With over twenty years of experience in international education,  the International Center for Development Studies (ICDS), based in San José, Costa Rica, provides quality study abroad opportunities in the form of academic programs with a focus on sustainability, social justice, and health.  Participants in ICDS’ programs have the chance to experience a new culture, take classes on a variety of unique societal issues (in English), and acquire or hone their Spanish language skills inside and outside the classroom. 

Experiential learning through community service is a key element of ICDS’ programs. It supplements students’ classroom experience with context and tools for a better understanding of the Latin American way of life, as well as of the main challenges and opportunities Costa Rica faces to achieve sustainable development.  Every ICDS program is complemented by community service, field trips, cultural activities, and interaction with local families via our homestays to provide students with a high quality and well-rounded cultural immersion experience.

ICDS also provides universities and colleges abroad with the possibility of developing customized programs –at undergraduate and graduate levels– run jointly with ICDS. These may include faculty-led or short-term programs focusing on topics within ICDS’ areas of expertise. They are intended for participating students and faculty to learn about diverse aspects of the country’s development process and infrastructure in a way that specifically aligns with their college or field of study- all while experiencing Costa Rica’s language and culture.