Costa Rica is a small country in Central America. It is bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The country is rich in culture and has a vast array of biodiversity. Costa Rica is well-known for its warm people, natural beauty, and ecotourism.
As a delegate, you will be living with a Costa Rican family and have the opportunity to experience the Tico lifestyle.
Program Details
Dates
June 24 – July 23, 2026
In Country Partners: IFYE Costa Rica
Ages
15 – 18 years old
Overview
Delegates will arrive in Costa Rica and participate in an arrival orientation, which includes sightseeing and cultural excursions. Delegates will then homestay with a Costa Rican family where they can immerse themselves in the Costa Rican culture and their host family’s daily life. During the homestay, delegates will have a chance to attend classes with their host sibling.
Program Fee – $2500
The program fee includes overnights in a U.S. gateway city before and after international travel, arrival orientation, sightseeing and cultural excursions in Costa Rica, in-Costa Rica expenses (lodging, meals, and most transportation), orientation materials and States’ 4-H t-shirts, accident & sickness insurance, and a portion of adult chaperone expenses.
The program fee does NOT include:
- International airfare, which States’ 4-H will book when the delegation is finalized. The airfare will be communicated and invoiced at that time.
- Domestic airfare from your home to the gateway airport
- Incidentals and souvenirs
Additionally, some states may charge a small administration fee. These fees will differ from state to state.
Basic Timeline
| Fall | Submit your online application to your State Coordinator. Due dates vary by state. | |
| December 15 | State Coordinators send recommended applications to the States’ 4-H National Office. | |
| Early January | States’ 4-H reviews applications and makes final selection decisions. Space may be limited based on hosting capacity of the partner country. States’ 4-H notifies all applicants of their status. | |
| Spring | States’ 4-H books non-refundable international air tickets. | |
| Late Spring | Host Family placement is announced. | |
| Summer | Students fly to U.S. gateway city the day before international flight. |
Questions?
Explore the world and discover your potential through States 4-H’s transformative short-term summer study abroad program. Get your questions answered and take the first step toward an international adventure that will expand your horizons and shape your future.