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The most authentic experience for your High School exchange in Costa Rica
Step out of your comfort zone and enjoy an incredible immersive experience for the whole family and school.
Your destination? Anywhere in the country
We’ll explain why
What’s at the heart of a traditional study abroad programme? Letting yourself be surprised and adapting. It really is the most authentic experience, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in Costa Rican culture. Let yourself be guided and seize the chance to discover Costa Rica off the beaten track. You’ll find that it’s easy to feel at home, even on the other side of the world, and even when speaking another language every day.
The host families selected as part of the classic high school programme in Costa Rica welcome you into their homes without expecting anything in return. What motivates them? The desire to share their daily lives and their culture with you.
Just like a typical Costa Rican student, you’ll attend a local secondary school and choose your course programme from the options available. The school decides which class you’ll be placed in, based on your level and academic background.
Eligibility requirements
Just imagine yourself...
In the bustling city of San José, the capital
Museums, markets, festivals and cafés immerse you in Costa Rican culture. Between lessons and exploring the city, you’ll develop your independence, your Spanish and your appreciation of cultural diversity.
Tamarindo, Guanacaste
A lively little coastal town in Guanacaste, Tamarindo is famous for its golden sandy beaches and waves that are perfect for surfing. You’ll enjoy a relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere there, with a mix of classes, water sports and friendly evenings out.
Monteverde, in the heart of the rainforest
Nestled in the heart of the rainforest, Monteverde is synonymous with nature and adventure. Here, you’ll discover incredible biodiversity, including monkeys, toucans and butterflies, whilst taking part in eco-friendly activities and outdoor excursions that will bring you closer to the Pura Vida way of life.
All you need to know...
Transparency is important to us. Here's what's included in the program fee, and what isn't.
Included
Selection interview
Research, selection and preparation of a welcoming host family
Full board, meals and lodging with a host family
Not included
Passport and all visa costs (in Australia and overseas)
Optional excursions, language lessons or trips
School-related costs (if applicable), including uniforms, stationery, books or subject levies
We're here to help. Book a free meeting with one of our Educational Advisors to discuss your options and have all your questions answered.
We're here to help. Book a free meeting with one of our Educational Advisors to discuss your options and have all your questions answered.
Here’s what’s in store for you.
Choose your programme. We’ll work out together whether it’s the right one for you.
Once you’ve completed your registration, you’ll take part in a selection interview. Together, we’ll discuss your motivations and your language proficiency, and we’ll make sure you’re making the right choice. You’ll receive the result within a week of the interview.
The journey begins here. Your dream is about to come true.
If your interview goes well, you will receive a letter of acceptance onto the programme and instructions on how to complete your application pack. This is a very important step, as this pack will serve as your ‘introduction’ to the host family and the school.
The big day is approaching: it’s time to get ready to spread your wings. We’re here to support you so that everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Be patient! Finding your school and host family can take some time. To make the wait more enjoyable and give you a real sense of what to expect, you and your parents will take part in an immersive and interactive training programme, where you’ll find answers to all your questions and get to meet members of the WEP staff as well as former participants: the WEP Buddies.
You’re finally here. The adventure of a lifetime is about to become a reality.
Don’t panic – we’ll organise your trip from start to finish and be there to support you throughout your stay. All you have to do is pack your suitcase.
Get to know your new Costa Rican family
She’s looking forward to getting to know you
Family is at the heart of life in Costa Rica! For your future host family, welcoming you is, above all, an opportunity to share their daily lives and forge bonds that will last a long time. Their commitment is sincere and selfless: all families take part in the programme on a voluntary basis, with warmth and generosity.
Host families are convinced of the value of intercultural exchange. They open their homes and their hearts to you so that you can discover and share their way of life.
Your Costa Rican host family offers you a safe and welcoming environment where you can find your place, build your confidence and grow. Thanks to them, you’ll build a second home on the other side of the world.
FAQ
Both programs offer a very similar experience, with placement in a host family and enrolment in a local high school. However, on a Classic program host families are volunteers, and no tuition fees are charged by the host schools; on a Flex program instead, host families receive a stipend to help with the costs associated with hosting a student, and tuition fees may be charged by the host school.
Classic program participants are guaranteed a placement in their country of choice, however there is generally no avenue to choose a specific area/location within the host country, unless a Classic + option is available for that specific destination.
WEP Australia is a not-for-profit student exchange organisation registered as a charity with the ACNC and registered/approved by the education departments/ regulatory authorities in the ACT, NSW, QLD, SA, TAS and VIC.
We work with international partners to organise exchange programs. As a result, the program fee is based solely on the cost of program components, both in Australia and overseas. The program fee is allocated between the overseas organisation, WEP Australia, travel and independent contractors for flights and insurance.
The portion of the fee set aside for flights and insurance is approximately 25%.
The portion of the fee going to the overseas organisation (approximately 50%) subsidises the recruitment, screening, criminal background checks, appointment and orientation of the volunteer host family, facilitation of host school enrolment, recruitment and training of the local coordinator, arrival orientation, supervision of your program and provision of 24/7 support while you are in your host country.
The portion of the fee going to WEP Australia (approximately 25%) subsidises the organisation of the program from the Australian end, ensuring: timeliness of your eligibility interview; processing, assessment and preparation of your application for the overseas partner organisation; provision of a departure orientation session and resource materials (including student and parents handbooks); bookings of relevant domestic and international airfares to and from your final destination; detailed assistance with the visa process (where applicable); registration for a comprehensive medical/liability/baggage insurance policy; comprehensive support before, during and after your program, including emergency 24/7 support in Australia and overseas.
Before going through the application process, it is important for us to make sure that you meet the basic eligibility requirements of the program you have chosen (such as age, language skills, academic performance, etc.) and discuss any specific circumstances, requirements or conditions that may have an impact on your program.
A high school student exchange program requires significant flexibility, open-mindednees, maturity and ability to adapt. The eligibility interview helps us assess your real motivation to participate in the program, and (together with the rest of your application documents) make sure you have all the required tools to succeed!