ICDS’ programs are designed to facilitate immersion into the culture. All academic and non-academic components of the program are curated to provide students a comfortable and vibrant immersion experience. Some highlights include:

• Bilingual Coursework

All courses, with the exception of Spanish language courses, are taught in English. For students wishing to flex and practice their conversational Spanish skills even more, every member of the ICDS faculty and staff is Spanish-English bilingual and happy to engage in either.

• Spanish Language Courses

ICDS’ interactive Spanish language curriculum brings real-life situations to the classroom to teach practical language and empower students from day one. Spanish language courses are offered at all levels.

• Community Work

The service-learning component of ICDS’ programs facilitates your understanding of the organizational culture of non-profit NGOs as well as the host culture in general. Each location offers interaction with service leaders and diverse populations, as well as a window to some of the systemic challenges we face in providing aid.

• Homestays

Cultural immersion is enhanced by your experience of living with a local family and being a part of their daily activities as a member of the household. Participants learn about the family structure in Costa Rica, their values, and their customs, all while enjoying ‘tico’ <hospitality.

• Transportation

Rideshare apps like Uber have recently made a splash as a new alternative to public transportation, but Costa Rica’s vast bus, train, and taxi systems are still most people’s preferred method of travel. Using them is affordable and informative, helping students’ connect their experiences to larger themes like mobility, accessibility and urban planning.

• News & Media

The way people consume and share news is evolving around the world and Costa Rica is no exception. There is an abundance of ways for students to learn more about local culture and politics while here, from TV to newspaper, online platforms, and even several English-language outlets.

• Entertainment

Warm and expressive, the culture of ‘pura vida’ is everywhere you go in San Jose. The city is filled with public art and home to several major galleries, museums, and theaters. The influence of Latin and Spanish music can also be heard everywhere- blasting from cars, shops, and clubs wherever you go.

• Food & Drink

With home-cooked meals included in each ICDS homestay, farmer’s markets every weekend, and some of the most fertile, sustainable farmland in Central America, Costa Rica has a reputation for food!

• Shopping & Retail

From small, family-owned shops, to modern malls, to the bustling stores along Avenida Central, students will see a wide range of retail during their stay. Not only is it fun to see what’s trendy in Costa Rica, but every trip into a store is a chance to interact with new locals and practice Spanish.

• Parks & Recreation

Parks play a much larger role in people’s lives here in Costa Rica than the United States. Every neighborhood has its own central park and communities live, breathe, and grow around them. People of all ages frequent them to relax, meet friends, have a meal, or even just people watch. 

• Student Life

ICDS’ affiliate Universidad Latina de Costa Rica is host to many courses in each program of study. Students have the opportunity to experience the urban campus, interact with local students, and enjoy the same on-campus facilities with a ULatina student pass.