Community Service, College Credits, Language Immersion and More . . .
Celebrating 19 Years of Pre-College Enrichment for High School Students
Safety and Supervision – Our #1 Priority
Limited Enrollment . . . Apply Online Today!
Luxury Accommodations Featuring Private Bathrooms and Air Conditioning
Panama Optional Extension Available
Costa Rica is one of the most incredible countries in all of the Americas – an ecological wonderland that offers lush tropical jungles, beautiful beaches and incredible natural wonders. Whether you crave adventure, are looking for fulfilling community-service opportunities or want to relax under the sun, Costa Rica offers something for everyone!
Unlike ordinary international pre-college programs, ACA’s experience in Central America is not a homestay! Our students live and learn together, enjoying deluxe four-star hotel accommodations located near major attractions and cultural areas. Rooms feature in-suite bathrooms, housekeeping and air conditioning. Of course, ACA’s experienced staff live on-site, ensuring a stay that’s as safe as it is comfortable.
You’ll study Spanish at the Costa Rican Language Academy and earn three hours of college credit! ACA shows you Central America at its most awe-inspiring and provides you with a head start on your college career. You’ll take guided nature tours, visit remarkable cultural attractions, and participate in fulfilling community-service opportunities that allow you to leave your mark on Costa Rica. To help you ace the admissions process, there’s even an option to take the Princeton Review SAT prep course.
No prior Spanish required!
The excitement and energy of Costa Rica and Panama are yours to enjoy. Stroll quaint boulevards, sample exotic tropical delights and browse traditional markets. Want to pick up the pace? Sign up for a soccer match, learn Costa Rican dance, visit lava flows from an active volcano or race through the rainforest on a zip-line canopy tour! When you’re ready to unwind, there are plenty of art galleries and cafés perfect for quiet downtime, not to mention the natural hot springs in Arenal. And don’t forget, if you join us in Panama, the adventure continues with trips to see the Panama Canal, an Embera Indian Village and much more!
Every weekend, you’ll visit astonishing destinations throughout Costa Rica. You’ll zip through the rainforest canopy, relax in rejuvenating hot springs and bask on Central America’s most beautiful beaches. You’ll be amazed by ACA’s adventures! And remember the ACA advantage: weekend adventures are already included in your tuition!
Our adventure destinations include:
• Arenal • Manuel Antonio • Monteverde • Jaco • San José
If three weeks isn’t enough, be sure to stay on for a fourth unforgettable week in Panama! After three weeks in Costa Rica, you’ll take a one-hour flight to Panama City for an additional week of incredible Central American adventure and service.
ACA serves up amazing meals throughout your stay in Costa Rica! Start your days at the hotel breakfast buffet, a serious spread of eggs, cereal, pastries, baked treats, and fresh juices and fruits. It’s a great way to fuel up for a full day of fun.
For dinner Monday through Friday in San José, you’ll enjoy ACA’s exclusive Dining-on-the-Town Plan, which lets you choose from a variety of ACA-selected restaurants – and it’s included in your tuition! In Arenal and Manuel Antonio, you’ll enjoy dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant. Whether you’re interested in sampling local dishes, including fried sweet plantain, fresh corn tortillas, scrumptious tamales and empanadas, or would rather stick with American-style favorites, you’re sure to find a restaurant that suits your taste. Need help translating the menu? Don’t worry, ACA staff are always at the restaurant ready to make a recommendation.
Being in the midst of a rainforest means plenty of exotic tropical fruits. Indulge in the freshest mango, papaya, guava, passion fruit, pineapples and bananas you have ever tasted! Either way, ACA makes sure you have plenty of options. The choice is always yours!
Worried you’ll miss a workout when you’re down in Costa Rica? Don’t sweat it. There’s plenty of outdoor activity to keep you moving, but if the “jungle gym” isn’t enough, you’ll have access to a swimming pool, weight room, treadmills and exercise equipment. If you’re up for team sports, get with fellow ACA students for a game of soccer, tennis or basketball. If you’d like a little sightseeing with your workout, meet up with ACA staff for early evening jogs through the surrounding countryside. Feeling extra competitive? Don’t miss the Costa Ricans vs. Americans Fútbol (soccer) match!
At ACA, safety always comes first. It’s the main reason why we maintain an eight-to-one student-to-staff ratio – one of the lowest in the industry! This lets us offer unmatched attention and unique personalized programs.
As part of our commitment to student safety, ACA staff members live on every student-occupied floor and accompany students on all activities and excursions. ACA also takes care to use chartered coach and taxi services to get around town, never public transportation. All ACA staff members are always equipped with cell phones.
The hotel stays add an additional element of security by staffing the front desk 24 hours a day. Parents will appreciate knowing that ACA destinations are always safe, community oriented and selected with special attention to ensuring accessibility to the best medical care in case of any emergency.
Students traveling to Costa Rica fly on ACA-staffed group flights round-trip directly from the New York area or Miami nonstop to San José. From there, they will be escorted on private motorcoaches by our personal Costa Rican guides to our hotel.
Students enrolled in the Panama Extension will also fly on ACA-staffed group flights nonstop from San José to Panama City, then return nonstop to the New York area or Miami.
We are always happy to help make arrangements for students who need to first fly to New York or Miami from other parts of the country in order to meet the ACA group flight. Please contact the ACA office for additional assistance.
Please Note: For your safety and convenience, we require students traveling to our international programs to fly on ACA-staffed group flights.
*Transportation costs are not included in tuition.
