Costa Rica: Social Work
On This Page:
Program Type
- OHIO Credit
Academic Focus
- Humanities and Social Sciences
Program Feature
- Service Learning
Country/Region
- Costa Rica
Program Term
- Spring Break
Application Deadlines
October 1, 2025
For more information on this program contact:
Leah Vensil
Program Director, Assistant Professor of Social Work Instruction
vensil@ohio.edu
Lisa Skeens
Program Director, Associate Professor
skeensl@ohio.edu
Caroline Bresnahan
Program Coordinator, Office of Global Opportunities
caroline.bresnahan@worldstrides.com
Office of Global Opportunities
global.opportunities@ohio.edu
Apply for this OHIO Credit Program (opens in a new window)
Overview
Spend spring break in Costa Rica! Work with local service learning projects in beautiful San Jose while gaining academic credit.
Highlights and Excursions
- Discover the vibrant heart of Costa Rica in San José, where plazas, museums, and theaters tell the story of a resilient and creative nation.
- Explore Costa Rica’s dynamic social work landscape through visits to community-based organizations.
- Connect with local wildlife at a toucan rescue ranch, where colorful birds and other native species find sanctuary and care.
- Unwind on the country’s stunning shore, where sun, surf, and sand provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection.
Good to Know
- Physical Activity: The terrain in Costa Rica requires a moderate amount of walking. Be prepared for some physical activity as part of your daily routine.
- Dietary Needs: While we strive to accommodate various dietary needs, students with specific food restrictions may not always find their preferred substitutions available. It's a good idea to plan accordingly.
Info Sessions
More info coming soon!
Living Arrangements
Students will stay in homestays with local families and be provided with breakfast and dinner each day.
Program Dates
March 7, 2026-March 14, 2026
Academics
Students will earn a total of 3 credit hours. More information coming soon.
Cost
The following information is intended to help participants understand the estimated costs associated with the program. For additional information regarding program costs, please refer to Understanding Program Costs for Ohio-Credit Programs.
As of August 6, 2025, the total estimated cost for this Spring Break 2026 program is expected to be:
- Undergraduate Estimate: $3,966 + 3 Credits of Spring Regional-Campus Tuition/Fees*
*Tuition rates are based on participant's Tuition Guarantee or Graduate Program of Study (refer to Bursars for more information).
The credit hours offered for a Spring Break program are part of the spring semester course load. Participants will not incur additional tuition costs for the spring semester if they are taking 12-20 (Undergraduate) or 9-18 (Graduate) credits including the credit hours associated with this program. Students taking less or more than a full course load will see their tuition adjusted accordingly.
| Line Item | Undergrad Spring 2026 |
|---|---|
SPRING 2026 Tuition & Fees*: Based on individual Tuition Guarantee or Graduate Program of Study (refer to Bursars for more information) These credit hours are part of the spring semester course load. Participants will not incur additional tuition costs for the spring semester if they are taking 12-20 (Undergraduate) or 9-18 (Graduate) credits including the credit hours mentioned. Students taking less or more than a full course load will see their tuition adjusted accordingly. | 3 credits Regional-Campus |
| Program Fee: Student accommodations, roundtrip group flight airfare (CMH->SJO->CMH), some meals, group excursions/cultural activities, airport transportation, and transportation to all program-related activities. | $3,131 |
| Study Abroad Administrative Fee | $150 |
Estimated Out-of-Pocket Expenses:
| $685 |
Non-program-related entertainment, souvenirs, and additional travel are not included in the cost estimate and should be budgeted separately.
Detailed student budget worksheets will be sent to all applicant nominated on the program and are available upon request from global.opportunities@ohio.edu (opens in a new window)
Looking for Funding Opportunities?
More information on financial aid and scholarships can be found on our funding pages.
Eligibility and Requirements
This program is open to OHIO students pursuing a Bachelors in Social Work, Masters in Social Work and related majors with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Preference will be given to branch campus students.
Students who will be on probation at any point during the program for a conduct offense that took place less than a calendar year from the program start date may not study abroad. Read the entire conduct policy (opens in a new window).
This program accepts NON-OHIO students. For more information about this process visit the Non-OHIO student page.
Participants must have a at least a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g. GED) by the start date of the program to be considered for eligibility. Students enrolled in College Credit Plus (CC+) are not eligible for study away programs.
Application Requirements
As part of the application, interested individuals will need to submit:
- Reference names
- DARS
- Personal statement: in 500 words or less, why would you like to participate on this program, and what do you hope to gain from this experience?
Entry and Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport when traveling outside of the United States. If you plan to study or travel abroad in the next year, apply for your passport (opens in a new window) now. Some countries also require a visa to legally enter or reside in the country.
U.S. citizens will not need a visa or other special document to enter the country for the length of this program. Please also note that visa requirements may vary if you plan to stay in the country longer than the program dates or travel to other countries during or after the program. Please familiarize yourself with these recommendations and requirements prior to applying to this program.
For more specific visa related information, please visit OGO’s Visa Information Page (opens in a new window)
Information for Non-U.S. citizens