As part of the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Coast Guard, the U.S. Embassy announced the donation of the services of a special adviser to create the comprehensive 10-year strategic plan for Costa Rican Coast Guard Service, maintenance sheets, tutorial videos, and a commemorative book. The Costa Rican National Coast Guard Service of …
Read More»
A group of 27 Costa Rican women entrepreneurs graduated from the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE). This program allowed this group of entrepreneurs to learn new skills, create business plans and explore fundamental topics to help their commercial activities grow as they build a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities. U.S. Ambassador …
Read More»
The United States government is organizing the virtual conference ‘Smart Cities and Digital Transformation’ to gather with its Central American counterparts and jointly develop a roadmap to the future, in preparation for new global industry trends and technologies, the economic impact on emerging markets, current infrastructure, and national security. U.S. Ambassador Sharon Day highlighted the …
Read More»
The United States Embassy -through the U.S. Southern Command Humanitarian Assistance Program- did the first of two donations of medical protection equipment to the Costa Rican Social Security Institution (CCSS). The equipment was purchased from local Costa Rican providers and it included: 9.700 medical gowns 57.000 pairs of surgical gloves. There will be a second …
Read More»
San Jose, February 7th, 2020 The U.S. Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) donated a K-9 building to Costa Rica’s investigative police, as well as four armored vehicles to the Ministry of Public Security and the Judicial Police. The building will provide a space for judicial officers to receive canine training …
Read More»
MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA JANUARY 21, 2020 MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Good afternoon. We would like to welcome to the president’s house in Costa Rica His Excellency the Secretary of State of the United States of America Mr. Pompeo and his delegation. We will also extend our greetings to the president, Mr. Carlos Alvarado Quesada, the …
Read More»
San José- January 21, 2020 With his visit to Costa Rica, U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo reaffirms the strong bilateral relationship between the United States and Costa Rica. During his meeting with Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado, Foreign Minister Manuel Ventura, and Minister for Public Security Michael Soto, Secretary Pompeo discussed U.S.-Costa Rica efforts …
Read More»
Principal Deputy Assistance Secretary (PDAS) Julie Chung visited Costa Rica for the first time to discuss top U.S.-Costa Rican priorities, such as security, trade and foreign policy. During her official three-day visit, PDAS Chung met with Costa Rican government officials and visited several U.S. companies in Costa Rica. “Costa Rica and the United States share …
Read More»
The U.S. Embassy through its Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) donated eight canines to Costa Rica’s police forces. The official donation took place during the promotion ceremony of the National Police Academy, where U.S. Ambassador Sharon Day highlighted that the curriculum of the Police Academy now includes a course on K-9 …
Read More»
For the first time in history, Costa Rica purchased a Maritime Patrol Aircraft using Air Surveillance Service funds. This aircraft, thanks to the U.S. government, is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology. This King Air 250 is joining the fight against drug trafficking and other illicit transnational activities and will also support humanitarian missions such as …
Read More»
CRUSA Foundation announced the names of the six Costa Rican students that will study two years at U.S. Community Colleges on a full scholarship. The grantees are: Alison Agüero Sánchez Raquel Angulo Morales Amanda McNeil Huertas Geovanny Romero Jiménez Diego Martínez Gutiérrez Brayner Jirón Arias. Each of the grantees studies at either a professional technical …
Read More»
The U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) organized the first national city planning encounter, a space to reflect on the importance of social inclusion and a space to impact people’s lives positively. INL has invested $140,000 in this project and expects to invest half a million dollars more in the upcoming years …
Read More»
The USNS Comfort hospital ship visited Costa Rica from July 21-29 to provide free medical attention in Chacarita and Barranca, Puntarenas. The humanitarian mission of the ship concluded with excellent results: the Comfort staff attended 5,548 patients, performed 138 surgeries aboard and transformed thousands of lives. Over five days of medical attention, the ship specialists …
Read More»
The Academy for Women Entrepreneur (AWE) is an initiative that empowers women around the world and it is available now for 30 women entrepreneur in Costa Rica. Participants in this initiative will receive personalized guidance, visit companies, and have the opportunity to receive non-reimbursement funds to invest and in addition to strengthen their businesses, participants …
Read More»
