University Member
General Description
Founded in 1936, Universidad Castro Carazo is one of Costa Rica's most established private universities, with a long-standing tradition of preparing professionals who contribute to the country's economic and social development. Originally recognized for its excellence in accounting and business education, the university has evolved into a multidisciplinary institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs in business, engineering, education, health sciences, social sciences, technology, and law.
Today, Universidad Castro Carazo is driven by a vision of developing professionals who combine technical excellence with an entrepreneurial mindset, ethical leadership, and a commitment to creating positive impact. The university believes that entrepreneurship extends beyond starting businesses—it is a way of thinking that empowers individuals to identify opportunities, solve complex problems, and lead meaningful change within organizations and communities.
A distinctive feature of the university's educational model is the Extended Classroom, an experiential learning approach that connects academic knowledge with real-world challenges through industry engagement, community projects, sustainability initiatives, and international experiences. Complementing this philosophy is the university's commitment to Ecoformación, an educational model that integrates environmental awareness, sustainability, and social responsibility across the curriculum, preparing graduates to become agents of positive transformation.
At the heart of this vision is La Marta, a unique experiential learning environment located within a protected rainforest reserve in Costa Rica. La Marta provides an exceptional setting for interdisciplinary learning, sustainability, entrepreneurship, applied research, leadership development, and international collaboration. It offers students, faculty, and international partners the opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world challenges while experiencing one of Costa Rica's most valuable natural environments.
Universidad Castro Carazo continues to strengthen its international engagement by building strategic partnerships, promoting collaborative research, encouraging faculty exchange, and creating transformative educational experiences that prepare globally minded professionals ready to make a positive impact in an interconnected world.