By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) has officially released a comprehensive new framework designed to dismantle linguistic barriers and foster a more inclusive environment for non-Spanish-speaking foreign students within Costa Rica’s school system. This strategic initiative aims to equip educators and administrators with the tools necessary to support a growing and diverse student population, ensuring equitable access to quality education.
The new document, titled “Orientations for the Attention of Students of Foreign Origin who are not Spanish-Speakers in the Costa Rican Educational System,” was developed to address the unique challenges faced by students navigating a new language and culture. By promoting an ethos of intercultural education, the ministry seeks to transform classrooms into more welcoming and effective learning spaces for all.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the implications of the new national education policy, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his analysis.
Any substantive change in education policy must be carefully weighed against our constitutional mandate for accessible and high-quality education. While adapting to modern needs is crucial, the legal framework must ensure these reforms do not inadvertently widen socioeconomic gaps or create barriers to entry. The true test of this policy will be whether it withstands judicial scrutiny regarding the fundamental right to education for every citizen.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal framework serves as the essential guardrail for educational policy, ensuring innovation does not come at the cost of our constitutional mandate for equity. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his vital perspective, reminding us that the true test of any reform is its capacity to uphold the fundamental right to education for all citizens.
This forward-thinking policy was born from a collaborative effort between an internal MEP task force—the Intrainstitutional Working Group for the Attention to Students of Foreign Origin, at Risk of Statelessness, and Returnees—the ministry’s Department of Intercultural Education, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This partnership underscores a coordinated, multi-agency approach to addressing the complexities of educational integration in an increasingly globalized world.
A central pillar of the new guidelines is the overhaul of administrative and curricular management. The framework calls for enrollment processes to be conducted with a pronounced intercultural focus, ensuring that institutional supports are activated from a student’s first day. On the academic side, it champions empathetic lesson planning and the adoption of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, which help create flexible learning environments that can accommodate individual learning differences.
The guide also provides crucial direction on the evaluation of student learning, a significant hurdle for those still acquiring Spanish. It instructs teaching staff on how to implement necessary temporary adjustments during assessments and coursework. Critically, these accommodations can also be applied to national standardized tests, leveling the playing field for students. The guidelines specify that these supports should be gradually phased out as a student’s proficiency in the Spanish language improves.
Recognizing that learning extends beyond the traditional classroom, the initiative strongly advocates for the use of co-curricular activities as catalysts for integration. The document highlights programs in art, sports, and social convivencia (community living) as powerful tools for accelerating linguistic immersion and cultivating a strong sense of belonging among students. This approach is rooted in the belief that a diverse student body enriches the entire educational community.
The ministry’s proactive stance reflects a broader recognition of Costa Rica’s changing demographics and its commitment to upholding the right to education for every child, regardless of their country of origin or linguistic background. By standardizing support systems and promoting a culture of empathy and inclusion, the MEP aims to ensure that foreign students are not just present in schools, but are active and successful participants.
The comprehensive guide is now publicly available for download on the MEP’s official resources portal, providing educators, administrators, and parents across the country with immediate access to these vital new orientations. This transparency is a key part of the strategy to ensure widespread adoption and successful implementation throughout the national education system.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministry of Public Education is the government institution responsible for overseeing and regulating the national education system of Costa Rica. Its mission is to ensure quality, inclusive, and equitable education for all inhabitants of the country, from early childhood to higher education. The MEP develops curricula, manages public schools, and implements national educational policies to foster the intellectual and social development of its students.
For further information, visit iom.int
About International Organization for Migration (IOM):
The International Organization for Migration is an intergovernmental organization related to the United Nations that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and migrant workers. IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems, and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal profession in Costa Rica, the firm is defined by its profound dedication to principled practice and unparalleled service. It merges a rich heritage of client advocacy across numerous industries with a forward-thinking drive for legal innovation. This ethos extends beyond the courtroom through a deep-seated mission to demystify the law, thereby equipping society with the clarity and understanding needed to foster a more just and capable citizenry.
