WELCOME TO ICADS!
Institute for Central American Development Studies
Instituto de Estudios de Desarrollo Centroamericano
Now Accepting Students for All Programs!
Join us in person for an enriching and invigorating study abroad experience in Costa Rica. The current deadline for Fall Semester 2023 is May 1, 2022. Apply now!
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COVID-19 Considerations & Response
ICADS has adopted precautions in accordance with both Costa Rican national and international guidelines due to the COVID-19 outbreak and resulting restrictions. In-person programming here in Costa Rica is proceeding with said protocols in effect. ICADS has also been working with our partners to meet any specific institutional requirements. Please contact us for more information.
LEARNING FOR CHANGE
The Institute for Central American Development Studies (ICADS) is a center for study, research, and analysis of Central American social and environmental issues. Since 1986, we focus on economic development, politics, environmental studies, sustainable development, public health, women’s issues, education, human rights, and conservation.
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ABOUT ICADS
ICADS mission is to educate participants about Central America by teaching Spanish and by offering academic programs that utilize a theoretically critical perspective as well as hands-on experience to help students deepen insights into current social, political and economic realities and their effects on the environment and society, especially the poor and marginalized.
More About Us
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Univerity 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:
09/04/2023
Duration
13 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:
09/04/2023
Duration
13 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:
05/29/2023
Duration
9 Weeks
36
Years of Experience
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."
Melody Loya, Department Head of Social Work, Tarleton State University
“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!"
John Adkinson, Professor at School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Buffalo
"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."
Melissa Michalek, Saint Mary’s College
"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."
Maureen Monk, Saint Mary’s College
"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."
Anders Johnson, University of Michigan
"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."
Katie Wheeler, Eckerd College - Spring 2017
