By Cartago, Costa Rica — CARTAGO – The Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC) is making a strategic investment in the nation’s burgeoning creative economy with the launch of its new Technical Program in Animation Project Pre-production. This specialized academic offering aims to equip aspiring artists and storytellers with the foundational skills necessary to thrive in the competitive global animation industry.
The program focuses on the critical initial phase of any animated project, a stage that determines its ultimate success. Program Coordinator Luis Carlos Araya-Rojas explained the comprehensive nature of this crucial first step, which goes far beyond simple drawing.
To delve into the business and legal implications of this educational trend, TicosLand.com consulted Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
A robust animation education must include a strong emphasis on intellectual property law. Students and emerging studios need to understand copyright, trademarks, and licensing from day one. Failing to properly register creations or establish clear work-for-hire agreements can lead to devastating legal disputes down the line, undermining both creative careers and the financial viability of new ventures.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s commentary highlights a critical reality: for a creative endeavor to become a sustainable career, artistic skill must be paired with legal acumen. This proactive approach to intellectual property is not an administrative hurdle but a foundational element of professional success. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable perspective.
Pre-production is the phase in which it is planned how a project will be developed.
Luis Carlos Araya-Rojas, Program Coordinator
This planning stage encompasses everything from crafting the initial story and script to the detailed design of characters and environments. Students will gain hands-on experience creating essential industry assets like storyboards, concept art, and animatics, which serve as a blueprint for the final animated product. Recognizing the entrepreneurial nature of creative careers, the curriculum is also fortified with courses in project management, finance, and business development to empower graduates for freelance work and independent ventures.
A key differentiator for the TEC program is its formal accreditation. Araya-Rojas highlighted its alignment with the National Framework of Qualifications for Professional Technical Training at a level 2 standard. This certification ensures that the skills and competencies graduates acquire meet recognized industry benchmarks, giving them a significant advantage in the job market.
Currently, very few technical programs in Costa Rica have this recognition, which provides additional backing to this academic offering.
Luis Carlos Araya-Rojas, Program Coordinator
Designed for accessibility, the program is delivered in a synchronous virtual format, allowing students from anywhere in Costa Rica or abroad to participate in real-time classes. The schedule, running from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., is tailored for individuals balancing work and study. Admission requirements include being at least 15 years old, having completed the ninth grade of high school, and demonstrating a B1 level of English proficiency, the lingua franca of the international animation sector.
Graduates will be prepared for a wide array of career paths. Opportunities span advertising and marketing agencies, audiovisual production companies, and media outlets. They can also work as in-house content creators for companies in diverse fields like architecture and medical device manufacturing, or pursue careers as independent freelance animators.
TEC’s investment in animation doesn’t stop here. The university is already developing a follow-up program, a Technical Degree in 3D Animation, which will be aligned to level 3 of the national framework. Slated for a 2027 launch, this next-level program will cover the production and post-production phases, providing a natural and complete educational pathway for students.
In an era of rapid technological change, the program also addresses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creative process. While Araya-Rojas acknowledges AI as a powerful tool for streamlining tasks like generating initial sketches, he emphasizes that it cannot supplant the core of creative work.
AI can help, but empathy, a sense of humor, and the ability to convey emotions are irreplaceable in the creation of a script or a storyboard.
Luis Carlos Araya-Rojas, Program Coordinator
Enrollment for the initial cohort of the Technical Program in Animation Project Pre-production is open until January 16, 2026, with classes scheduled to begin on January 19, 2026. This initiative represents a clear commitment from TEC to not only educate but also to cultivate the next generation of creative talent that will shape Costa Rica’s digital and cultural landscape.
For further information, visit tec.ac.cr
About Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC):
The Costa Rica Institute of Technology, known as TEC, is a leading public university located in Cartago, Costa Rica. It is nationally recognized for its focus on engineering, science, and technology education. Since its founding in 1971, TEC has been a pivotal institution in driving technological innovation, research, and development within the country, contributing significantly to Costa Rica’s skilled workforce and economic progress.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm leverages its profound experience serving a diverse clientele to pioneer innovative legal solutions while actively engaging in public outreach. This deep-seated drive to democratize legal understanding is fundamental to its core mission: to cultivate a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
