Welcome to ICDS / International Center for Development Studies

Studying and living abroad in Costa Rica is an exciting and rewarding experience. Coming here will be invaluable to your professional and academic future, especially because you will have chosen to study in a developing country. Costa Rica is in Central America, a region that faces major challenges for sustainable human development, democracy, and human rights. Hence, you will be able to witness firsthand, the challenges for sustainability that exist in the region and the efforts that are underway to ensure sustainable human development and a dignified quality of life for all its inhabitants.

Studying abroad means you will not only be challenged academically, but personally as well. Traveling to and living in another country can be a demanding experience, so you will need to adapt to your new host country culture and society. Keeping an open mind, being flexible, and having lots of patience will help you to make a more successful and smooth transition. ICDS’s orientation program will offer tips and strategies for cultural adaptation, to minimize culture shock, and to increase your cultural immersion. And, of course, all of the ICDS staff, especially our Student Welfare Coordinator, are always available to answer questions, to listen to your concerns, and to help resolve problems that may arise during your settling in as well as during the program. We are part of your support network during your time abroad.

I encourage you to take advantage of the many academic and cultural opportunities that await you here in Costa Rica and at ICDS. They may serve as starting points for any number of future majors, jobs, careers, and life-long passions, as has been the case for many of our former students. We look forward to working with you and facilitate your international experience in Costa Rica. Our goal is to make your experience in Costa Rica as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.

Regards,