Join us to celebrate the Class of '26!
We will celebrate the Graduation of the Class of 2026 on May 21, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM CST.
Save the Date!
Dear families, alums, and friends. This year’s Graduation seeks to engage all of us in celebrating the Class of ’26.
The event is approaching, and we are excited and happy. We are preparing all the details to welcome you and celebrate together. Inclusion and accessibility are core to the planning of this event. With this purpose in mind, we have created this website with practical information so that you can experience this special moment at its best. Please return to this site anytime you have questions or need information regarding your trip, event schedule, or places to go.
Remember, you can share the live stream link with all your friends and family. See you on May 21, 10:00 AM CST!
Venue: CIC Ande, Belén, Heredia.
Parking cost: ¢5,000
Days until Graduation
Celebrate Graduation in Costa Rica
We invite everyone to join us in Costa Rica to celebrate all the achievements of the Class of ’26. For all community members joining us in Costa Rica to attend the graduation, we’ve created a list of recommendations to help you make the most of your trip.
Make sure to read all information regarding your stay, activities, and deadlines you need to consider before and during your visit.
Activity Schedule
A more detailed schedule will be shared and emailed to all guests a week before the events.
Campus address: De la esquina sureste de la Iglesia Católica, 400 mts al norte, San José, Santa Ana, 10901
CIC Ande, Graduation venue address: C. 1, Heredia, San Antonio
Wednesday, May 20
| 1:00 PM | Activity Check-In and Community Café on campus |
| 2:00 PM | Beginning of the event: Campus tour and special activity. |
| 5:00 PM | End of event. Guests leave campus. |
The last student Open Mic will begin at 7:00 PM on campus. This event is not open to the families. Should any family want to schedule off-campus time with their student, the student must request permission from the Residence Coordinator, including a return time to campus no later than 9:00 PM.
Thursday, May 21
| 8:30 AM | Doors open at CIC Ande, the Class of ’26 Graduation Ceremony venue. |
| 10:00 AM | Beginning of the Ceremony and live stream for the event. |
| 12:00 PM | Celebration and refreshments. Students back on campus by 2:00 pm. |
Visiting Costa Rica
We have prepared a quick guide for you to prepare for your visit to Costa Rica, including instructions to travel from the Juan Santamaría International Airport, lodging options (with discounted rates specific to the UWC Costa Rica community), and more. Check out this guide for more tips.
Entry Requirements & Visas
Visitors from all countries are allowed to enter Costa Rica. Each visitor must comply with the migratory processes established in the General Law of Migration and Immigration.
All non-resident travelers must possess a return ticket or an outbound exit ticket as proof of their intention to exit the country. Be sure to check with your airline or travel agency for specific VISA requirements for your country of origin, because the information may vary at short notice.
Visas
National migration authorities say the following countries require a visa to enter Costa Rica. Click here for the full list from the Ministry of Migration and Foreign Affairs.
Yellow Fever Vaccines
As of July 30, 2007, Costa Rican authorities require all travelers from the following countries to have a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and the Republic of Guyana.
Transportation & Directions
UWC Costa Rica, Santa Ana Campus
Graduation Venue
Centro Internacional de Convenciones de ANDE (or CIC ANDE) on Waze, Google Maps*
***Note that this is not the same venue as the Centro Internacional de Convenciones***
Transportation from the Airport
We strongly recommend that you use an Airport Taxi, as Uber and other ride-sharing services aren’t allowed on Airport grounds. Airport taxis are orange. Before exiting, you will find an Airport Taxi Desk where you can arrange to grab one.
An airport taxi to Santa Ana should cost around $20, and you may pay with a credit or debit card.
Transportation during your visit to Costa Rica
You can use ride-sharing services like Uber and Didi around the Greater Metropolitan Area. You can also ask for a regular cab (red) on the street, have enough cash in colones to pay for your trip, or find a taxi with the usual credit card signs on its roof.
We advise you against using “pirate” or unlicensed taxis, as they are frequently accused of gouging tourists.
It’s not usual for a taxi or Uber driver to be willing to drive to the coasts or mountains, so if you’re planning to visit Costa Rican landmarks before or after Graduation, make sure to arrange private transportation, shuttles, or consider renting a car.
Transportation to Events
Transportation to the Graduation venue will be provided for all guests who request it. A form will be shared with all confirmed guests after the RSVP period. The shuttle will pick up and drop off guests at the following stops:
- UWC Costa Rica (Santa Ana Campus)
- Hotel Villa Los Candiles
- Hilton Garden Inn Santa Ana
Weather & Addresses
The weather can be tricky in Costa Rica. May marks the beginning of our rainy season, and it usually means sunny mornings with scattered showers in the afternoon, only to clear the way for cool evenings, so be prepared.
Try to be as versatile as possible during your stay, and pack accordingly if you plan to visit a beach or mountain after the ceremony. The ceremony venue will have AC to accommodate all guests (could be a bit cooler for some, so we advise you to bring a light sweater if you tend to run cold).
Payments & Tipping Culture
Currency
Costa Rica’s official currency is the Colón, and banknotes come in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000.
