A bilingual (English/Spanish) international school for local and overseas students aged 3 through 18. If you are concerned about how to choose the right institution, contact InterNations and ask about our school search services. They also use the letter grades S, N, Suf, and I. It offers a health plan that covers about 80% of the cost of doctors visits, prescriptions, tests, examinations, and hospitalization. Why choose the American Curriculum? If you choose a private preschool option, you will spend anywhere from 113,930-455,720 CRC (200-800 USD) per month. The Country Day School provides an American High School Diploma for international students, and also offers advanced placement courses, sports teams, and . 16-17 Whether you are moving to a city in the mountain region or a small beach community, you are likely to find Spanish language schools anywhere you go in Costa Rica. Established in 1949, there is a preschool, elementary and secondary school with bilingual curriculum. Residency requirements are another reason expats often choose international schools. A budget between $2000 and $4000 a month can buy you a really comfortable life in Costa Rica when you dont have to worry about your AC unit being on when you want it. Cartago, Costa Rica - Retirement, Lifestyle and Cost of Living Information The CoIS (Council of International Schools) is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance assistance and help with founding new schools. However, students at a private school can expect more emphasis and instruction in the English language. 12th Year The community service projects within our homestay communities are plentiful. Proof of income: your payslip, a letter from your accountant, a letter from your pension provider, etc. There are over 4,000 Costa Rican public schools, which opens up the country geographically to families. The end of the academic year marks the beginning of the traditional coffee-picking season, the year-end festivals, and the arrival of summer. The countrys school system is considered the best in Latin America. Using private facilities can save you time: you can have the necessary tests done privately within a day instead of waiting for a couple of weeks if you go with a CAJA hospital, which you can then bring back to your CAJA doctor. In addition to the schooling options, it is also common to find nannies, au pairs, and babysitters to care for your children in Costa Rica. And a few lesser fees such as a registry fee, municipal fee, fiscal fee, bar association fee, archive costs, etc. Tel: (506)2276-76-39 It is a co-educational school with curriculum adhering to the United States system. Box 632-4005 ) Many schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam. Homeschooling In Costa Rica: A Realistic Option For Expats? There are indeed many good reasons why Costa Rica stands out as an expat destination: its a truly democratic country, which year after year ranks in the top three happiest nations in the world. They follow the Montessori philosophy and have a focus on sustainability and community service. For example, a graduate degree at the United Nations University for Peace can cost an average of 14,811,000 CRC (26,000 USD) per year in tuition. They offer the IB curriculum and have a focus on sustainability and community service. or in property both commercial and non-commercial. You should start your property search by finding a solid and reputable estate agency to work with. Likewise, students interested in studying Spanish or Spanish literature should also consider higher education in this country. After three years of living in the country as either a Pensionado or Rentista, you can apply for permanent residence. Finally, cost is an important factor. MBS is accredited by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education and the SACS. The Pensionado residency visa doesnt set any age limit. When I first heard about InterNations, I thought: This is exactly what I was searching for. It might be a good idea to take out a private health plan on top of your CAJA cover. Costa Rica When considering an international school, it is important to inquire about the extra costs of student activities, books, and uniforms, as these will be in addition to the tuition fee. And in 2011 and 2012, Costa Rica was featured on the list of the Developing Worlds 10 Best Ethical Destinations in the Ethical Traveler Magazine. With out proof, you smile and waive good bye or "adios" in this case. There are open-air farmers markets (theferia) that happen every week in just about every Costa Rican town or village. 