Int’l Internship & Volunteer Network

Discover Infinite Possibilities

Discover Costa Rica ~ Independent Programs

San Joaquín de Flores, Heredia & San José

San Joaquín de Flores is home to The Instituto San Joaquín de Flores, an academic institution located in the lovely colonial town of San Joaquín, and also serves as home base for all Int’l Internship & Volunteer Network (IIVN) Programs in San Joaquín, Heredia and San José. 

This small town is a short bus ride away from Heredia and San José, in addition to being only 2.4 miles from the International Airport. Students in Costa Rica take full advantage of the opportunity to be “ecotourists” and enjoy day trips to the beaches, only 3 hours away, as well as the National Park which are only about a 40 minute ride. You will find it easy, inexpensive and safe to travel around Costa Rica for day trips and weekends. Travel to neighboring Nicaragua and Panama are also popular options.

In and around San José and Heredia you will find the heart of the business, political, educational, cultural, health and social services sectors of Costa Rica. From busy downtown streets to the cooler slopes of coffee country, the opportunities for a quality experience are waiting for you!

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is home to the political and economic activity of the country, including the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the University of Costa Rica, one of the premier universities in Central America. With a population of approximately 350,000, it is a sprawling and active city which has seen rapid growth since the l950’s when the population was a mere 8,900! San José is 1,161 meters above sea level, which helps to maintain an agreeable climate of around 70 degrees all year round. The city boasts an array of shopping malls, restaurants, parks, museums, a famous National Theater which hosts plays, operas and ballet, and the National Symphony Orchestra. There is plenty of nightlife and places to catch live music.  In a country in which travel to its gorgeous national parks and beaches plays a major role in its tourist industry, San José is a place you won’t want to miss!

Heredia, a historic city in the central valley of Costa Rica, is located a short 12 kilometers from San José. The town is surrounded by coffee plantations in cool mountain climates.  With a population of over 100,000 Heredia is known as “the city of flowers¨ because of its magnificent gardens and beautiful flora. Heredia maintains the small town feel, where people smile as they pass and gather in the traditional central park throughout the day.  One cannot help but enjoy the sound of its church bells imported from Cuzco, Peru in 1796. The National University is based in Heredia, so the town is always full of bustling streets of students and restaurants.

Come and explore Costa Rica!

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