Join YES Costa Rica – Where Culture, Language, and Nature Come Together!
Discover YES Costa Rica, the trusted education and cultural exchange program since 2000. Designed for young adventurers, we offer authentic experiences combining Spanish learning, cultural immersion, and a deep connection with Costa Rica’s nature and people. With personalized support and over 20 years of expertise, we ensure a journey that inspires growth, exploration, and unforgettable memories.
Discover Costa Rica, Pura vida!
Costa Rica, one of the happiest countries in the world, is a magical destination rich in culture, biodiversity, and peace. Located in Central America, this small but remarkable nation spans 51,100 km² and is bordered by Nicaragua, Panama, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. With a population of 5.1 million, its vibrant capital, San José, serves as the political and economic heart, and Spanish is the official language.
Renowned for its incredible biodiversity, Costa Rica represents 5% of the world’s species, with 25% of its land designated as protected areas, including stunning “Rich Coasts.” Its strategic location makes it a vital biological bridge teeming with unique flora and fauna. Since abolishing its army in 1948, Costa Rica has embraced peace, fostering a welcoming, positive, and open society.
Experience Costa Rica’s natural beauty, warm people, and rich culture — your journey to paradise awaits!
Discover More About Costa Rica
Population: 5.000.000 Inhabitants
Provinces: 7
Currency: Colón
Capital: San José
Literacy: 97.86%
Number of volcanoes: 102
Number of national parks: 27
Wildlife refuges: 58
Protected areas: 32
Number of beaches: Pacific 109 / Caribbean 17
Slogan: Pura Vida
Experience Costa Rica’s natural beauty, warm people, and rich culture — your journey to paradise awaits!
Schools are open in Costa Rica from Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Most schools begin on February and end beginning of December.
This school year is divided into three trimesters with three vacation breaks during Easter, July and from December to January.
Children from 5 to 12 years old attend to 6 years of primary school (escuela). High School (colegio) goes from 13 to 17 years and it lasts 5 years. There are some technical and professional high schools (Colegio Técnico o Colegio Professional) in which youngsters study an extra year and get a diploma in a technical profession as secretary, computer, account and some others.
Class attendance is mandatory and if a student misses one or more days of school they must have a note from their parents. Similarly, students are not allowed to arrive late or leave school early, without written permission from their parents. Costa Rican students have a lot of homework to do at home and you have to wear uniform!
Students who finish high School can continue their studies at university and receive a diploma that give them access to the working world, besides the opportunity to continue their studies at the University.
School subjects are Spanish, Sciences, History, Math and English. All are mandatory for all students, including exchange students.
YES, COSTA RICA is a family company created with love from young people for young people.
YES, COSTA RICA is a company created with a family feeling for people who love other cultures, explore and discover new languages, and enjoy nature. Our ground values are respect, loyalty and quality.
We welcomed our first students in year 2000 and we continue growing because we discovered, our work is a way to make many people happy.
In YES COSTA RICA you will find support, acceptance and orientation! Come to us and you will experience Costa Rica in a very authentic way.
We assume our responsibility towards your entire experience very serious and maintain a near contact all the program. We know you will be confident with us from the moment you enroll to the years long when you return home.
The founders
YES COSTA RICA (Youth Education Service Costa Rica) created the Exchange Program for young people eager to travel abroad, learn Spanish in Costa Rica and live the nature and people of this wonderfull country.
As two costarican educators set out to combine their passion for other cultures with education and personal growth through the contact with students from all around the world. Now 20 years later, and with a lot of beautiful stories as a result of this adventure, they can offer a special and qualified program in Costa Rica.
If you are looking to live YES COSTA RICA in an authentic way, Yes Costa Rica is the right option.
OUR PASSION
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