Architecture Schools and Programs in Costa Rica

Architecture Studies in Costa Rica

Corcovado National Park in the Península de Osa, Costa RicaIf you’re a student looking to study architecture in Central America, perhaps as a participant in a study abroad or student exchange program, there simply is no better place in which to study and live for a semester (or even a full year) than in the scenic country of Costa Rica.  The Republic of Costa Rica, which translates to “rich coast,” is a bi-coastal country, bordered by the countries of Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the southeast, and forming an extensive coastline with the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east.  The country has consistently been among the top Latin American countries in the Human Development Index, and was recently cited by the United Nations Development Program as one of the countries that have attained much higher human development than other countries at the same income level.  This citation can be attributed greatly to the country’s excellent infrastructure and its commitment to providing postsecondary education, including architectural education, to every student with a desire to learn.

Architecture Education in Costa Rica

Architecture is offered as a field of study at many of Costa Rica’s colleges and universities, including the University of Costa Rica, where students can study at the undergraduate and graduate level, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture and a Master of Science degree in Architecture, respectively.
 
The University of Costa Rica is a public university, whose main campus, the Ciudad Universitaria Rodrigo Facio, is located in San Pedro Montes de Oca, in the province of San Jose.  It is the oldest, largest and most prestigious institution of higher learning in the country, and performs more significant research than many of the other universities combined.  It is attended by nearly 40,000 students each year, and is ranked number 11 on the Times list of Top Universities in Latin America.
 
The architecture program offered at the University of Costa Rica is very innovative and designed for students and professionals who wish to play a leading role in architectural and urban design, both within Costa Rica and internationally.  The program covers nine main areas within the architectural discipline:  Architectural Design, Building and Energy Technologies, Urban Studies, Contemporary Culture and Architectural Management.
 
The Bachelor of Science in Architecture is a four year program that serves as an introduction to the field, giving students the knowledge and skills they need to adequately prepare for more advanced studies.  Most students go on to pursue their Master’s degree—the minimum qualification for professional architects—which spans an additional two years following the successful completion of the undergraduate program.  Collectively, the coursework in the program exposes students to the principles of cultural and urban design, and aims to infuse into them the entrepreneurial and leadership spirit to be a future leader in the architectural field following graduation.

Why Study Abroad in Costa Rica

Contrary to popular opinion, study abroad and student exchange programs are not all about classrooms, teachers and formal education, but also about expanding students’ cultural, linguistic and ethnic horizons and introducing them to a world quite unlike their own.  Programs such as these also afford students numerous opportunities for sightseeing and enjoyment, of which the country of Costa Rica offers plenty of both.
 
Costa Rica is beautiful country from a natural standpoint, and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, majestic waterfalls and lush greenery.  It is not the typical Central American country, bogged down in political strife, but one devoted to democratic ideologies and global concerns.  The culture is diverse and interesting and its people are very welcoming and warm to visiting students.
 
Here a just a few more reasons to consider Costa Rica for your architectural studies:
 
Volcanoes
 
There are scores of natural wonders to explore when visiting Costa Rica, including a number of active volcano sites.  Poas, Arenal and Irazu are just a few of the many fascinating volcanoes that dot the mountainous regions of the Costa Rican landscape.
 
Nature and Wildlife
 
If you have ever seen pictures of Costa Rica you already know about its beauty, a country bursting with diverse flora that is rich and green and found nowhere else on earth.  The country plays host to a number of preserves and botanical gardens where you can see firsthand the splendor and exquisiteness of this unique country—a country that is also home to some very rare species of wildlife.
 
Activities
 
Costa Rica offers plenty of sites where you can enjoy your favorite activities, including biking and hiking trails, boating centers, campsites, golf courses, and miles of beaches for swimming, snorkeling, fishing and more.  The country also hosts many enjoyable festivals, events and celebrations throughout the year, including carnivals, parties and horse shows.  All of these amazing activities will provide students numerous opportunities to meet, greet and socialize with the Costa Rican people, to learn more about their customs, traditions and language, and plenty of occasions to sample and enjoy the spicy, yet delicious Costa Rican cuisine.