Public Services in Costa Rica
with UTM & API
Program Details
Program Dates: May 4 – May 11, 2026
Location: San José, Costa Rica
Faculty Lead: Dr. ZeVida A. Jones and Dr. Austin Ferrell
Application Deadline: TBA
Estimated Program Cost: $3,700*
*Program costs subject to change
Program Summary
Explore Costa Rica’s education and mental health systems through this immersive travel study experience. Visit a university and K–12 school, meet with local educators and counselors, and engage in a hands-on service-learning project. Discover the cultural richness of Costa Rica with a guided city tour, a visit to the Quitirrisí Indigenous Reserve, and a sustainable coffee farm tour. Recharge with scenic adventures at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a vibrant farmer’s market, and an exhilarating rainforest canopy tour.
About Your Trip:
Details & Highlights
Itinerary Highlights
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Below is a list of activities and excursions planned for this program*:
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- Introductory walking tour of San José
- Group welcome dinner
- Doka Coffee Tour (sustainable farming & fair trade education)
- Academic visit to a local university
- Academic visit to a K–12 school
- Service-learning experience in counseling or education
- Guided city tour of San José
- Visit to Quitirrisí Indigenous Reserve
- Guest speaker on mental health in Costa Rica’s K–12 system
- Visit to local farmer’s market in Heredia
- Guided tour of La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Wildlife Refuge
- Rainforest canopy zipline tour
- Group farewell lunch
*Please note: Cultural activities and excursions are subject to change depending on availability, weather, and other factors.
Course Details & Academics
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EDST 455/755 – Educational Travel Study (Undergraduate/graduate)
Health & Safety
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- API health, safety and cultural orientation upon arrival
- API on-site Resident Director to implement and oversee the program itinerary and serve as an emergency contact available 24/7
- Every API Resident Director is thoroughly trained in emergency response and receives ongoing training and support. In the event of an emergency, they are ready to enact emergency action plans
Travel Information
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- All participants will need a valid passport to enter Costa Rica
- Students do not need a student visa
- There will be one group airport pick-up in San José (SJO) and one group airport return in San José (SJO)
Housing & Meals
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Housing:
- Accommodation in shared hotel rooms for program duration
- Linens, towels, and internet access provided
Included Meals:
- Daily breakfast at hotel
- Group welcome meal
- Group farewell meal
- Three group lunches
What's Included
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Included in Program Fee:
- API on-site Resident Director
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Accommodations
- Select meals
- Excursions & Activities
- Ground transportation for program activites
- Pre-departure advising
- International airfare
Not Included:
- Additional meals or activities not listed in the official itinerary
- Personal expenses (e.g. passport, luggage fees, souvenirs, etc.)
NEW - Fare Finder!
In an effort to reduce financial barriers and increase access, we are offering the Fare Finder™ app right inside of APIConnect to provide access to discounted airfare for academic travel. With Fare Finder, we’re making educational travel simpler and more accessible than ever before.
Financial Aid Resources
You might be surprised to hear that you can use financial aid to study abroad! API does accept all forms of financial aid according to approval from your home university or organization.
Passport Resources
Don’t let a missing passport derail your study abroad plans! International travelers are itching to get back out there so processing time for passport applications and renewals has increased. Apply for or renew your passport as soon as possible to ensure your study abroad plans stay on track!
Let’s Get You Abroad!
Complete the form to get in touch, and we’ll follow up to answer any questions you may have!
Connect with Your School
For more information on this program, or how to get the process started at your school, reach out to the faculty leader or study abroad office!
Faculty Lead:
Dr. ZeVida Jones, [email protected]
Study Abroad Advisor:
Dr. Joseph Ostenson, [email protected]
Connect with Your School
For more information on studying abroad or how to get the process started at your school, reach out to your study abroad office!
Why API
API offers best-in-class programming, with student well-being a high priority.
Our mission is to create better global citizens through international experiential learning. API programs are developed to be transformative, career-boosting experiences that include:
- Community involvement through optional volunteer programs with API Gives Back
- Cultural awareness through relevant coursework and time spent in multicultural student groups
- High-touch student support throughout the program
API Scholarships
Academic Programs International (API) awards millions of dollars in scholarships every year to students just like you! Visit our scholarships page to review our Early Bird Scholarship, our Academic Scholarship, our Opportunity Scholarship and the Financial Aid Boost Scholarship for those who need extra support. API is here for you!
Resource Library
API provides useful information and services in our Resource Library. Visit to review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), see details about Student Visas, learn more about API Visited and Verified housing, and more!