The Study Abroad Program at Las Nubes EcoCampus offers several courses during the academic year, through which students are given an unprecedented opportunity to interact with and learn from the local rural Costa Rican communities through first-hand lessons on tropical ecology, sustainability, indigenous education, arts, health, and conservation.
The emphasis of our programs is on experiential education, building on our long-standing relationships with diverse communities and groups in Southern Costa Rica, including women’s organizations, agricultural cooperatives and producers, environmental protection and social justice groups, and indigenous communities, among others.
Getting Started
Quick overview of courses, length, number of credits, and relevant information before you enroll
Explore Courses
Search the courses offered at Las Nubes EcoCampus
Registration & Enrollment
Step-by-step information, including eligibility, saving your spot, financial information & bursaries, and more
Pre-Departure Planning
Trip preparation, mandatory, and course orientation sessions
While in Costa Rica
Health and safety, intercultural communications, and sharing your experience
Information for Faculty
Information about the process, timelines, and responsibilities for York University professors.
Student Testimonials
It was my first time traveling solo and I was nervous. It was easier than I expected to travel to Costa Rica. I was able to do things out of my comfort zone such as hiking and going on a boat. The boat ride was amazing as I got to see so many different birds and other animals. I also had an opportunity to do a night hike and went to a part of Costa Rica that contained 55 percent of the country’s biodiversity. Another new experience was living with a host family and eating food from a cuisine I wasn't too familiar with. If it was not for this trip, I would not have experienced this. A big takeaway from the trip was the importance of taking advantage of opportunities and to not be scared.
I embarked on this trip to Costa Rica as part of a program focused on cultural immersion and environmental conservation. I wanted to experience the rich biodiversity of the cloud forests and learn from the local communities. The experience was incredibly rewarding, as it allowed me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and witness the beauty of Costa Rica’s natural landscapes. This journey deepened my appreciation for the importance of preserving our environment and reinforced the value of cultural exchange. It was truly an unforgettable adventure that will inspire me for years to come.
For future students of Las Nubes, my advice is to go with an open mind and be willing to step out of your comfort zone. The learning in this course goes beyond the classroom; it is a sensory experience that involves the environment, the culture and the people. As a Mexican, I found additional value in this experience by being able to compare and contrast our traditions and approaches to nature, which further enriched my understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity. Take every opportunity to interact with the local community and reflect on how this knowledge can be applied in your own lives.
Signing up for Las Nubes, I really did not know what to expect. I was busy working and had minimal time to prepare in advance. When I first got there, I instantly knew that it will be a very unique experience. Being literally on top of the clouds (which is the definition of Las Nubes), meeting new friends, different environment and a lot more. I quickly got to make a second family in Costa Rica. Something that I will forever cherish.
The thing I enjoyed most was how we got to share our experiences coming from different backgrounds and everyone had that openness to listen, understand and share their point of view , this, along with how the course was designed in order for us to not only learn in theory but getting fully immersed, from the culturally rich communities getting to know more about their practices, beliefs and initiatives to preserve their knowledge, all the way to venture deep into the rainforest and natural landscapes admiring and understanding our role in education to understand and create consciousness in the society in order to have a true environmental and sustainable education to protect and respect everything that surrounds us.
One of the most valuable aspects of this experience was living with professional and master's level students from different countries. This multicultural environment allowed me to interact and collaborate to significantly broaden my global perspective. In addition, each of the lessons strengthened my ability to generate innovative and sustainable solutions that can address urgent socio-environmental challenges.
I went to York’s Las Nubes campus because the Global Eco-Arts Residency course seemed like a perfect fit for me. Some highlights of my experience include the walking tour of San José where we saw street art, visiting the art centre- TEOR/ÉTICA, having discussions about the course readings, watching a theatre performance in Boruca, and planning and facilitating an art activity for the children at the Expo Cobas festival. Be prepared for long days, and lasting memories!
My experiences at the Las Nubes campus had a profound impact on my academic career to the point where I've since shifted my research to focus on environmentalism and social activism. It sparked a desire to use my art and academic journey to explore, travel, and use my voice to help people and the environment. The ideas we learned, the people we met, and the things we experienced are some things that I'll never forget.
