Customized Experiential Learning Programs in Costa Rica

VN works alongside migrant, refugee, and marginalized communities to advance dignity, access, and opportunity. Our immersive global learning experiences take learning outside of the classroom and go beyond traditional study abroad programs, integrating academic inquiry with place-based, experiential learning. VN challenges participants to critically examine global inequities while contributing thoughtfully to initiatives defined by local voices.

Based in rural Upala, Costa Rica, our programs take participants off the beaten path and into the heart of communities few tourists ever see. Here, students live, learn, and work alongside local leaders, refugee populations, farmers, women’s collectives, and environmental advocates who are confronting today’s most urgent social and environmental challenges with resilience and creativity.

VN is not only a study abroad program. We are a community-driven organization that designs and implements our own initiatives, working directly with communities to support locally defined goals and long-term impact.

Our team includes expert faculty and local staff who live in the communities where we work and deeply understand the social, environmental, and cultural dynamics at play. They don’t just teach the issues — they live them. This ensures that students are supported in creating experiences that are academically rigorous, personally transformative, and ethically grounded.

From internships and experiential learning opportunities to faculty-led courses, every VN program fosters cultural humility, reciprocal learning, and meaningful, long-term engagement.

VN’s commitment to equity and ethical engagement has been formally recognized
through the UNHCR Vivir la Inclusión Seal, an honor awarded to organizations that
demonstrate meaningful action in advancing inclusion, dignity, and opportunities for
displaced and marginalized populations. This recognition reflects VN’s long-standing
work alongside migrant and refugee communities and our adherence to international
standards of social responsibility, human rights, and inclusive practice.

VN offers customized programs ranging from 2 weeks to several months for students, graduates. VN offers customized programs ranging from 2 weeks to several months for students, graduates. We provide individualized attention, meaningful community engagement, and immersive cultural experiences. Participants work closely with local communities while gaining hands-on experience, professional skills, and a deeper understanding of Costa Rican culture and global issues.

Programs can include:

• Homestays with local families OR apartment or hotel accommodations
• Personalized placements
• Mentorship and one-on-one support
• Private ground transportation
• Cultural activities and excursions
• Customized programs based on your needs and goals

Duration: 2 weeks to 3 months. Flexible start time!
Programs start at $1350

The VN Center’s Global Learning Approach transforms study abroad into a tool for change, fostering ethical cross-cultural collaborations. Students engage deeply with Costa Rica’s vibrant rural communities through experiential learning, building authentic relationships. This mission aims to create a more inclusive, informed, and engaged global society.

Duration 1 week to 1 month! Start at any time!
Programs start at $1100

Ready to take the next step in your academic journey? Apply now to join our immersive study abroad Costa Rica program or reach out for more information. Experience a unique blend of education and cultural enrichment with the VN Center for Social Justice.