Academy NEXT Costa Rica
Premier location
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Held in Costa Rica
Overnight Programs
Running from June 19-July 21, 2025
Academy NEXT is going international with a 12-day, 11-night journey that blends cutting-edge STEM with the unparalleled beauty and culture of Costa Rica. This exclusive two-week program offers the unique opportunity to learn under the mentorship of our most esteemed instructors. Teens will solve real-world problems, building a tech or business-related capstone project among a group of new friends while taking time out for hikes, surfing, whitewater rafting, and other excursions, activities, and volunteer opportunities.
Academy NEXT is an application-only experience for exceptional students, with this specific program available for ages 15-17. Spaces are extremely limited with only 30 students per session (two sessions available), so we encourage you to apply today.
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The original and most trusted STEM educator
iD Tech is the top-rated tech program for 25 years and counting, offering the very best experience built around your teen—their interests, their skill level, their goals for the future. Trusted by the world’s top universities and over 1,000,000 parents. Over the course of this program, your teen will build an impressive portfolio project in entrepreneurship, sustainability, coding, AI, or game dev, and leave with a network of talented friends, along with the qualities essential to standing out on college apps and forging a bright future! Certification is awarded.
Academy NEXT in Costa Rica
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Ages: 15-17
Session Dates: June 19-30 and July 10-21
Duration: 12 days
Format: iD Tech Academies
Skill Level: Advanced
Price: Starting at $9,899 (airfare not included)
Once selected to Academy NEXT, teens will join an exclusive group of peers in designing and developing a capstone project inspired by visits to local businesses and nonprofits that are shaping the future. Guided by our most elite instructors, teens will collaborate with their peers to develop solutions to real-world challenges, culminating in a final diploma ceremony that family can attend via Zoom.
This is a truly unique opportunity that combines adventure and passion with technology and real-world discovery. Activities are contingent on weather and other factors, and may include:
- Volunteer Day at Animal Sanctuary
- Volcano and waterfall hikes
- Zip-lining, surfing lessons, and whitewater rafting
- Beach days, BBQ, and bonfire
- Local entrepreneur guest speaker
Where you'll be
Teens will fly into and out of San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO), and will spend the majority of the time in Dominical—a beach town located on the Pacific coast.
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Elite staff and experienced instructors
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Passion for STEM. Unmatched expertise. Personality that brings out the absolute best in your teen! The more positive, influential, meaningful mentors your teen has, the better. That's why we hire the most elite educators who can’t wait to inspire the next generation of innovators.
- 100% USA-based adult instructors
- Recruited from top universities like Stanford and NYU
- English-speaking (with bilingual staff available)
- Rigorous background and reference checks
- Extensive in-person and virtual training sessions
- Adherence to American Camp Association accredited guidelines
Real parent reviews
Frequently asked questions
Get advice from our experts
Our goal is to make planning and registering easy, so you can focus on what matters most—giving your teen a summer to remember. Our team of experienced Program Specialists can answer any question you have.