The International PDS in Costa Rica provides opportunities for students and faculty members from Buffalo State to gain exposure to the culture and community of Costa Rica by working with local children and completing service learning activities and studying the Spanish language. Buffalo State students and faculty travel to Costa Rica every other June for two weeks.
Travel: May/June 2026 (2.5 weeks)
Coursework: Spring Semester 2026
Accepting Applications: No
Application Deadline: November 1, 2025
San José, Costa Rica, is the capital and largest city in the Republic of Costa Rica. The country is located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua (north), Panama (south), the Carribbean Sea (east) and Pacific Ocean (west). It is known for having a stable democracy and a highly educated and progressive population. Uvita de Osa is a small town in southern Costa Rica, on a section of coastline known as the Bahía Ballena. It is notable for hosting the annual music event and being home to the Cola de Ballena beach (Whale Tale) which is one of the beaches comprising Marino Ballena National Park.The climate of Costa Rica is tropical year round, with seasons defined by the amount of rain – dry summers from December to April and rainy winters from May to November. It is rich in animal and plant varieties and 25% of the land is protected parks and areas. The country boasts very progressive environmental sustainability models and policies. Spanish is the primary language plus at least five local indigenous languages spoken.
Final program costs are determined once all participants are enrolled. The current program estimate of $4000 is all inclusive and consists of: round-trip flight, lodging (some with host families), group ground transportation, group cultural excursions, travel health and evacuation insurance, required course/language textbooks, administrative fees, and passport. Some expenses are included in a one-time fee applied to participants' Buffalo State tuition. Other expenses participants direct-pay to vendors before and during travel.
Buffalo State Leaders
Tamara Horstman-Riphahn, School of Education
Pamela Schuetze, Psychology
Angela Patti, Exceptional Education
International Partners
Personalized Spanish
Escuela La Flor de Bahía
Applications are accepted through the School of Education during open application periods only (see above). Applicants must submit a completed application form, essay of intent, one academic reference, and a copy of past grades and current course registration. A typed application form is preferred; handwritten is acceptable.
Eligibility:
- Open to all current Buffalo State undergraduate or graduate students - including those graduating the May prior travel
- Must maintain good academic standing
- Must be able to obtain passport
- Good fit for psychology, social work, and teacher education majors
Tamara Horstman-Riphahn, School of Education
