International Center for Development Studies

With over twenty years of experience in international education,  the International Center for Development Studies (ICDS), based in San José, Costa Rica, provides quality study abroad opportunities in the form of academic programs with a focus on sustainability, social justice, and health.  Participants in ICDS’ programs have the chance to experience a new culture, take classes on a variety of unique societal issues (in English), and acquire or hone their Spanish language skills inside and outside the classroom. 

Experiential learning through community service is a key element of ICDS’ programs. It supplements students’ classroom experience with context and tools for a better understanding of the Latin American way of life, as well as of the main challenges and opportunities Costa Rica faces to achieve sustainable development.  Every ICDS program is complemented by community service, field trips, cultural activities, and interaction with local families via homestays to provide students with a high quality and well-rounded cultural immersion experience.

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  San Jose

  San José, Costa Rica

  0 - 5,000 on Campus

  250,000+ residents in San José

  Language(s) spoken on campus: English

  ICDS is based in San José, the capital of Costa Rica. The ICDS buliding and student homestays are centrally located near the campuses of Universidad Latina and Universidad de Costa Rica. 

  Costa Rica is known for its natural beauty, extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna, social and political stability, high educational levels, and efficient infrastructure and services. The capital of San José is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. It lies in the Central Valley on a plain surrounded by large forested mountain ranges, some of which include active volcanoes, green savannas, and working coffee plantations.