MEDICINE & HEALTHCARE DISCOVERY

When you arrive at San José (SJO) airport, our friendly team will be there to greet you with a warm Costa Rican welcome. From there, you’ll be transferred to Paraíso de Cartago, where you’ll be staying throughout the program. This is your chance to relax, settle into your accommodations, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast, followed by a warm Costa Rica welcome and GLA orientation. Learn about the project and its impact on the local community. Explore Cartago on a guided walking tour, discovering its history and culture. In the evening, engage in the primary leadership activity and gain insight into healthcare in Costa Rica.

Engage in our primary service project by providing vision exams to the community, working alongside an ophthalmologist who will teach you how to conduct eye exams and use the necessary software. These eye campaigns are held in rural areas, often at local schools, where many children attend for their first eye test, as they haven’t had access to one before.

You’ll assist in various stations with the doctor or GLA staff to perform the exams. Children may receive eyeglasses on-site, or a prescription for more complex needs. After each day’s work, join a reflective meeting to discuss the project’s goals and impact.

In the spirit of cultural exchange, participate in a soccer match with local community members. Enjoy a trip to Montesky lookout for stunning panoramic views, and spend an afternoon exploring a nearby waterfall to experience Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

Dive into Costa Rican history with a guided tour of Orosi and Ujarras, learning about their cultural significance. Gain insights into the country’s healthcare system through a presentation by a local doctor and discover Costa Rican cuisine with a hands-on cooking class.

In the evenings, reflect with your fellow GLA students and mentors on your service work, leadership journey, and cultural experiences.

Begin a new service project supporting a local elderly care center, home to about 150 residents, some of whom are highly functional, while others require intensive care. You’ll shadow trained and licensed caretakers (“cuidadores”) and assist with basic tasks.

You’ll be trained to take vital signs—temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration rate—daily for all residents, and more frequently for critical cases. Additionally, you’ll support physical and occupational therapy sessions, gaining exposure to two growing healthcare fields.

You’ll also help with non-medical tasks like gardening, cleaning, laundry, kitchen duties, serving food, and anything else requested during your stay. You may even join residents for games and dance classes.

In the afternoon, visit local health clinics run by the Ministry of Health (EBAIS) to observe community healthcare practices. End the day with a competitive soccer match and some downtime to relax.

Embark on an exciting ziplining adventure, flying through the vibrant Costa Rican landscape, taking in stunning views and enjoying the thrill.

After lunch, head back to the elderly care center to continue supporting the residents and caretakers. End the day with a reflective activity, allowing participants to share and process their experiences.

Wrap up your work at the elderly care center, reflecting on the impactful experiences and connections you’ve made. Consider what you’ve learned about supporting health and well-being, and explore how physical and emotional health are intertwined, especially in older age.

Attend a session with a guest speaker who will provide insights into the social context of the elderly in Costa Rica. Finish the day with another hands-on cooking class, learning to prepare traditional Costa Rican dishes.

Tackle another aspect of healthcare by conducting a dental health campaign at a local elementary school, educating students on oral hygiene practices to support their dental health. In rural Costa Rica, limited access to dental care presents challenges in receiving regular check-ups and treatments.

With guidance from a dentist, you’ll learn the basics, plan, and deliver the content for the workshops. Afterward, take a break before embarking on an adventurous hike up the Turrialba volcano, exploring Costa Rica’s stunning natural beauty and geological wonders.

Today, we’ll celebrate the impactful community service work we’ve done with an excursion to Uvita. Start with a surf lesson and embrace the ocean-minded Pura Vida lifestyle. After surfing, enjoy a sunset over the waves you’ve just ridden, and take in the beauty of Marino Ballena National Park. Explore Uvita Waterfalls and relax at two scenic beaches to complete your Costa Rican beach adventure. Return to Cartago Home Base for a closing reflection activity and a special farewell dinner, cherishing the memories and connections made throughout your time in Costa Rica.

After breakfast and final goodbyes, we’ll head to the airport where GLA staff will check students in for their journey home. ¡Adiós!