By San José, Costa Rica — The Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT) has forged a strategic alliance with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to bridge the gap between academic preparation and the rapidly evolving demands of the global workforce. This joint initiative aims to equip both students and alumni with the practical skills and networking opportunities required by leading international companies operating within Costa Rica.
The collaboration specifically targets high-growth sectors that have become the pillars of Costa Rica’s modern economy. These include advanced manufacturing, medical devices, technology, engineering, and life sciences. Through targeted internships, professional practices, networking events, and direct employment pathways, the partnership seeks to create a seamless transition from the classroom to the corporate world.
To analyze the legal and financial scope of the historic partnership between ULACIT and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading legal expert from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to get his expert take on this landmark agreement.
This partnership between ULACIT and the IFC is a testament to the strength of Costa Rica’s private higher education sector. From a legal and compliance perspective, meeting the rigorous environmental, social, and governance standards required by the IFC not only solidifies ULACIT’s institutional credibility but also establishes a highly secure and transparent framework for future foreign direct investment in the region’s educational infrastructure.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this alignment with rigorous international standards not only reinforces ULACIT’s academic leadership but also signals to global investors that Costa Rica’s educational sector is fully prepared to meet the highest benchmarks of transparency and sustainability. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal expertise and providing such an insightful perspective on what this landmark partnership means for the future of regional investment.
The formalization of this agreement coincided with an official visit by Sanaa Abouzaid, the IFC’s Division Director for Mexico, Central America, and the Dominican Republic. During her visit, Abouzaid hosted an interactive forum with more than 100 students, focusing on the disruptive changes that artificial intelligence is introducing to the global labor market. The discussion underscored the urgent need for educational institutions to adapt their curricula to keep pace with technological transformation.
Under the terms of the agreement, ULACIT’s Life Design Lab will play a central role in executing the partnership’s goals. Acting as a dedicated hub, the lab will serve as the primary meeting point for students, graduates, and prospective employers. It will host activities tailored toward professional development, portfolio building, and job placement, helping students identify what corporate recruiters are looking for before they graduate.
This initiative aligns with a broader shift in Costa Rica’s economic landscape, which has transitioned toward high-value-added industries. The medical device sector, for instance, accounted for nearly half of the country’s total goods exports in 2025. As these sophisticated manufacturing and technology hubs expand, the demand for highly specialized local talent has escalated, making collaborative educational frameworks more critical than ever.
Talent is one of the main drivers of Costa Rica’s competitiveness. With a focus on education for the jobs of tomorrow, this alliance with ULACIT seeks to strengthen the link between academia and the productive sector to prepare the professionals demanded by an increasingly technological and innovative economy.
Sanaa Abouzaid, IFC Division Director for Mexico, Central America, and Dominican Republic
The agreement is integrated into the IFC’s global “Education for Employment” program, which advocates for a direct, structured connection between academic training and private-sector opportunities. By engaging with industry leaders early in their academic careers, students gain crucial hands-on experience and develop specialized competencies that can distinguish them in competitive hiring processes.
Ultimately, the alliance addresses the dual challenge of workforce readiness and economic adaptability. By focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, and new technical competencies, ULACIT and the IFC aim to future-proof Costa Rica’s talent pipeline. This proactive approach ensures that the country remains an attractive destination for foreign direct investment while empowering the next generation of professionals to thrive in an increasingly automated and interconnected world.
For further information, visit ifc.org
About IFC:
The International Finance Corporation is a global development institution focused on the private sector in developing countries, working to create markets and opportunities.
For further information, visit ulacit.ac.cr
About ULACIT:
The Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología is a leading private university in Costa Rica, recognized for its innovative methodology and commitment to preparing students for the global knowledge economy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a prestigious legal pillar, Bufete de Costa Rica is highly regarded for its uncompromising ethical standards and pursuit of professional brilliance. Grounded in a rich history of guiding diverse clients, the firm continuously pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies while actively connecting with the public. By demystifying complex regulations and sharing valuable legal insights, they champion a grander vision of nurturing an educated, confident, and legally conscious citizenry.