The U.S. Embassy, through the office of International Narcotics and Law, donated $650,000 to the National Center of State Courts in order to expand resources available for juvenile offenders and victims of juvenile offenders going through restorative justice proceedings. The donation will also go towards providing restorative justice training to justice sector officials, as well …
Read More»
Four helicopters arrived in Costa Rica nearly a month ago as part of a two-year program between Costa Rica and the U.S. Embassy. The Costa Rican government will use these aircrafts to enhance their fight against illegal drug trafficking and increase the country’s capability to attend to crisis related to natural disasters. During this two-year …
Read More»
The U.S. Embassy is aware of the importance of sports to generate a real and longstanding change in lives of those practicing them. In order to support young Costa Ricans to work as a tem, solve conflicts and develop their communication skills, we developed the program Play like a Girl with which we reached more …
Read More»
Four UH-IST helicopters arrived in the country aboard a Globemaster C-17. These aircrafts are part of the Aviation Program that the United States has with Costa Rica. Once the two-year program has ended, the aircrafts will be transferred permanently, after two years, to the Air Surveillance Service (SVA) of the Ministry of Public Security. The …
Read More»
The U.S. Embassy American Corner in Limon is celebrating its 12th anniversary. This American Space offers free information about the United States through books, magazines, CDs, free access to Internet, and cultural programs. Ambassador Sharon Day highlighted in her speech the importance of the programs realized at the American Corner, programs that have benefitted the …
Read More»
In 2012, the U.S. Embassy created a special scholarship program for students at Costa Rica’s Scientific High Schools. The Embassy created this program to give exceptional Costa Rican students an opportunity to develop their English skills while learning more about U.S. culture. This year, 5 students received the scholarship, which means they will have the …
Read More»
Embassy San Jose has received credible information regarding an evolving security situation in the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy in Pavas, specifically at the Plaza del Oeste shopping center across the street from the main Embassy entrance. Embassy San Jose directs all individuals with routine and prescheduled appointments today to reschedule. Those U.S. citizens with …
Read More»
Nine young students from Perez Zeledon are participating in the Department of State Youth Ambassadors exchange program. These students participate in workshops, community service activities, team-building exercises, and meetings with community leaders in Iowa and Chicago. Once students return to Costa Rica, they have the opportunity to apply what they have learned during the exchange …
Read More»
It has been two years since the U.S. Embassy and Costa Rica inaugurated the TeachHer Initiative, which aims to provide high school girls better education opportunities related to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). The U.S. Ambassador Sharon Day, and Minister of Public Education Edgar Mora joined parents, professors and classmates to hear from …
Read More»
Punta Burica, Costa Rica Over four days, professionals from the United States and Costa Rica provided free medical attention to 684 residents of Punta Burica as part of a humanitarian mission. These professionals reached the remote area of Punta Burica aboard U.S. helicopters. They examined patients, provided first aid, dentist services, and preventive health education. U.S. Ambassador …
Read More»
Heredia, November 27th, 2018 Through artistic and cultural presentations, more than 100 preschool students from 17 educational centers in Heredia participated in an English Festival and demonstrated at such a young age their love for learning English. U.S. Ambassador Sharon Day congratulated the 5 and 6 year-old children and reminded them the importance of practicing …
Read More»
The international accreditation of the ballistics unit Judicial Branch’s Forensics Science Labs of with the ISO 17020 norm and the re-accreditation of the biochemical, toxicology and analytic chemistry units with the ISO 17025 norms convert Costa Rica in a regional model. The strengthening of forensic capabilities improves the quality of evidence analysis, which in turn …
Read More»
San Jose- November 13, 2018 The U.S. Embassy donated 250 soccer balls to the Ministry of Public Security project La Mejenga and the Saprissa Foundation to encourage team work, goal setting and education. With La Mejenga, the Ministry of Public Security organizes soccer games in high-risk communities, providing participants information on the dangers and risks of drug …
Read More»
Pavas- November 9, 2018 The Carmen Lyra Chidren’s Center opened its doors in Bribri, Pavas, offering a range of academic and extracurricular activities to elementary and secondary students such as tutorials in Math, Spanish and gardening. The home will also offer select at-risk youth between 2 and 8 years old psychological support. The U.S. Embassy’s …
Read More»
Forty two new Peace Corps volunteers will work in English Teaching as Foreign Language and Youth Development in Limón, Puntarenas, Alajuela and San José. These volunteers will devote two years of their lives to contribute with Costa Rican growth through their professional experience in linguistic education, psychology, sociology and business administration. Peace Corps has been …
