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Exchanging to Costa Rica is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of Costa Rica with a host family and/or build on a hosting. Students do not have to host in order to exchange and is a great opportunity to still participate in the exchange if their school did not host.
Immerse yourself into the Costa Rican culture to create and/or build on lasting friendships via the amazing experience you'll have with them. Besides living with a Costa Rican family, you will also experience some of the best tourist excursions in the country! By the end of the exchange you'll be versed in the culture and have a lasting link to Costa Rica which is not something other tourists can say about their visits to Costa Rica.
Interested in hosting? Check to see if your school is hosting this year to be able to reciprocate the exchange.
Hola a tod@s!
Welcome to the official site for the summer exchange. This page contains/will contain all the relevant information such as itineraries, activities and guides to help you prepare for the experience. Questions can be emailed to dustin@costaricafrika.com or Whatsapp / Imessage +506 8478 2100.
We are very excited to welcome you on the exchange this year! Students will have the opportunity to exchange to Costa Rica for two weeks to be immersed in the Costa Rican culture, and experience the unique tourist attractions of Costa Rica.
Important dates:
EARLY SIGN UP DEADLINE: Oct. 14th, 2026.
REGULAR SIGN UP DEADLINE: Feb. 12th, 2027
Exchange Dates: Trip for 12-15 days between June 8th and July 1st. (Individual schools may request specific dates through early sign up date. If your school is traveling for less than 2 weeks and/or during the school year please see the skinny exchange page.)
Cost:
Early sign up date: $2,490/student
Regular sign up date: $2,590/student
Included:
Round trip travel from O'hare/Midway airports.
Meals and lodging with host family.
Teacher/chaperone (TC). TC also stays with a family and will supervise all exchange itinerary activities and be on call nights and weekends.
All in country transfers, tours, and itinerary activities.
Not included:
Passports. Must be valid through the end of the exchange.
Ground transportation to/from US airport.
Travel insurance (must have).
HOW TO SIGN UP (Complete steps 1 and 2 by signup dates):
Fill out online registration form.
Make $300 deposit by early signup date or $700 by regular sign up date. (Signups before early deposit date make a second $300 deposit on the regular signup date.)
Methods of payment:
Preferred method: Bank payment via link on invoice (sent one week before signup deadlines)
Electronic banking transfers (Zelle, Popmoney etc) addressed to dustin@costaricafrika.com.
Venmo pay page: www.venmo.com/u/Dustin-Dresser (Please send test dollar if hyperlink does not work).
3. April 2nd - First payment due $900.
4. May 7th - Final payment due ($990).
Cancellation/Refund schedule: Cancellations are via email sent to dustin@costaricafrika.com and are valid upon receipt.
Cancellation on or before April 2nd: 50% of the deposit will be refunded.
Cancellation after April 2nd and on or before May 7th: 50% of first payment will be refunded.
Cancellation after May 7th: 50% refund of final payment will be refunded.
Key Takeaway:
For the exchange students this is their big opportunity to immerse themselves! They have the Fri-dom to totally change their personality in their second culture / language. They shouldn't be afraid to step out of their comfort zone and/or embarrass themselves. The exchange is too short and we want them to experience as many memorable moments as possible. Everyone is going to experience the exchange in their own way and there is no telling what impact it may have on them so it is important to take advantage of every moment.
Exchanging is also a gateway that could inspire you to host, return to Costa Rica or travel to other parts of the world. The experience doesn't end after the exchange, but will continue in the digital age where communication is only a short Snap, Insta, or Whatsapp away. We look forward to your participation in this life changing experience!
Sample Itinerary / Tours
Sample Itinerary / Tours
San José tour
Spend the day getting to know the capital city. We’ll have guided tour that begins at the National Museum and goes throughout the downtown area. After lunch we'll go to the artisan market for some souvenir shopping.
Canopy tour
The canopy is a tourist activity meant to give visitors a chance to see the rainforest from above. You are strapped in and harnessed to a zip line cable which takes you through the rainforest. Change things up by doing the Tarzan Swing, Superman cable and the wild horse! This is a guided, fun for all event.
Coffee tour
We’ll see how coffee begins its life in the plantation all the way through the harvest. Learn about the history of coffee in Costa Rica and how the country positions itself to compete in the world market. During the tour you'll be able to sample the coffee and learn the secrets to brewing and tasting coffee authentically.
Hot springs
Students will travel to La Fortuna, which is near the Arenal volcano and (weather dependent) will have amazing photo opportunities. We'll spend the day at the hot springs at the base of the volcano and may be able to hike as well.
Tortuga Island
This is a full day activity that will take us by boat to this tropical island just outside the Gulf of Nicoya. We’ll have lunch and relax at the beach. We'll look for dolphins and other aquatic life on the way out and students can also snorkel to see even more water life.
La Paz Waterfall Garden
Today’s activity is more educational and takes us to the waterfall gardens near the Poas volcano. Don’t let the name fool you, it is so much more than waterfall gardens. If you haven’t seen rainforest animals by now, this site won’t let you down.
Reference Material:
Some places we'll visit...
Registration Form:
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