the Whale Tail beach in Costa Rica

IPDP Costa Rica

About

IPDP 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.

Location

San José is the capital city of Costa Rica located in Central America. Costa Rica It is known for having a stable democracy and educated and progressive population. Bahía is a small town on the southern coastline known, notable for the Cola de Ballena (Whale Tale), one of the beaches comprising Marino Ballena National Park. The climate is tropical year round, with seasons defined by rain – dry summers December to April and rainy winters May to November. It is rich in animal and plant varieties and 25% of the land is protected parks and areas. The country boasts progressive environmental sustainability models and policies. Spanish is the primary language plus at least five local indigenous languages.

Dates

Travel: May/June 2026 (2.5 weeks)

Course: Spring Semester 2026 

Next Application Deadline: November 1, 2025 

Accepting Applications: Yes
 

Partnership

Buffalo State Leaders 

  • Tamara Horstman-Riphahn, School of Education
  • Angela Patti, Exceptional Education
  • Pamela Schuetze, Psychology

International Partners

The Experience

Buffalo State Participants:

  • Participate in pre-travel course to prepare for the experience - completed semester prior to travel (spring)
  • Complete service learning experiences with community members and educational centers in urban and rural settings
  • Engage in Spanish language learning in an immersion program
  • Experience language learning as participants and educators
  • Live with host families to experience genuine Costa Rican life and culture
  • Engage in research and share findings
  • Explore theories and aspects of human development - including social, emotional, and cognitive growth - and discuss child advocacy from a variety of perspectives
  • Enjoy cultural and environmental experiences and excursions in and around San José and Uvita
  • Blog about their experiences while abroad

 

Participant Voices

Follow Costa Rica participants as they experience life abroad and share their reflections, photos, videos, and growth through their individual blogs. 

View individual profiles of past participants - colorful demonstrations of the impact of IPDP programs on the personal and professional lives of our students.

Watch and listen to alumni sharing their impressions about their experiences abroad and offering advice to those considering IPDP. 

To Apply

Overview

Applications are accepted during open application periods only. It is recommended that, prior to applying, potential applicants meet with the faculty leader(s) or attend an IPDP Costa Rica information session. 

  • Applications are accepted through the School of Education Office of the Dean. 
  • Applicants submit a completed application form, essay of intent, academic reference, and a copy of past grades and current course registration.
  • Handwritten applications are acceptable (typed preferred).
  • Accepted participants do not enroll in the corresponding course until advised. A unique CRN will be provided. 

Eligibility

- Open to all current Buffalo State undergraduate or graduate students - including those graduating the May prior travel
- Good fit for psychology, social work, and teacher education majors
-  Must maintain good academic standing
-  Must be able to obtain passport

Download Application

Additional Information

Final program costs are determined once all participants are enrolled. The current program estimate of $4000 - $4800 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.

  • May/June 2024 - 7 participants led by Tamara Horstman-Riphahn, Angela Patti, and Pam Schuetze

Questions?

Email

Tamara Horstman-Riphahn, School of Education and Applied Professions
Angela Patti, Exceptional Education
Pamela Schuetze, Psychology