I decided to go to Las Nubes because of its unique opportunity to immerse myself in a rich and diverse environment that blends natural beauty with cultural depth. As an artist deeply committed to exploring themes of women's experiences, societal pressures, and freedom, I believe that living and studying with indigenous women in Costa Rica will profoundly broaden my perspective.
I had an incredible educational experience at York University's Eco Campus Las Nubes. Over ten days, each day felt like a new adventure, exploring various breathtaking locations in the mornings and attending insightful classes in the afternoons. This enriching experience not only expanded my knowledge but also allowed me to create meaningful professional connections and deepen my commitment to sustainability. It was an eye-opening journey that enabled me to appreciate my country from new perspectives and reaffirm my dedication to environmental conservation.
Getting Started
Overview
Our courses have no prerequisites and are open to all York University undergraduate (3rd and 4th year) and graduate students. Students can enroll in the courses as elective credits. If you would like these courses to count towards major degree requirements, you must contact your faculty’s/department’s program director and/or academic advisor.
Duration: 10 days for Summer courses, 9 days for Winter/Fall courses
Number of Credits: 3
Course Activities: Lectures, guest speakers, hikes, visits to sites and communities, conversations with local stakeholders, and hands-on projects with local organizations.
Room and board: Accommodations are a combination of homestays and hotels depending on the course. Local Costa Rican food will be provided taking into account dietary restrictions and/or preferences.
BEFORE YOU ENROLL
Our courses are intensive as well as physically and emotionally demanding. It is important that you consider these factors before enrolling in any of the courses. You also need to take into consideration all the health and safety risk factors listed on the Government of Canada’s website (Costa Rica Profile). You will need to acknowledge some of these factors on the Risk Assessment forms.
If you have questions about accessibility of this program, we recommend attending the information session and speaking with your Accessibility Counsellor before enrolling. Accessibility may be limited in certain areas of Costa Rica, and while we will do our best to support your needs, we cannot guarantee that all accommodations can be met.
If you’re already registered with Student Accessibility Services, connect with your Accessibility Counsellor to explore disability-related accommodation needs for housing, transportation or academics. If you are not yet registered with Accessibility Services, you can learn more about this service here.
Explore Courses
Registration Information
To enroll in our courses, you need to complete the following steps.
Step 1: Check your eligibility & attend an information session
Step 2: Enrollment Process
You can enroll in one course or in as many courses as your program allows. The cost to participate in any course includes:
York Tuition
Amount varies depending on your student status:
- Undergraduate or Graduate
- Domestic or International
Refer to the Student Financial Services website for detailed information
Tuition is NOT covered by the program fee
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Program Fee
Covers:
- All in-country transportation
- Room and board
- Site visit/entrance fees included in course programs
Accommodations are homestays with local families and some courses may include lodges or hotels.
See the Program Fee Schedule for 2026 in the following tab.
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Flight Fare & Travel Insurance
- To help offset flight costs, all York degree-seeking students participating in our programs will receive the York International Mobility Award (YIMA).
- Travel Insurance: required for all participants:
- Students must register directly with GuardMe .
- Follow the link to view coverage details for GuardMe Global B.
The airfare is NOT covered by the program fee.
The program fees for 2026 are as follows (in Canadian dollars):
| Number of Courses | Number of Credits | For HUC, CALAREO and York Exchange Partners (CAN$) | Other Institutions (CAN$) |
| 1 | 3 | $1,500 | $1,750 |
| 2 | 6 | $2,600 | $3,000 |
| 2* | 6 | $2,200 | $2,600 |
| 3 | 9 | $3,500 | $4,000 |
| 4 | 12 | $4,400 | $4,750 |
| 5 | 15 | $5,200 | $5,750 |
| 6 | 18 | $5,900 | $6,500 |
*This program fee applies only to students enrolled in ENVS 4810A and GEOG 4050, as these two courses are offered concurrently.
York University does not make flight or travel insurance arrangements for students. For each course, you will be given specific information as to when to arrive and where will you be picked up and dropped off. Any activities or plans made outside our course program are the student’s responsibility.
