Short-Term Study Abroad Program in San José, Costa Rica
Join a group of students from around the world to volunteer in Costa Rica for 2-4 weeks. By completing your volunteer hours plus IVHQ’s course assignments and reflections, participants can earn up to 14 academic credits. Credits are awarded by our School of Record partnerships in the US and the UK.
You will live alongside other students in a small group homestay accommodation, and extracurricular activities will be included to ensure you experience real cultural immersion during your trip.
Who can join?
The program is open to all participants aged 16 and older. You do not need to be enrolled in a university or a specific career field to join the short-term Study Abroad program.
Project Options
Because our academic credit courses are not limited to a specific field of study, you can choose to complete your volunteer hours in any of the following projects. Each project will show you a different aspect of your host community. Choose from:
- Animal Care
- Childcare
- Construction and Renovation
- Dentistry
- Healthcare
- Special Needs Care
- Teaching English
What’s Included:
- Online pre-departure meet-ups to know your coordinators and other students
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Accommodation in a small group homestay
- 2 meals per day (breakfast and dinner)
- Orientation
- Placement in your project of choice
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- Weekly group reflections to process your learnings
- Coursework materials & guidance
- Up to 14 academic credits, depending on your selection below
- Cultural activities and excursions:
- Week 1 - San Jose City Tour
- Week 2 - La Paz Waterfall Gardens
- Week 3 - Tiquicia Dinner Show
- Week 4 - Toucan & Sloth Rescue
Academic Credits and Program Costs
The number of academic credits available are directly related to your selected duration and the number of contact hours you will complete during that time. You are not required to earn credits to participate in this program.
If you choose a 2-week duration |
|---|
| Program Fee + No academic credit = $2,300 USD |
| Program Fee + 2 academic credits = $2,899 USD |
| Program Fee + 12 academic credits = $4,298 USD |
If you choose a 3-week duration |
|---|
| Program Fee + No academic credit = $2,800 USD |
| Program Fee + 3 academic credits = $3,399 USD |
| Program Fee + 13 academic credits = $4,798 USD |
If you choose a 4-week duration |
|---|
| Program Fee + No academic credit = $3,300 USD |
| Program Fee + 4 academic credits = $3,899 USD |
| Program Fee + 14 academic credits = $5,298 USD |
Start Dates & Registration
| Start date: Dec 29, 2024 Application due Oct 15, 2024 | Join group |
| Start date: May 25, 2025 Application due Nov 15, 2024 | Join group |
| Start date: Jun 22, 2025 | Join group |
| Start date: Jul 20, 2025 | Join group |