14-15 However, there is a luxury tax levied against properties worth $250,000 or more. Costa Rica High School Trips & Summer Travel Programs Our Costa Rica high school summer travel programs empower students to become global leaders to make a positive difference in the world through community service projects. Costa Rica is a pretty safe country. You can also buy an international health plan through INS. This is the mountain region and the location of the countrys largest cities: San Jos, Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago. 10-9.00 May 31, 2022 2:49 pm 0 5 2295 Views SHARE When planning to relocate to Costa Rica, many foreigners ask about education in Costa Rica. Like its healthcare, Costa Ricas education system is of high quality and consistently ranked in the top 20th percentile around the world. DIMEX is an identity card given to all foreigners living in Costa Rica. ("CDS") is the most popular school for expats living in Escazu. If you take into consideration that a day in intensive care can cost you $3,000, it becomes clear that if something serious happens, this limit wont take you far. Classes are taught in English, and Spanish is offered at an additional fee with private tutors. Warning: Speed ahead reduces to a sloth crawl! The countrys climate is diverse. Expats find that Alajuela is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city. It may also be possible to find an international institution that instructs in a language other than English or Spanish. These are also more likely to be lenient with enrollment if foreigners do not yet have Costa Rican residency. Costa Rica's Expat Community - Meet other Expats - Find Forums & Jobs You can do this by first applying for a provisional visa at a consulate outside the country, or you can enter Costa Rica as a tourist and apply upon arrival. You will, however, still need to show a valid form of ID as well as proof of an address in the country. 2 months to 1 year old As long as you have a pension, you may retire as young as you wish. Teacher Horizons Comment with your question below, and we will do our best to help. The school runs on both the Costa Rican and the United States calendar and offers the IB and the MEP (National Baccalaureate), but does not offer the United States Diploma. It is usually a straightforward process; all the information about land and property is consolidated in the central land registry, which allows your lawyer to confirm that there is a clear title for your property. Tuition Rates: Inquire at school. It consists of Cycles III and IV. The school is recognized and supported by the Office of Overseas Schools, and the U.S. Department of State. The Country School: The Country School is located in Santa Ana and offers a bilingual program from preschool to high school. Healthcare in Costa Rica. A-F Grade Equivalent There are around 60 universities in total, five of which are public. Address: diagonal to the entrance of Los Sueos Resort and Marina Some private universities may offer full course loads in English, but not always. Costa Rican Grade Expats are attracted to Costa Rica for numerous reasons, which include the low cost of living, excellent health care, modern telecommunications infrastructure, beautiful beaches, rainforests, lush valleys, and cool mountainsnot to mention the theaters, art galleries, and fine dining. Keep in mind that popular tourist destinations are more expensive when it comes to groceries or dining out. With so many excellent schools in Costa Rica, youre sure to find one thats the perfect fit for your family. I suggest, asking the realtor you find or decide to work with if they are licensed with the government and make them show you their credentials. It is wise to ask around for advice. Discover the best places in the world to live. So naturally, they are very sought-after. Address: San Rafael de Alajuela, Route 27, Km. Schools and Education English - COSTA RICA REAL ESTATE Montessori Childrens World: Montessori Childrens World is located in San Jose and offers a bilingual program from preschool to elementary school. Luc Trahan is the name of the man. Moving to and living in Costa Rica | Expat Arrivals Hacienda Baru is close bya jungle experience with well-maintained hiking trails where you may see white-faced monkeys and plenty of other jungle inhabitants, as well as take part in thrilling zip line adventures. This is a fantastic resource. This way, you will be able to avoid the most common dangerous situations. Costa Rican schools are in session from February to December, to coincide with the traditional coffee picking season, the year end festivals and the arrival of summer. International health insurance can be quite expensive. Like tuition costs, admission requirements will also vary depending on the institution. They follow the British National Curriculum and offer the IB curriculum in high school. Here is a story about the language experience in a country that sounds similar at first. Projects are focused around community-run organizations, like schools, parks, and churches. Benefits to a private or international school include smaller class sizes, greater extra-curricular activities, and leniency on whether you have Costa Rican residency or not. 17-18. If you are new to the country and do not know where to start your search, we suggest visiting the Costa Rican chapter of InterNations. Costa Rican healthcare is rapidly becoming famous for its exceptional quality and low cost. Tuition Rates: Inquire at school. Schools in Costa Rica Dominical, Ojochal, and Uvita Schools (2021) Costa Rica is a country that prioritizes education. