Costa Rica: Business

Study business in Costa Rica while exploring how healthcare, coffee production, sustainability, and tourism operate within a global economy. Based in San José, this program will introduce students to two of Costa Rica’s important industries: medical tourism and coffee production.

Students will examine the business ecosystem surrounding medical tourism through visits to healthcare organizations, government agencies, clinics, hospitals, and a local university. Students will also learn about Costa Rica’s coffee industry through a visit to a sustainable coffee farm. Cultural and recreational experiences will provide additional opportunities to experience the country’s traditions, natural environment, and daily life. 

Travel Dates

  • May 18-26, 2027
  • Program length: 9 days

Program Highlights

  • Compare medical, environmental, and coffee tourism through structured reflection activities.
  • Visit a Costa Rican university for a lecture on the country’s healthcare system and a collaborative project with Costa Rican university students.
  • Examine the business systems that support Costa Rica’s medical tourism industry through industry visits, including:
    • Primary care clinics serving small communities
    • Representatives from a government agency connected to Costa Rica’s public healthcare system
    • A health technology clinic that supports healthcare services and patient experiences.
    • A hospital that provides elective medical procedures for medical tourists.
  • Learn about accreditation, patient trust, translation services, transportation, recovery accommodations, insurance, marketing, and international price comparisons.
  • Visit a sustainable coffee farm and learn about agriculture, coffee production, sustainability, and coffee tourism.
  • Participate in Costa Rican cultural experiences, including:
    • A cooking class focused on local food traditions.
    • An excursion to Tortuga Island. 

Program Location

San José, Costa Rica, with additional program excursions and site visits. 

Program Eligibility

  • Central Piedmont curriculum students with a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Academics

  • INT 110: International Business
  • OST 263: Healthcare Customer Relations

Specific sections TBD

Program Leaders

Money Matters

Billable Costs

Estimated billable program costs: $4,100 per student. Billable costs are paid to the Center for Global Engagement at the college’s cashier’s office. Billable program costs include:

  • Application fee
  • Airfare and local transportation
  • Lodging
  • Some meals
  • Academic and professional site visits
  • Cultural excursions and program activities
  • Provider and program-related costs
  • Travel insurance 

Non-billable Costs

Students are responsible to pay for the following expenses directly:

  • Passport and visa fees, if applicable
  • Meals not included in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Optional activities outside the official itinerary
  • Transportation or expenses not associated with scheduled program activities
  • INT 110 or OST 263 tuition and course registration fees. Check with the Financial Aid Office to determine if your course registration can be covered with your financial aid. 

Scholarships

Scholarships toward billable program costs are available through the Center for Global Engagement and several external organizations. Please visit the “Scholarships” page for information about these scholarships. Note the following scholarship deadlines:

  • Gilman International Scholarship (external) & Gilman Stem Supplemental Award (external) - application open:
    • Mid-August 2026 – October 1, 2026
    • Mid-January 2027 – February 25, 2027
  • Gilman-McCain Scholarship (external) - application open:
    • Mid-August 2026 – October 1, 2026
    • Mid-November 2026 – January 7, 2027
  • Central Piedmont Study Abroad Scholarships (internal) - application opens mid-August:
    • October 1, 2026: Priority Deadline
    • December 4, 2026: Final Deadline 

How to Apply

Apply to the study abroad program by clicking the Apply Now button below.  

  • Choose which study abroad program you will apply for.
  • Log in using your Central Piedmont username and password.
  • Complete the Study Abroad application thoughtfully and in its entirety, including the video submission and essay questions. Studying abroad is an educational opportunity; your application should demonstrate your commitment to and interest in this program.  
  • Pay the $100 nonrefundable application fee and follow the instructions to submit proof of this payment on the Campus Community website. This step is required, and your application will not be considered until this application fee is paid. 

Apply Now

Note:

  • You must complete all steps for your application to be considered.
  • Some programs will require a personal interview. You will be contacted to schedule an interview after completing the steps above. 

Questions?

Direct questions to the Center for Global Engagement:  

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