Learning at UWC Costa Rica
Academics & Co-Curricular Experiences
Distinctive Educational Model Based on Experiential Learning
UWC Costa Rica is a space where learning happens everywhere, including in nature, the most important teacher. The rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme curriculum emphasizes sustainability and community immersion, enabling students to thrive academically, develop skills for personal and professional growth, and generate positive social impact throughout the process.
Classes and Bilingual IB Diplomas
In the mornings, students attend their selected classes in accordance with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme curriculum. The international and diverse faculty at UWC Costa Rica contextualizes all courses through regular outings, field trips, and projects outside the classroom.
Check the list of all available IB Courses
Studies in Language & Literature
English A: Language & Literature
English A: Literature
Spanish Language & Literature
Self-Taught Literature
Studies in Language & Literature
Language B (English, Spanish, French)
Language AB Initio
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Studies in Language & Literature
Psychology
Economics
Anthropology
Global Politics
History
Mathematics
Mathematics Applications and Interpretations
Mathematics Analysis and Approaches
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Experimental Sciences
Chemistry
Biology
Physics
Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS)
The Arts
Visual Arts
Theater
Co-Curricular CAS Experiences
During the afternoons, as part of the IB Diploma, students complete 240 hours of Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS). These experiences take place both on and off campus, allowing students to engage directly with communities, create meaningful change, practice sports & creativity, and develop leadership and independence.
The list of CAS experiences varies from year to year, as students propose and lead their own CAS, with guidance from faculty and UWC Costa Rica staff to ensure that all learning outcomes are met.
Check the list of all CAS Experiences
Educación Ambiental CAS
Ecobrick + Ecocraft CAS
Student Ambassadors CAS
Film Production CAS
Waste Management CAS
Yoga CAS
Basketball CAS
Baking CAS
MUN CAS
Football CAS
Tennis CAS
Self-defense CAS
Rhymers’ Poetry
Hyrox CAS
Crochet for Cancer CAS
Latino Dance CAS
Duka Radio CAS
Sonrisas y Palabras CAS
Library CAS
ARDEI CAS
Aerial Silks CAS
Lifting Hands CAS
Pottery CAS
Asian Culture CAS
Swimming CAS
Content Creation CAS
Campus Naturalist CAS
Debate CAS
Sew to Glow CAS
Volleyball CAS
Mandarin CAS
With love, from Ticos CAS
Duka CAS
Afro Dance CAS
Global Issues Group CAS
StuCo CAS
Greenhouse CAS
Asian Dance CAS
Write for Rights CAS
Card Games CAS
Origami CAS
Coding CAS
Borderless Languages CAS
Elder Helpers CAS
Outdoor Adventures CAS
Volleyball CAS
Peer tutoring CAS
Premier University Counseling & Guidance
UWC Costa Rica provides personalized, one-on-one guidance to empower students as they navigate their paths beyond the college. Whether pursuing higher education, a gap year, or professional opportunities, the community is equipped with the tools to make inspired, informed choices about their future.
The program supports students throughout their global university application process, focusing on finding the ideal fit and securing scholarship opportunities. Through a strategic partnership with the Davis Foundation, financial aid is available at more than 100 U.S. institutions through the Davis UWC Scholars Program.
Discovery, Impact & Leadership
Regular outings, community-wide activities, and camps are held throughout the two years at UWC Costa Rica, promoting student leadership and putting classroom learning into practice.
Getting to Know Costa Rica
Students explore Costa Rica’s cultural and historical landscape through key site visits and community interaction. By engaging with locals and supporting the economy, every student completes at least one off-campus trip during their two years at UWC Costa Rica.
Bilingual IB Diploma
With courses in English and Spanish, students can earn a bilingual IB Diploma. Global themes, including sustainability and community immersion, are integrated into daily life and academics.
Agents of Change
Inspires students to create social impact. Participants choose paths in social entrepreneurship, STEM, or activism to ideate projects to implement in their home communities or at UWC Costa Rica.
Model United Nations (MUN)
Fosters diplomacy, critical thinking, and global citizenship. Public and private Costa Rican high schools gather at UWC Costa Rica for a multi-day event in which students represent diverse delegations to address socio-political issues.
Thematic Weeks
These student-led, immersive experiences use experience design to invite the community to explore critical issues within diverse groups. Examples include Central American, Queer, Asian, European, Black History, and Women’s Weeks.
A Campus Designed to Learn Within Nature
Applying to UWC Costa Rica now means experiencing the new campus, which offers students a space to be fully immersed in nature and unlocks new opportunities for learning and inquiry.
Begin your adventure now!​
Start your application to join the community in Costa Rica for the next academic year!