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Moving your family to Costa Rica? Choosing a school for Expats Montessori schools are a popular choice for expats who prefer a child-centered, hands-on approach to learning. Local schools require proof of Costa Rican residency in order to enroll a new student. Expats will find plenty of childcare options in Costa Rica that are the equivalent of preschool and kindergarten. Tel: (506)2273-0024 International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Costa Rica. Box 678-6150 United NationsUniversityfor Peace San Jos. 5-6. You can read more about residency requirements in our Visas and Work Permits section. This expat forum is the perfect place for expats living in Costa Rica and people thinking about moving to Costa Rica. Talk to other international parents with young children in Costa Rica. Address: 1 km North of the Guachipeln tunnel You'll find many ways to network, socialize, and make new international friends. Children are required to enroll by age 4 but may also do so sooner. Because the starting age for kindergarten around the world is 5 years old, Ciclo de Transicin would be the closest equivalent in Costa Rica. The British School of Costa Rica There is a preescolar level at the Kiwi Learning Centre, and Primaria and Secundaria levels at the schule. One of the two mandatory preschool years must include Ciclo de Transicin because this serves as the transition year into primary school. In this article you will find help to get employment options upon receiving their TEFL Certificates. Stage One-third of this percentage chooses to attend a public university. All English speaking people, either presently residing or interested in Costa Rica are welcome. When you have found the property you wish to buy, ask your agent to make an offer to purchase (a Letter of Intent) to the sellers agent or the seller personally. It has everything you need for a happy life: beautiful landscapes and nature, gentle and soft beaches, a dramatic ocean coastline, lush forests and sweet valleys, amazing national parks, mild weather all year round, a relatively low cost of living, and an outstanding healthcare system that wont bankrupt you. This right is extended to foreign children, although they will have to prove proficiency in Spanish in order to enroll. Address: Barrio Socorro Lincoln School: Lincoln School is located in Heredia and offers a bilingual program from pre-kindergarten to high school. Your student will have a greater chance of both adapting to the local culture and bonding with peers who are familiar with their expat experience and the ups and downs that come with a childhood abroad. Thanks to InterNations. Tuition Rates: $389 - 674 per month; $4,590 - 7,953 per year. Its important to choose a curriculum that aligns with your childs learning style and future goals. Address: P.O. Here are some of the top Montessori schools in Costa Rica: Montessori School Los Altos: Montessori School Los Altos is located in Escazu and offers a bilingual program from preschool to elementary school. Requirements may differ from bank to bank, but generally, you will need the following: Under the Costa Rica tax system, residents and corporations are taxed only on income earned in Costa Rica. Ask other international parents about schools in Costa Rica. Tuition fees will vary based on the school. The duration of each path will fluctuate from 2-3 years. Instruction is in English, Spanish and Mandarin with curriculum is based on the Christain religion. Sending your child to an International school also means more choices when it comes to higher education. Because children can start attending pre-education before they turn one-year-old, it is possible for them to be in preschool for more than two years, but only two are required. Daily doses of sunny vitamin D 9. Box 8184) Anglo American School Some of the most desired communities to live 6. Tuition Rates: Inquire at school. Address: San Ramon de Tres Rios Secondary education allows pupils to choose between academic (5 years) and technical (6 years) schools. Scale 2 The language of instruction is English, and Spanish is taught as a second language to all students. Expats who are moving here with children, or plan to start a family, will be happy with the level of schooling students receive starting from an early age. The feria are brilliant for buying fresh fruit, vegetables, spices, seafood, beef and chicken, eggs, dairy products, bread, coffee, and more. Provides International Primary Curriculum, the International Certificate of Education, and the (IB) International Baccalaureate. On the plus side, CAJA cover is comprehensive: it includes doctors visits, medications, examinations, and hospitalization. Peace Academy Costa Rica (PACR)'s goal is to help students meet the learning benchmarks for their grade, through self directed learning supported by highly qualified teachers and instructors. This will help you get around the country more easily and locals will appreciate your effort to adapt to their culture. Average rent in San Jos. Since 1997, Expat Exchange has been connecting expats in Costa Rica. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Secondary school lasts for six years and is voluntary. There are two types of rights: ownership rights derecho de propiedad, and occupation rights derechos de ocupacin. Before moving to Canada the only consideration I gave to language was with regard to accent. In general, expats should try to learn at least the basics of Spanish. Lyce Franco Costaricien The 8 Best Places To Live In Costa Rica For Expats Those who do love the Pacific coastline very often choose to live in the Nicoya Peninsula in one of its many wonderful towns, such as Tamarindo or Santa Teresa.