Read More»
The Tico Times Brian Davis / Peace Corps Volunteer October 9, 2018 In July 2017, Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) Brian was introduced to Nancy Fitzimons Alvarado, a 1989 Peace Corps Volunteer and the co-founder of the non-profit organization, Bricks to Bread. Brian partnered up with Bricks to Bread with the hopes of bringing a great …
Read More»
San Jose, September 17th, 2018 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) are conducting in Costa Rica the Intensive Workshop for Lead Leaders in the Fresh Agriculture Products Safety Norm, where more than 60 professionals from 13 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean participate. The main objective of …
Read More»
San José, September 11th,2018 Today we pay tribute to the more than 3,000 people who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C, on September 11, 2001. We gather to show the world that we will never forget what happened 17 years ago, the day when the entire world …
Read More»
The Tico Times Katherine Stanley August 9, 2018 Their outstanding academic performance, English fluency, leadership, and interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) have paid off: six Costa Rican students have won a scholarship for technical studies in the United States. María Nazareth Mata Castillo, Valeria Saborío Barquero, Diego Hernández Montero, Maxwell Jornae Pita …
Read More»
What does a company like Del Monte -based in Costa Rica- need to do to sell its pineapples, bananas and other agricultural products to the United States? The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) works jointly with companies in Costa Rica to ensure that their agricultural exports destined for the United States comply with U.S. requirements. …
Read More»
The Tico Times July 30, 2018 Many Peace Corps Volunteers across the country have the opportunity to work with the Guías y Scouts, including the troop pictured above, which was formed one year ago. Volunteer Xavier helped celebrate with them by participating in various scout activities including learning how to build a tent, build a …
Read More»
The Tico Times July 23, 2018 Peace Corps Volunteer Collin traveled from his site in Talamanca, on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast, all the way to the Northern Zone earlier this year to learn more about the functionality of a recently implemented Bricks to Bread oven. He had so many positive things to say about …
Read More»
Global Undergraduate Exchange Program Thanks to the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGrad), five students from Costa Rican public universities will study one academic semester at a higher education institution in the United States. They will participate in pre-academic English language training, academic coursework, service learning opportunities, professional development workshops, and cultural enrichment activities; and …
Read More»
Peace Corps in Costa Rica Katherine Stanley July 16, 2018 Costa Rican public schools are returning from vacation this week, and many students are still riding high on their successes during June’s educational celebrations. During that month, one of the more active in the Costa Rican academic calendar, Peace Corps Volunteers we see festivals of …
Read More»
Ambassador Sharon Day Welcome Remarks July 4 Celebration Tuesday, July 3, 6:00 PM President of the Legislative Assembly, Carolina Hidalgo President of the Supreme Court, Carlos Chinchilla Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Epsy Campbell Members of the Diplomatic Corps Representatives of the Government of Costa Rica Ladies and Gentleman Buenas Noches…Bienvenidos todos This …
Read More»
New trees decorate the gardens of the U.S. Ambassador Sharon Day’s Residency. In commemoration of World Environment Day, Ambassador Day and representatives from the Costa Rican government and environmental organizations planted a tree, and discussed Costa Rica’s current environmental situation and the efforts of each country do to protect Costa Rican and the world’s biodiversity. …
Read More»
A group of 17 new Peace Corps volunteers will begin their service in Costa Rica where they will work with communities in Limón, Puntarenas, Alajuela, and San Jose to develop economic opportunities. The group of volunteers, with their varied academic background, will work for two years in the Community Economic Development program, which aims to …
Read More»
Caldera, Puntarenas – April 26th, 2018 As part of the security cooperation with Costa Rica, the United States donated a third Libertador 110 foot cutter. Thanks to this third vessel, Costa Rica is now better prepared to safeguard its territory from narcotrafficking, trafficking in persons, illegal fishing and other illicit activities. It also will be …
Read More»
Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica After months of training, the crew of the two 110 feet Libertador ships donated by the United States arrived in Caldera in command of the vessels. The 44 officers of the Costa Rican National Coast Guard Service were trained how to operate and maintain the vessels. U.S. Ambassador Sharon Day stated that “even …
Read More»
