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