Costa Rica
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 19 – July 18, 2025
In Country Partner: IFYE Costa Rica
Ages: 15 - 18 years old
Delegates will arrive in Costa Rica and participate in an arrival orientation in San Jose, 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 may have a chance to participate in 4-S club-related activities or attend classes with their host sibling. The program will conclude with a departure debriefing presented by IFYE Costa Rica.
Program Fees Include: An overnight national departure orientation and national departure debriefing in a U.S. gateway city, arrival orientation with sightseeing and cultural excursions in Costa Rica, a two-night trip to Arenal National Park, 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.
Basic Timeline:
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| | 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 for National Departure Orientation the day before international flight. |