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    Study in San José

    All the information you need about studying in San José as an international student.

    Find programs in San José

    Why study in San José?

    Costa Rica’s capital and biggest city, San José is a diverse and vibrant city with a large number of universities and colleges. It’s the country’s education hub, with a large student population and plenty of attractions, including the neoclassical National Theater. Outside the city, there are some of Costa Rica’s must-see sights, including Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde cloud forest.

    San José is a densely populated city, but there are plenty of parks and squares where you can get away from the hustle and bustle. You can get around the city using its bus routes, or by taking one of the red public taxis. San José has a tropical climate, so expect year round heat and periods of rain.

    Universities in San José

    Student reviews for San José

    • Jacinta Astles
      Australia
      Overall experience 5 stars
      Academic
      5 stars
      University social
      5 stars
      Accommodation
      5 stars
      University facilities
      5 stars
      University for Peace Peace Studies
      Tell us about San José
      Town is fairly safe, there are buses to the capital city and all the shops and services that you need. There are a couple of bars in town.
    • Pedro Fonseca
      Nicaragua
      Overall experience 3 stars
      Academic
      3 stars
      University social
      2 stars
      Accommodation
      2 stars
      University facilities
      2 stars
      University for Peace Dispute Resolution
      Tell us about San José
      Is the worst place. There’s just one supermarket and is very small.
    • Yumiko Takano
      Japan
      Overall experience 5 stars
      Academic
      4 stars
      University social
      4 stars
      Accommodation
      4 stars
      University facilities
      3 stars
      University for Peace Peace Studies
      Tell us about San José
      Ciudad Colon is relatively a safe and quiet neighbourhood. I felt very welcome here too. Transportation is quite accessible and Uber made things easier. More options for shops and night life in Santa Ana and San Jose city.
    • Kathryn Fahey
      United States
      Overall experience 5 stars
      Academic
      3 stars
      University social
      5 stars
      Accommodation
      4 stars
      University facilities
      3 stars
      University for Peace Human Rights
      Tell us about San José
      I live in El Rodeo, which is a super remote town right near the university. I love it - it feels super safe, has an intimate feel and is in the beauty of Costa Rica's nature. It's remote so people should be aware of that, but there's a mini mart that is a life saver.
    • Tiyamike Mkanthama
      Malawi
      Overall experience 5 stars
      Academic
      4 stars
      University social
      4 stars
      Accommodation
      4 stars
      University facilities
      3 stars
      University for Peace Environmental Science
      Tell us about San José
      The City is called Ciudad Colón. It is a small town with a small town vibe. The people are approachable and willing to help the students. The climate is perfect if one does not mind hot and humid weathers (with lots of rain during the day). I personally feel safe, but I know some people were exposed to some worrying experiences like burgalary and mugging. It appears safety reputation is getting dented a little bit over time.

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