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Travel Advisory Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Travel Advisory Level 2: Exercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to crime. Read More...

Worldwide Caution: The Department of State advises Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution.

Education & Exchanges
Overview
Local Programs
Exchanges
Education
Study in the U.S.A.
Admissions Tests
Alumni

Overview

Learn, exchange, grow, and serve. The U.S. Department of State offers many programs for non-U.S. citizens wishing to come to the U.S. for cultural, educational, or professional exchange. These programs are augmented by local opportunities in countries around that world that allow non-U.S. citizens to explore U.S. culture and the English language. Learn more about the opportunities offered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Exchanges

BridgeUSA

Brings emerging leaders and professionals to the United States.

Learn More About BridgeUSA

Academic & Professional Exchanges

Opportunities for international study & research from undergraduate through postdoctoral.

Read more about exchanges

Study & Exchange

The United States supports international education and welcomes foreign students and exchange visitors. Before applying for a visa, students and exchange visitors must be accepted by their schools or program sponsors.

Learn more about Student Visas

American English

Teach and learn English as a foreign language, explore American culture and encourage English conversation within the global learning community.

Visit the American English Site

English Language Resources

The English Language Office supports English Language Teaching institutions and activities in order to promote mutual understanding between Costa Rica and the United States of America. More information about English Language learning including Free English teaching manuals by Peace Corps Volunteers

English Language Resources

Culture and Other Exchanges

Discover cultural programs and exchanges, such as cultural heritage protection, empowerment of women and girls, professional development, virtual exchanges and more.

Cultural Programs and Exchanges

Education

EducationUSA

EducationUSA is your official source on U.S. higher education

Learn About EducationUSA

Local EducationUSA Centers

EducationUSA advising centers help you navigate the Five Steps to U.S. Study.

Find an EducationUSA Center Near You

The Information Resource Center (IRC)

The Information Resource Center (IRC) supports the objectives and programs of the Office of Public Affairs, as well as the other sections of the Embassy, ​​offering reliable information on US policies, legislation and social issues. The IRC offers access to the main sources of information in the United States, online databases, Internet resources, reference collection and magazines.

The Information Resource Center responds to your request for information by phone, fax, email, or regular mail. Admission to the facilities is by appointment and the collection is only for consultation in the room.

No information on consular matters or visas is provided.

Information Resource Center
Embassy of the United States
Box 920-1200 Pavas, San José, Costa Rica
Fax (506) 2232-7944

Local American Spaces

Find American Spaces, American Centers, American Corners, or Binational Centers near you. Get details for the American Corner in Limón and the Science Corner in La Flor.

Find an American Spaces location near you

American Spaces

The Office of American Spaces oversees a network of 600 open-access cultural centers.

Learn More About American Spaces

EducationUSA Advising Center

The EducationUSA advising center at Centro Cultural Costarricense Norteamericano in San Jose,Costa Rica offers professional educational advising services to individuals interested in pursuing higher education in the United States.

Find an Educational Advising Center

Locate a Regional English Language Officer

The Regional English Language Officer for Costa Rica (and the Caribbean, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Nicaragua, Panama, and Venezuela) is in U.S. Embassy Panama City. Phone: 507-317-5000 and Email: RELO_Panama@state.gov

Support Near You: Regional English Language

ACT

ACT: a curriculum-based multiple-choice assessment that tests reading, English, mathematics, and science, with an optional essay section. The ACT is widely accepted at accredited two and four-year colleges and universities in the United States, and hundreds of institutions around the world.

SAT

SAT: a test that measures critical reading, writing, and mathematical abilities. The SAT Subject Tests measure knowledge in specific subject areas. The SAT is widely accepted at accredited two and four-year colleges and universities in the United States, and hundreds of institutions around the world.

Exchange Program Alumni – Resources & Opportunities

Join the Exchange Alumni community portal and open the door to a world of resources and funding opportunities to help you build on the skills you gained during your exchange program:

  • Access academic journals and articles through EBSCO, JSTOR, and Libby, among other academic and research resources through eLibraryUSA (make sure to first visit an American Space in your region to set up an account).
  • Find and connect with fellow Exchange Alumni locally and globally.
  • Collaborate in group discussions, search for and post upcoming career opportunities, update your alumni contact information, and more!

For Exchange Alumni community portal log-in questions, reach out to: alumniwebsite@state.gov.

In addition, get up-to-date information on upcoming events and Exchange Alumni highlights in our quarterly international newsletter, and reach out to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to find out more about funding opportunities like the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF).

Don’t forget to connect with us online through LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, sharing your successes by using #ExchangeAlumni when you post. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Feel free to reach out directly at exchangealumni@state.gov.

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Alerts

Routine Message: U.S. Citizen Passport Renewal Event in Puerto Viejo