Costa Rica

Living Conditions & Daily Life 

Students follow a structured schedule with classes and field activities typically from 7 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Evenings and most weekends are generally free for personal exploration, rest, or participation in optional program-organized activities. 

Housing consists of shared dormitories with communal dining, where meals are prepared by program kitchen staff. A daily curfew is enforced throughout the program, including for students who choose to remain on campus during free weekends. 

During the mid-semester break, the SFS Center is closed and students are required to travel independently. Remaining on campus during this period is not permitted. 

Physical Readiness 

Fieldwork includes short hikes (1–3 hours) through rainforests and other ecosystems such as cloud and dry forests, as well as visits to local farms and conservation projects. Occasional night hikes add a unique component, requiring increased focus and adaptability. 

Terrain may include steep inclines and uneven paths, and weather conditions are often hot, humid, and rainy. Accessibility for students with mobility impairments or specific health conditions is limited. 

Travel & Transitions 

Students are based at an SFS field station but frequently travel to field sites around the region. Travel may include long bus rides on winding roads and occasional overnight stays. The program balances classroom learning with extensive fieldwork, requiring adaptability to changing environments and schedules. 

Program Location & Natural Environment 

Set in a small tropical town, the program immerses students in a lush, biodiverse environment rich with sensory experiences. Students regularly encounter iguanas, scorpions, spiders, insects, and other tropical wildlife, particularly during fieldwork. While this setting enhances immersion, it also presents high levels of noise, humidity, and exposure to unfamiliar ecosystems. 

Cultural & Linguistic Differences 

Costa Rican culture is shaped by strong Catholic influences and traditional customs. Conservative dress is expected when engaging with the local community. 

Spanish is the dominant language, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Students are not expected to arrive with Spanish proficiency, but language instruction is provided for beginner through advanced levels. Prior exposure to Spanish is helpful but not required. 

Allergies & Dietary Preferences 

Typical Costa Rican meals feature rice, beans, fruit, vegetables, and meat. Common dishes include gallo pinto and plantains. Students with dietary restrictions or food allergies must clearly communicate their needs in advance. 

There is a small kitchen available in the dormitory for occasional use, though preparing meals independently throughout the program is not feasible due to scheduling demands. Cross-contamination is possible, and options may be limited in rural areas. Contact studentlife@fieldstudies.org to confirm whether your dietary needs can be accommodated. 

Required Vaccinations & Health Care 

SFS does not mandate any specific vaccinations, but all students should meet with a travel medicine professional before departure. 

Basic medical facilities are located about 10 minutes from the SFS Center, while advanced care is 45–90 minutes away. At times, students may be 2+ hours from medical care while on fieldwork. 

Routine medical and counseling services are not available during the program. Students must bring a full supply of any prescription medications, including psychotropic drugs, for the entire duration of the program, as local refills are typically not feasible without prior arrangements.