SPANISH SERVICE ADVENTURE

Arrive in San José (SJO), where GLA staff will greet you. Meet your fellow travelers and head to Home Base in Heredia. Unpack, settle in, and enjoy the city views from your mountain home as you prepare for the program ahead.

Wake up to nature’s sounds, enjoy a typical breakfast, and prepare for an orientation covering group goals, service expectations, and cultural tips. Break into Mentor groups for icebreakers and Spanish introductions. After lunch, explore Heredia’s town center, learning about its history through colonial architecture and winding streets, while experiencing authentic “Tico” life.

Embark on an unforgettable trip to La Paz Waterfall, a stunning natural reserve in Costa Rica. Enjoy the lush greenery, waterfalls, and wildlife at the rescue center. In the evening, reflect with your Mentor group on the meaning of leadership.

Start your Sunday with an authentic experience at a local panadería, enjoying traditional Costa Rican sweets like “cajetas” or glazed “orejas” while practicing Spanish with the staff. Stroll through the charming village near Home Base, taking in its peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty.

In the afternoon, visit our immersive language institute in downtown Heredia. After a brief placement test, dive into interactive lessons tailored to your level—beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Practice practical communication in small groups with friendly instructors and locals. Finish the day exploring the town, putting your new language skills to use.

Mornings will focus on community service projects, where you’ll work alongside local school leaders and teachers to enhance classrooms and school grounds. Tasks may include mixing concrete, painting murals, planting gardens, or other hands-on activities that benefit the community, creating lasting improvements for local students.

In the afternoons, continue your language studies at the institute in Heredia with interactive lessons tailored to your skill level. Focus on practical communication in small groups, building confidence with supportive instructors. Practice your Spanish outside the classroom by engaging with locals at markets, conversing with Home Base staff, and applying your skills during service.

Evenings will include group reflections with fellow students and Mentors, discussing the impact of your service, leadership insights, and cross-cultural experiences, deepening your understanding of the work and people you’re encountering.

Start your day with a visit to the majestic Poás Volcano, where you’ll marvel at the crater surrounded by a cloud forest. Learn about the area’s geological history and explore its unique flora and fauna. Then, tour a local coffee farm to discover the art and science of coffee cultivation, from bean to cup. Gain insight into the harvesting and processing of coffee beans, and understand the importance of coffee in Costa Rican culture and sustainable agriculture.

Get ready for an exciting day with ziplining and an aerial tram ride through the treetops, offering panoramic views and a chance to learn about the area’s rich biodiversity. Then, take a nature walk through a stunning orchid garden and encounter fascinating serpents and butterflies on display.

We’ll continue our service projects in the schools of Heredia, working to improve educational outcomes and support sustainable community development. Depending on the school schedule, we’ll engage with children through games and activities, immersing ourselves in local culture through language and intercultural exchange. Tap into your creativity by helping teachers with arts projects and imaginative activities, while deepening your understanding of Costa Rica’s education system.

Each afternoon after lunch, enhance your language immersion with Spanish classes. Explore Costa Rican cultural topics through presentations and discussions, and practice your language skills in real-life scenarios. Apply what you’ve learned during cooking and dance lessons, further connecting with the community.

Hike through Barva National Park, a hidden gem with crater lakes, cloud forests, and the dormant Barva Volcano. Explore this off-the-beaten-path park, discovering its stunning landscapes and geological features. Admire the pristine beauty of the crater and surrounding natural wonders as you hike.

14-day program students depart on Day 14.

Continue your service projects and dive deeper into the local community through Spanish classes. Use your language skills to shop at a local market and engage in discussions about Costa Rican life, focusing on the “Pura Vida” philosophy. Learn how this mindset shapes daily life, interactions, and the country’s approach to environmental conservation.

One of the highlights of this 21-day program is the perfect mix of service, learning, and adventure. To cap off your GLA experience, we’ll head to the famous Manuel Antonio.

Start with a scenic boat ride along the Pacific coast, offering breathtaking views. Once anchored in a picturesque bay, we’ll snorkel to explore vibrant coral formations and tropical fish. Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch as we cruise back, then spend the afternoon exploring Manuel Antonio town and relaxing on the beach.

The next day, we’ll visit Manuel Antonio National Park, a biodiverse haven known for its wildlife and pristine beaches. With the help of our expert guide, we’ll walk the scenic trail, spotting sloths and playful monkeys along the way. After exploring the park and enjoying more beach time, we’ll return to Home Base in Heredia for the final days of the program.

During your final two days, wrap up community service projects and Spanish classes, reflecting with peers and GLA Mentors on the meaningful impact you’ve made and the cross-cultural experiences you’ve gained. As you converse with teachers, students, and community members, notice how much your Spanish has improved. End the program with a celebratory farewell dinner, sharing accomplishments and lessons from this unforgettable 3-week journey.

After breakfast and final goodbyes, we’ll head to the airport where GLA staff will assist with check-in for your journey home. You’ll leave with improved Spanish skills and unforgettable experiences to share with family and friends. With the warmth of Pura Vida in your heart, we hope your farewell is not a goodbye, but a “hasta luego” — until we meet again.