The programs described on this page are samples. We can develop a new custom program on any subject, anywhere in the Western Hemisphere or Europe, including locations in the United States for “study away” programs. We specialize in community-based and culturally-immersive experiences.
Costa Rica: Development and Identity
Costa Rica: Development and Identity
Students will explore Costa Rica’s sustainable development model, community-based tourism, and cultural identity through visits to cooperatives, indigenous communities, and ecological reserves.
Program Highlights
Meet with Costa Rican tourism and coffee institutes to study sustainability policies
Engage with Bri Bri Indigenous community and learn about traditional cacao cultivation
Experience homestays in Orosí Valley for immersive cultural exchange
Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and participate in scientific programming
Learn about eco-tourism and conservation at Santa Elena and Monteverde Research Center
Discover Cahuita National Park, Sloth Sanctuary, and local farms
Enjoy cultural experiences in San José, Sarchí, and Playa Hermosa
Costa Rica, renowned for its biodiversity and eco-conscious policies, stands as a global leader in sustainable development. From coffee cooperatives in Alajuela to homestays in the Orosí Valley and conservation projects in Monteverde, students will gain hands-on insight into how local communities balance economic growth, environmental protection, and cultural identity. Through meetings with national institutions, indigenous groups, and environmental researchers, participants will explore the social, economic, and ecological forces shaping modern Costa Rica.
