementary I and II, Intermediate I and II, Advanced I and II, and Heritage Speakers I and II. Prior to the beginning of classes, all students will be tested and placed at the appropriate level. Changes can be made if a student progresses at a faster rate or shows different learning needs.
Civilization and Culture of Costa Rica Class
All students are required to enroll in this class which covers geography, history, political and social institutions, and the art and architecture of Costa Rica.
In Costa Rica, the course will continue with guided cultural excursions to theaters, museums and other places of interest that are integral components of this class, and therefore, attendance is required. Written assignment are required.
Activities specified in the program schedule are included in the price of the program.
Optional Excursions
Information will be provided on a variety of optional excursions that are not included in the price of the program.
Passport
Each participant must have a valid passport that does not expire for at least 6 months after the anticipated return date to the U.S. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own passports. As passports can take substantial time to obtain, apply for it as soon as possible. Information can be obtained at travel.state.gov/passport
Visa
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Costa Rica. Non-U.S. citizens may need a Visa.
Immunizations
No special immunizations are required for travel to Costa Rica. However, it is wise to have an up-to-date tetanus inoculation. Each participant should check with his/her physician for information regarding personal health needs. COVID-19 vaccination may be required by in-country providers.
Insurance
All participants are required to have medical insurance, which is valid outside the United States. Trip cancellation insurance can also be purchased to provide protection against cancellations and lost or damaged baggage.
Liability Release and Assumption of Risk Form
Participants in all Field and Experiential Learning/Study Abroad programs must complete the Liability Release and Assumption of Risk form.
All language classes and the Civilization and Culture of Costa Rica courses will be taught by instructors from the language school in Costa Rica.
Two ICISP faculty directors will be in-country with the group and are available daily, in Costa Rica, to counsel, supervise and assist students.
In the event that the participant withdraws from the program, the right to a refund is limited.
All cancellations and refund requests must be made in writing and sent to:
College of DuPage Field and Interdisciplinary Studies/Study Abroad
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 3520
425 Fawell Blvd
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599
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