Area studies typically examine the development of a particular population or region. While other, similar interdisciplinary studies, such as gender, disability, and ethnic, may have some part in course discussions, these are not considered area studies.

Costa Rica offers a sponsored and at the same time students-friendly higher learning curriculums. The country has 20 public and 44 private universities with the leading three public universities being University of Costa Rica, The national university and Costa Rican Institute of Technology.

A certificate is an educational goal for many students who want to improve their visibility among aggressive job applicants. Certificates may help provide students with increased skills and experience in a number of diverse disciplines, such as business, finance, hospitality, leadership, and management.