Costa Rica January 2027

COR 375 with Professor Bowen and Strong

The small country of Costa Rica is an oasis of tranquility, democracy and education. The oldest democracy in Latin America enjoys an international reputation for its friendly people and the outstanding beauty of its diverse environment and wildlife. Scientists have estimated that close to 4 percent of the Earth's species live in Costa Rica. Explore the wonders of a cloud forest, search for the rare quetzal bird, and learn about the rainforest up close as you become knowledgeable in bio-diversity. Meet indigenous Native Americans and become aware of their unique culture. Costa Ricans call themselves “Ticos.” You will get to know the gracious Ticos through family stays in a small mountain community.

$800 student cost*

*Cost with the CCS Subsidy. The $200 nonrefundable application fee is not included in this amount. The CCS Subsidy applies to 1st CCS program only.

CCS trips are not guaranteed and are subject to change.

Student Testimonial

"[The family stay] was one of the most influential opportunities in the way of realizing how materialistic and maximalist my daily life and culture can be. It provided a great opportunity for rest and openness of perspective."

Ava H.

Education

Interact with students about education, allowing students to compare and contrast cultural and academic expectations.

Family

Students will enjoy a home stay immersion with the coffee farmers. The stay will include meals, family activities, church, and possibly special family gatherings. Students will live life with the hospitable Costa Ricans and may pick coffee.

Government

Visit the national museum and Legislative Assembly. Tour the nation's capital and historic sites. Dialogue with a former press secretary for a Costa Rican president.

Religion

There may be opportunities to meet missionaries in their service areas. Students will examine the role of Catholicism, the official national religion of Costa Ricans and its influence on culture.

Economics

Experience the market in San Jose where bartering and negotiating are the principal methods of exchange. Speak with the farmers and learn about local agricultural cooperatives including the cooperative for the exportation of coffee.

  • View an active volcano. Costa Rica has some of the largest geyser-type craters in the world.

  • Interact with impoverished children in a Nicaraguan barrio project.

  • Visit indigenous Native Americans in their isolated rainforest community and interact with them as they provide several experiences including a walk through the rainforest to identify medicinal plants, hearing their heritage stories, watching a ceremony, and participating with an indigenous craft.

  • Visit Manuel Antonio National Park to encounter wildlife in its natural habitat and experience beautiful beaches.

  • Experience the capital city of San Jose, visiting the Plaza Cultura, bustling city markets, and historical museums.

Departure Dates

January 2027 experiences may leave as early as December 28, 2026 and return before the start of the Spring Semester. Students should not make irreversible plans until their departure date is confirmed by the CCS office in early Fall 2026.

CCS trips are not guaranteed and are subject to change.

Health & Safety

This experience, like all CCS experiences, is subject to political and safety realities at the time of departure. CCS options can be physically and emotionally intense and stretching. Before enrolling, all participants should consult the disclosures on Physical Hardships of CCS.

For more details on recommended immunizations consult the immunizations chart.

Passport required (at additional cost).

Trip Costs

Students are responsible for tuition for COR374 and COR375, and a $200 nonrefundable application fee, in addition to the $800 travel cost for the 2027 CCS Costa Rica trip.

A current passport is required.

Learn more about the CCS enrollment process

Contact the CCS Office