The United States and Costa Rica formalized the donation of four UH-1ST helicopters to the Costa Rican Air Surveillance Agency (SVA) of the Ministry of Public Security. With these helicopters, Costa Rican increases its capability to provide aerial support during maritime operations, as well as to provide direct support to the National Coast Guard Service …
Read More»
Caldera, Puntarenas – Thursday, April 26, 2018 Remarks by Ambassador Sharon Day Island Class Cutter Commissioning Ceremony Thursday, April 26 | 11:00 AM Buenos días a todos: President Solis, Colonel Arias, Colonel Madrigal, Admiral Michel, Deputy Assistant Secretary Glenn, distinguished guests and — most importantly – The commanding officers and crew of the Libertador Class Cutters. …
Read More»
English teaching and learning The U.S. Embassy signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), committing to work together for four more years in order to strengthen the teaching of English in public schools. The memorandum of understanding includes support for English language development for students, professors and MEP staff with …
Read More»
The Costa Rican Coast Guard crew sail for Costa Rica on April 3 aboard the two Libertador vessels that were donated to the Costa Rican government by the United States. The crew having been trained by their U.S. counterparts are now in command of these vessels. Costa Rican Coast Guard officers were in the U.S. …
Read More»
Deily Alpízar, Melanie Morales, Isaac Oviedo and mentor Brian Paz will travel to the United States in the upcoming weeks to represent Costa Rica in the Youth Ambassadors Program, a unique experience of youth diplomacy that will give to Latin American students and mentors the opportunity to learn about U.S. culture, society and education. The three students from …
Read More»
First Central America Regional Forensic Conference Why does the quality of forensic science matter for the criminal justice? What is the value of having an accredited forensics lab? Why is a DNA database useful? These questions among others were addressed at the first Central America Regional Forensic Conference that took place in Costa Rica with …
Read More»
TeachHer Seventeen students from the TeachHer Initiative participated in a special science camp encouraging the study of science, technology, engineering, arts/design and mathematics (STEAM careers). This science camp took students to Ad Astra Rocket Lab and the Science Corner – the U.S. Embassy space at EARTH University in Liberia- where they learned about the development, …
Read More»
2018 AFS-CRUSA Scholarships Emerson González, Geovanny García, Daniela Lai, Ximena Quesada, Amanda Valdez and Diana Mejías will travel in August to study one academic year at a high school in the United States. The six students from the Science High School System were awarded with the AFS-CRUSA scholarship that CRUSA Foundation and AFS Costa Rica, …
Read More»
11 years ago, the American Corner opened its doors to the public. Located in the Limon Public Library, residents have access to free information about the United States through books, compact discs, complimentary access to Internet and cultural events. More than 110,000 people have taken advantage of the didactic resources available in the American Corner, …
Read More»
The 44 person Costa Rican Coast Guard crew that has assumed command of two 110 feet cutters donated by the United States are receiving special training from their U.S. counterparts at the U.S. Coast Guard shipyard in Baltimore. The training that begin in January and will end in April will prepare the crew to command, …
Read More»
San Jose, January 25th, 2018 The United States donated three armored vehicles to the Government of Costa Rica to strengthen security throughout the country. One vehicle is destined for Fuerza Publica, another for the Special Intervention Unit (UEI), and the third for the Judicial Police (OIJ). The three four-wheel drive vehicles were equipped in the …
Read More»
Baltimore The members of the two crews that will be in charge of the two 1110 feet cutters that the United States donated and already transferred to the Costa Rican National Coast Guard Service already arrived to Baltimore. The 44 Coast Guard officers are in the Baltimore U.S. Coast Guard shipyard for a three-month training …
Read More»
Perez Zeledon, January 20th, 2018 For two years, 80 students from 12 Perez Zeledon high schools devoted many hours to learning English through the Access English Microscholarship, a U.S. Embassy-sponsored program implemented by the Universidad Nacional. After much hard work, these bright students can now speak and understand English at an intermediate-advanced level. With this …
Read More»
Yuriana Arnesto will be Costa Rica’s first female helicopter pilot. She is currently participating in the basic course for pilots at the Colombian Armed Forces School of Helicopters, thanks to U.S. Embassy sponsorship and the support of a U.S. Southern Command special program. The course lasts eight months. By March, 2018, Yuriana will return to …
Read More»
Youth Ambassadors Program A total of nine high school students and one English teacher will represent Costa Rica this year in the Youth Ambassadors program. The first group of six students will travel in January during three weeks to the United States, and will visit Washington D.C.; Marquette, Michigan and San Antonio, Texas. A second …
Read More»
