Welcome to
ICADS!
Institute for Central American Development Studies
About
US
ICADS educates about Central America through Spanish and critical academic programs, emphasizing social, political, and economic impacts on the environment and marginalized groups.
Learning For
Change
ICADS is a research center focused on Central American social and environmental issues, including development, politics, public health, and conservation since 1986.
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University Partners
Environment & Sustainable Development Field Program
Gain research experience in the natural and social sciences while learning to address environmental issues from a multidisciplinary perspective, and explore the idea of “sustainable development.”
NEXT START
09/02/2024
DURATION
14 weeks
Social Justice & Development Internship
Integrate theoretical concepts and real-world experience through hands-on experience. Move from classroom theory to actual practice in your internship placement, learning how communities are seeking to create lasting social change.
NEXT START
09/02/2024
DURATION
14 weeks
Summer Internship
Immerse yourself in Costa Rican language and culture this summer! Learn Spanish, live with a host family, and work at a unique internship placement.
NEXT START
06/02/2025
DURATION
9 weeks
LIVING IN
Costa Rica
Daily classes take place at ICADS’ headquarters, located in Curridabat, a neighborhood on the edge of the capital, San Jose, and near the university area of San Pedro. There are a variety of shops, restaurants and services nearby.
San Jose itself is only a 10-minute bus ride away, and is a bustling cosmopolitan city filled with cultural events, an exciting nightlife, and plenty of historical landmarks and museums to explore.
Costa Rica is a beautiful country blessed with countless natural wonders, a tropical array of flora and fauna, and gracious and warm people to meet along the way. Any location in Costa Rica is easily accessible by bus from San Jose. Many students choose to explore what the country has to offer during their free weekends
"My experience at ICADS has taught me a lot about the global nature of today's world, but even
more about myself."
"ICADS provides everything needed to complete an impactful, education-first study abroad trip.
Their expertise in broad, their connections run deep, and their passion for working with students is overflowing. I'm honored to work with Javier, Antonio, Rosa, and the rest of the ICADS family on my Winter Sustainability trip, and I hope to continue this adventure for many
years to come!'
"I would recommend ICADS to other students because the different programs help to understand different cultures of Central American countries. Also, it was nice to work in small
groups. It made me feel more comfortable. The staff was very supportive in giving us everything we needed. They were like a second family when we were away from our home."
"Overall, it was fantastic. I had a great time. Everyone was welcoming, and helpful, and friendly. I enjoyed working on my Spanish and learning how education works in Costa Rica. It was a great
experience, I really enjoyed my time here."
"The ICADS Field Program was definitely my favorite time period spent studying in my life. You get many opportunities to do outdoor environmental activities for class and outside of class as well as bond with your Field Program classmates. I loved this program and it was definitely the
highlight of my college career."
"ICADS is like our home from the time we arrive, but also Costa Rica is like a big home for ICADS programs. We need to feel comfortable very soon in order to start the program, even though it
is not our permanent home."