Destinations

Costa Rica

Exchange in Costa RicaHost FamilyHigh School Costa RicaEF CampEF Discovery Tours

High School in Costa Rica

Costa Ricans take education seriously and they are proud of their school system. During your student exchange at a Costa Rican high school, you will learn a lot, but you will also make new friends and learn to speak Spanish fluently.

School is slightly more formal

The school plays an important role in the Costa Rica. Costa Ricans often brag that they have more educators than police and that many national leaders started their careers as educators. Costa Rican teachers are friendly toward students, but the environment may be a little more formal than you are accustomed to. In general, school uniforms are mandatory, and each school has its own uniform.

Sports and clubs

Many schools offer clubs and activities, as do many communities where you might live. Physical education and sports, both during and after school, are important parts of Costa Rican high school. Some popular sports include:

Soccer

Volleyball

Basketball

Swimming

Typical day at Costa Rican high school

7:00 a.m. Go to school with the bus or get a ride

8:00 a.m. Attend classes. Costa Rican schools have mandatory classes, such as mathematics, Spanish and social studies.

10:00 a.m. Attend another class, such as music, religion or chemistry.

11:00 a.m. Many schools have cafeterias where students can buy inexpensive and balanced meals throughout the day. Other students bring sandwiches. The school day begins early, so now might be a good time to chat with friends and eat something.

12:00 p.m. More classes, such as physical education, art or biology.

1:00 p.m. Many schools end at 1:00, while others go to about 3:30.

3:30 p.m. Participate in after-school sports or clubs

The Costa Rican school system

In Costa Rica, students go through six years of primary school and five to six years of high school. At the end of high school, students earn a degree in language/literature or in science.

School starts in February

Schools in Costa Rica begin in February and end in mid December, with two weeks off at the end of June.

You will be in year 9, 10 or 11

Most EF students enter Costa Rican high school in years 9, 10 or 11. When you are doing an exchange year in Costa Rica you will follow the same course plan as the local students.