All courses are capped at 25 students, and spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that courses may be cancelled if they do not meet the minimum required enrolment. You may secure your spot in one or more courses by submitting a non-refundable $250 deposit by the deadlines listed below. The Program Fee is paid through the following payment system: https://lasnubes.payments.uit.yorku.ca/
The Program Fee consists of two parts:
- A non-refundable $250 deposit, which reserves your spot; and
- A final installment, due at a later date.
Please review the Terms and Conditions below for complete details.
| DEPOSIT DEADLINE | FINAL PAYMENT DEADLINE | |
| Winter Reading Week | Dec. 1, 2025 | Jan. 10, 2026 |
| Summer Abroad | April 15, 2026 | April 15, 2026 |
Even though you can register in the payment system right now, the list of courses with deposit payment options will show ONLY after you have received the eligibility notification by email (step 1, above).
Please note that the amount you pay through this system covers the 'program fee' portion of the course. Please be aware that this is different from tuition; for details on tuition fees, refer to the Student Financial Services website.
Dropping Courses: We take your deposit as a commitment to your participation. If you withdraw from the course(s) after paying the final installment, the activities and items for which we have pre-paid on your behalf and counting on your participation will be deducted from the program fee
Enroll in the course(s) through the REM system. Enrollment in these courses is restricted. Note that you will not be able to enroll in any course unless you have been approved to participate and have paid the deposit. Summer registration starts at the beginning of March each year, you will not be able to add any Summer course before that time.
If you are a graduate student and your course is not listed as a graduate course, you are required to submit a request to enroll in an undergraduate course. Fill out this form, submit it to your program director and copy us on your submission.
Note: If you have already enrolled in any of the Study Abroad courses in Costa Rica, you are not permitted to re-enrol in the same course. If you do, the Repeated Course Policy will be implemented. For more information on Repeated courses please visit https://myacademicrecord.students.yorku.ca/course-repeat
2026 calendar:
With the information provided by the Safety Abroad Manager from York International, and once you have gathered all your travel details (flight info, itinerary, travel insurance information, etc.), complete the Travel Registry and Informed Consent Form. This is a mandatory step and needs to be completed by:
| Winter Reading Week | January 10, 2026 |
| Summer Abroad | April 15, 2026 |
Selected faculties and departments at York University have created bursaries and awards to support student participation in international experiences. Note that your application to these bursaries and awards is contingent on your enrollment in the Las Nubes Study Abroad courses. Bursaries administered by Las Nubes and York International will be processed only after the mandatory session.
| Name | Description | Eligibility Criteria | Amount (CAD) | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| York International | ||||
| Las Nubes Study Abroad Fund (LNSAF) | This is a fee subsidy provided to students who participate in the courses offered by Las Nubes at the Las Nubes EcoCampus. | All York University students participating in the Las Nubes Study Abroad programs are eligible to receive the LNSAF. The amount of LNSAF funding is based on: - Financial need (students with financial needs will be given higher consideration) - Good academic standing (B+ or higher) - Number of courses registered for at Las Nubes | There are two categories in 2026: Category 1: Full one-course subsidy ($1,500 each, 4 per year) Category 2: Offered to support students enrolled in one or more courses [$250 for 1 course; $500 for 2 courses), $750 for 3 courses; $1,000 for 4 courses; $1,250 for 5 courses] | N/A Update your Student Financial Profile |
| York International Mobility Award(YIMA) | YIMA is a travel subsidy provided to degree-seeking York University students in support of their participation in global learning opportunities | Given to all students enrolled in the Las Nubes courses Cannot be combined with other YI admin funding | $1,000 | N/A Update your Student Financial Profile |
| Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies (LA&PS) | ||||
| LAPS International Study Abroad Award | Only current registered LA&PS undergraduate students (domestic or international) participating in a Summer Study Abroad or Faculty-led course (3.0 or 6.0 credits) with a minimum GPA of 5.00 (C+) are eligible to apply. Students are eligible to receive one award within an academic year and a maximum of two awards in the duration of their studies. | Given to undergraduate LA&PS students only | Up to $250 | Application form due at least 4 weeks before the departure date |
| Glendon College | ||||
| Glendon: Experiential Education Bursary Program | Glendon students engaged in experiential education opportunities through the Glendon Awards | Given to undergraduate students from Glendon taking a Glendon course approved by EE | $500 in 2026 | Application form and update your Student Financial Profile |
- Payment Structure:
- Program Fee: The total cost of the Las Nubes Study Abroad Program includes a "program fee," which covers specific elements of the course. This fee is separate from tuition fees. Detailed information on what the program fee includes can be found in the financial information tab on the Las Nubes website: Financial Information.
- Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot in the program. This deposit represents the first installment of the program fee and must be paid by the specified deadline upon acceptance into the program.
- Final Payment: The remaining balance of the program fee is due by established deadline (see under Financial information tab, above). Failure to pay the final installment by this deadline may result in the forfeiture of your spot in the program, and the non-refundable deposit will be retained.
- Payment Methods:
- Accepted Methods: Payments can be made via credit card. All payments must be made in Canadian dollars (CAD).
- Payment Confirmation: Upon receipt of each payment, a confirmation email will be sent to the participant’s registered email address. Please retain this confirmation as proof of payment.
- Refund Policy:
- Non-Refundable Deposit: The initial deposit paid to secure your spot in the program is non-refundable under any circumstances.
- Refund Eligibility: Refunds of the remaining program fee (excluding the deposit) will only be considered under exceptional circumstances, such as documented medical emergencies. Requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to lasnubes@yorku.ca and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Processing Time: Approved refunds will be processed within 30 days of the request being granted. The program administration is not responsible for any differences in the refunded amount due to fluctuations in exchange rates or bank fees.
- Program Changes and Cancellations:
- Program Modifications: The Las Nubes Study Abroad Program reserves the right to make changes to the program itinerary, activities, or costs as necessary. Participants will be notified of any significant changes as soon as possible.
- Program Cancellation: In the unlikely event that the program is cancelled by York University, participants will receive a full refund of all payments made, including the deposit. However, the program is not responsible for any additional costs incurred by participants, such as travel expenses.
- Participant Responsibilities:
- Financial Responsibility: Participants are responsible for ensuring that all payments are made on time and in full according to the deadlines outlined above. Late payments may result in additional fees or the forfeiture of your place in the program.
- Travel Insurance: Participants must obtain medical insurance through GuardMe and are strongly encouraged to obtain additional coverage for trip cancellation, COVID-19, and other unforeseen events. The Las Nubes Study Abroad Program does not provide travel insurance.
- Contact Information: For any questions or concerns regarding payments or these terms and conditions, please contact the Las Nubes Study Abroad Program at lasnubes@yorku.ca.
Step 3: Prepare and pack for your Trip
You must attend this session, as we will discuss logistical travel details and give specific instructions for your trip.
| Reading Week | January 7, 2026 | 11 AM - 1 PM | Zoom |
| Summer Abroad | April 2, 2026 | 10 AM - 12 PM | Zoom |
Some professors hold mandatory orientation sessions, where course details, expectations, assignments, and preparation materials are discussed and handled. If your schedule conflicts with these sessions, make sure to inform your professor ahead of time, so alternate arrangements can be made.
| HH-PSYC 3450 | January 19, 2026 | 9:30 - 11 AM | In person | |
| EU-ENVS4800A | January 20, 2026 | 9 - 11 AM | In person | |
| AP/ADMS 4971 | April 30, 2026 | 9 - 11 AM | In person | |
| PANF3030/5030 | April 14, 2026 | 9:30-11 AM | Zoom | |
| GL/SP/COMS 4608 | April 14, 2026 | 11 AM - 12:30 PM | Zoom | |
| EDUC 3700 | April 14, 2026 | 1:30-3:30 PM | Zoom | |
| ENVS4810A | April 27, 2026 | 10 AM | Zoom | |
| GEOG 4050 | April 16, 2026 | 10 AM | Zoom | |
| AP/HIST 4083 | April 20. 2026 | 10-11:30 AM | Zoom | |
| ENVS4810B | April 23, 2026 | 2-4 PM | In person | |
| GH 4924 | May 1, 2026 | 12-3 PM | In person |
To get a student’s perspective of the overall experience at Las Nubes, you can read the Summer Abroad Student Manual (2019) prepared by Las Nubes Alumni, Christina Nardini.
