By Kate Maze
Samford recently announced the purchase of a new international study property located in Costa Rica that will open new doors for students seeking global immersion and experiences. They are calling the property Finca de Samford, which translates to Samford Estate.
The university described the property as a “10,000-square-foot home on 14 acres of mountainous countryside near the capital city of San Jose,” in a statement made in August. The Finca, much like the Daniel House in London, is one of Samford’s flagship global centers. The Finca, however, offers a distinctly different experience.
The property is surrounded by coffee farms and national forests while also being situated near the capital city. Samford officials anticipate the setting in Costa Rica to provide many opportunities for cultural immersion, environmental learning and service-based learning.
“The type of experience that students are going to have in London versus in Costa Rica is very, very different,” said Lauren Molander, Samford’s study abroad advisor.
Molander has both lived and studied in Costa Rica and said that the country offers a rich cultural backdrop for students studying there.
“Costa Rica is a small country by land mass, but it is very vibrant in its culture, and it honestly is the perfect fit for students,” she said.
While the property has been secured, a lot of the details are still being developed. Administrators have yet to announce specific courses or disciplines that will be offered, but the university anticipates hosting a pilot group of 10-20 students in the spring of 2026.
For some students, anticipation is starting to build.
Blake Andres, a Samford student and Samford Global Ambassador, said that he would be “very excited at the possibility of studying at the Finca de Samford.”
As a Spanish Major, Andres said the opportunity to spend a semester immersed in the language and culture would be invaluable.
“The idea of Samford students spending a whole semester interacting with Spanish and Costa Rican culture sounds amazing to me,” Andres said.
He also added that he is particularly interested in what the Finca will offer in terms of courses and unique international internships.
For now, Samford Abroad officials say that students should stay tuned for more information about programming, affordability and application processes.
The addition of Finca de Samford progresses the university’s commitment to expanding its global presence and offering students various learning environments. Where the Daniel House places students in the heart of a major European city, the Finca is expected to offer a much more reflective and environmentally-centered experience.
As details are finalized, Samford officials say the property will open the door for many new academic and cultural opportunities for Samford students.
Staff Reporter
