Rica, which is a rigorous and comprehensive course of study, is intended for university-bound students. It is expected that 90% or more of UWC Costa Rica graduates will enter higher studies soon after graduation, though several of them will take gap years to travel and volunteer while a few others will fulfill national service obligations or work first. Therefore, the University Counseling program was created to support and advise students with their individual plans, particularly the college/university selection and application process. Because many UWC Costa Rica students come from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, special emphasis is placed on identifying scholarship opportunities. The University Counselor is also responsible for introducing and supporting UWC Costa Rica students to colleges, universities, scholarship committees, gap year programs, and other relevant constituencies. For example, more than fifty colleges and universities recruit UWC Costa Rica students, offering presentations and interviews and the University Counselor will host these visits. Co-curricular programs CAS program The CAS program is an integral part of the IB Diploma programme. Its design and concept in UWC Costa Rica reflects the organizational philosophy of the United World Colleges by putting a strong emphasis on public service and social responsibility. The CAS program in UWC Costa Rica is characterized by activities for students that generate an impact on their lives. This array of activities is divided in the three main areas of CAS: Creativity, Action, and Service. Students are also able to start and lead their own clubs under the CAS program, provided that they are based on the UWC Costa Rica pillars. Creativity The Creativity programs taught in UWC Costa Rica are characterized by their adaptability and they change every semester. The Creativity programs take advantage of the strong leadership of students and give them the opportunity to lead some of the activities besides ones that are already led by adults, teachers or external instructors throughout the school year. Action Most of the Action programs at UWC Costa Rica are taught by professional instructors. One of the goals of the program is the creation of sports teams that train and participate in different tournaments in local high schools. Service The service programs at UWC Costa Rica are characterized by a focus on community service. There are different institutions and sectors of the community that throughout the years have become traditions within the service programs. Theme Week The Theme Week program provides the students the