Many local restaurants and stores accept dollar bills, but we recommend going to a local bank to exchange them for local currency. You can exchange safely at local banks, such as BCR (Bank of Costa Rica), BN (Banco Nacional), and BAC (BAC Credomatic, private banking).
The rate varies almost daily for the official data published by the Central Bank.
Tipping Culture
There is no official tipping policy or guide in Costa Rica. Tips are appreciated, and your guides and drivers are used to receiving them from tourists. Depending on how much time and effort each guide or driver spent with you, tips are certainly appreciated based on the level of service you feel you received.
Leaving tips at restaurants is not required. Restaurants in Costa Rica add a 10% service charge to your bill.
Credit & Debit Cards
Most places accept Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards. American Express is available in most places, but not as widely available. You can find nearby ATMs on Google Maps and exchange them for US dollars or colones at a fee. Keep in mind that ATMs usually stop working after 10:00 p.m. An alternative is Global Exchange.
Living in Santa Ana
Cellphone Lines & Internet
At the airport, you can buy a prepaid SIM card from the most popular phone carriers in Costa Rica: Kolbi, Claro, and Liberty. They are not attached to monthly plans and can be cut to fit any phone. If your phone supports it, consider an e-SIM service. If you are from Latin America, a Claro or Movistar/Liberty SIM card should work without additional cost.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Shopping Centers
Santa Ana has a wide variety of shopping centers, restaurants, and coffee shops if you want to get to know the city and enjoy a local meal. Depending on where you’re staying, there will be plenty of places around you within walking distance. Multiplaza is a big shopping mall 15 minutes outside Santa Ana, just in case you have a last-minute shopping emergency.
As per students’ recommendation, here you have some of their favorite spots to grab a bite, coffee, or a treat:
Looking for a nicer place for dinner or lunch in Santa Ana?
Lodging with Special Rates
Local and international hotels around campus (and within 45 minutes by car from the Graduation Venue) have provided special rates for all guests attending the graduation ceremony. You can also check for local Airbnb or hotels for more lodging options. Contact eventos@uwccostarica.org in case you have any questions. On Graduation day, we will provide complimentary transportation ONLY from and to Villa Los Candiles and Hilton Garden Inn Santa Ana.
Hotel Villa Los Candiles
Standard Room (1-2 Guests) Rate: $95 + Taxes (13%).
Jr. Suite (1-2 Guests) Rate: $110 + Taxes (13%).
Superior Room (2 queen beds) Rate: $120 + Taxes (13%).
Contact: frontdesk@hotelvillaloscandiles.com
Hilton Garden Inn Santa Ana
Hilton Garden Inn Santa Ana
Standard Room: Rate: $125 + taxes (13%).
Standard Room Long-term stay: 7 to 14 nights. Rate: $115 + taxes.
Standard Room Long-term stay: 15+ nights. Rate: $110 + taxes.
Deluxe Room: Rate: $155 + taxes.
Suite: Rate: $165 + taxes.
BENEFITS:
- High-speed Wi-Fi (55 Mbps).
- Buffet breakfast included.
- 24/7 Access: Business Center and Gym (fully equipped).
- Heated outdoor pool.
- On-site Restaurant & Bar.
- Laundry service available (extra cost).
- Private Shuttle (Airport – Hotel): Special rate of US$35.00 per way. Requires 24-hour advance booking with flight details.
Reservations should be made by calling (506) 4037-4242 or by emailing reservas@hiltoncr.com
Make sure to mention the special agreement with UWC Costa Rica that entitles you to these benefits.
Holiday Inn Express Escazú
Standard Room: Rate: $95 + taxes.
Standard Room Long-term stay: 7 to 14 nights. Rate: $90 + taxes.
Standard Room Long-term stay: 15+ nights. Rate: $85 + taxes.
Reservations should be made by calling (506) 4003-
6600 or by emailing reservas@holidaycr.com
Make sure to mention the special agreement with UWC Costa Rica that entitles you to these benefits.
Wyndham Garden Escazú
Standard Room: Rate: $105 + taxes.
Standard Room Long-term stay: 7 to 14 nights. Rate: $95 + taxes.
Standard Room Long-term stay: 15+ nights. Rate: $92 + taxes.
Jr Suite: Rate: $130 + taxes.
Suite: Rate: $140 + taxes.
BENEFITS:
- Free High-speed Wi-Fi (55 Mbps symmetric) throughout the hotel.
Buffet breakfast included.
24/7 Business Center & Gym (185 m², Life Fitness™ equipment, and aerobics room).
Indoor 20-meter pool with an internal terrace.
Hot tub/Jacuzzi (capacity for 10 people).
Complimentary parking.
Laundry service available (additional cost).
Reservations should be made by calling (506)
4031-9999 or by emailing reservaciones@wyndhamcr.com
Make sure to mention the special agreement with UWC Costa Rica that entitles you to these benefits.
Join the Celebration Anywhere in the Globe!
Discover opportunities for you and your family & friends to join the celebration from home!
Graduation Livestream
On May 21, at 10:00 AM CST, we will start our Youtube livestream for anyone to join and celebrate with us. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel and prepare your congratulations messages for the generation!
Celebrate on Social Media!
The graduation class takes over our social media a month prior to graduation to celebrate their achievements and Future Pathways. Join the celebration and send your congratulations to the Class!