Community College Scholarship Program José Rodolfo Gámez, Génnesis González, Brandon Navarro, Brandon González, Natalie Ulate, Duvan José Ramírez and Jefferson Phillips, graduates from technical high schools, will study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers at community colleges in Orlando, Florida; Reno, Nevada; Appleton, Wisconsin; and Seattle, Washington for two years. The Community College Scholarship …
Read More»
EARTH University – Graduation 2017 Guacimo, Costa Rica – December 8th, 2017 U.S. Ambassador Sharon Day participated in the graduation of 106 students from EARTH University, a university that has been key in producing future leaders in solving some of the most urgent social and environmental challenges of the world. Since the foundation of the university in 1986, EARTH …
Read More»
ACCESS 2017 San Jose, December 7th, 2017 U.S. Ambassador Sharon Day celebrated the graduation of 121 students from the English Access Microscholarship and CARSI English programs that the U.S. government sponsors and the Binational Center imparts in Costa Rica. After two years of efforts and dedication, these students graduated with an intermediate advanced English proficiency which allows them to …
Read More»
10 Costa Rican young entrepreneurs participated in the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative for five weeks in the United States to foster innovation, trade and investment in the region. U.S. Ambassador Sharon Day met with this group of entrepreneurs to know more about their experiences in the United States and about their companies in …
Read More»
TeachHer San Jose, November 30th, 2017 The TeachHer program was created to encourage adolescent girls to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Design, and Math (STEAM) careers one year ago in Costa Rica. U.S. Ambassador Sharon Da y celebrated 12 months of trainings, workshops and community service projects with approximately 250 students; Costa Rican First Lady Mercedes Penas; Ministry …
Read More»
Michelle Moya Rodriguez has a gift that she is now formally developing thanks to Girasoles, a project that the U.S. Embassy supports in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste and in Garabito, Puntarenas. “At Girasoles, for the first time, I received a drawing course. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always liked to draw. Only …
Read More»
More than 1200 students from elementary and secondary schools commit to say NO to drugs. During the 11th Red Ribbon Week in Costa Rica, children and young students from Tamarindo, Guanacaste, learned about the harmful effects of drugs, tobacco and alcohol; how to analyze risks and consequences of their decisions and how to resist group …
Read More»
Costa Rican Forensics Labs are now internationally accredited thanks to support from the U.S. Embassy’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). Now the labs fulfill the ISO 17020 and 17025 specifications for forensics topics in toxicology, chemical analysis and biochemistry, which represent 60 percent of the tasks that the forensics labs in …
Read More»
The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. During the celebration of the 71st anniversary of the program, organized by the Costa Rican Fulbright Alumni Association, Ambassador Day had the …
Read More»
Sharon Day presents her credentials to President Solís The new U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica Sharon Day presented her credentials to President Solis today and now begins her official duties as the highest ranking representative of the U.S. Government in Costa Rica. In her meeting with President Solis, Ambassador Day reiterated the United States’ commitment …
Read More»
Yes, we have a brand new website! Have a look around! The new-look website has seven sections representing broad topics that may be of interest to you. The sections are broken down further into sub-categories to assist you in finding specific information. The Seven Sections are: Visas – For all your Visa needs and questions. U.S. Citizen Services – …
Read More»
Washington D.C. – March 17, 2017 U.S. Vice President Michael Pence met with Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solis at the White House on March 17, 2017. The Vice President praised Costa Rica’s role as key partner of the United States in promoting regional economic prosperity, security, and good governance throughout the hemisphere. The two …
Read More»
Alajuela- January 19th, 2017 #GoodNews The U.S. government gave one million dollars to the Ministry of Public Security for the refurbishment, maintenance and spare parts for a King Air F90 plane. The aircraft was seized to drug traffickers and now and thanks to the refurbishment process, the plane collaborates in the fight against drug trafficking, …
Read More»
August 22, 2016 President Obama and Vice President Biden meet with President Solís at the White House The United States and Costa Rica are longstanding close operational and strategic partners in an impressive range of security cooperation activities. We view our support as part of a holistic partnership with the country and its security forces. …
Read More»
San José, Friday October 9, 2015 Good afternoon distinguished speakers and guests, ladies and gentlemen. I am honored and grateful to be able to join you today. I wish I could say we are all here to celebrate our success, that we have made significant progress toward protecting our journalists and independent media. Of …
Read More»