COSTA RICA
SPANISH LANGUAGE ADVENTURE
The beaches of Costa Rica, from the Caribbean to the Pacific, are yours to explore this summer. Discover what you can do for the future of our planet as you learn about sea turtle conservation and ocean stewardship.
Program Overview
Experience Costa Rica’s stunning beaches and protected natural areas as you travel coast to coast. Based on your program length (14 or 21 days), two or three small coastal communities will become your home away from home. As you travel from the Caribbean to the Pacific, you’ll contribute to conservation projects that address climate change and support environmental stewardship.
On the Caribbean side, spend a week in a rural, remote community learning about sea turtle conservation and sustainable living. Then head west to the Nicoya Peninsula, continuing your environmental and wildlife service projects along the Pacific.
During the 21-day program, your third week takes you deeper into the southern Pacific, all the way to the Osa Peninsula, where you’ll discover what it means to be an ocean and environmental steward. Home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, the Osa Peninsula offers an incredible opportunity to learn about this ecological hotspot and its complex ecosystems.
Throughout your journey, you’ll explore the impacts of climate change on oceans, habitats and communities, all while experiencing nearly every epic Costa Rican adventure you can imagine!
On GLA’s Costa Rica: Marine Conservation & Sea Turtle Expedition program you will:
- Explore the Caribbean and Pacific coasts and enjoy ample beach time
- Support a sustainable sea turtle hatchery
- Go boating through bioluminescence
- Zipline through the forest on an adventure excursion
- Live in multiple beach communities and work with organizations protecting sea turtle populations
- Take on a thrilling white water rafting adventure
- Discover the Osa Peninsula, famous for its stunning biodiversity (21-day program only)
Program Menu
COSTA RICA
SPANISH LANGUAGE ADVENTURE
Sample Itinerary Coming Soon!
Let’s take a sneak peek at what your program experience might look like this summer! Please note that the order of activities may differ for each program session. The details provided here represent a general outline of what you can anticipate, though community service projects and activities are subject to change based on the needs of our local community partners, cultural celebrations and traditions, weather conditions and the specific requirements of the student group.
COSTA RICA
SPANISH LANGUAGE ADVENTURE
Program Details
Dates & Tuition
2027 Session Dates
July 06 – July 19, 2027 (14 Days)
July 06 – July 26, 2027 (21 Days)
What's Included in Tuition
In-country transportation
Lodging
3 meals per day
Professional full-time staff and experts
24/7 parent support hotline during program
Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
Pre-departure materials and support
Educational materials
to hold your spot on-program.
Program at a Glance
Program Location: Costa Rica
Program Type(s): Language Immersion, Service Learning, Exploratory Travel
Every GLA Program is Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™
GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Recommended by Students and Parents
Olga H. | 2026 Alumni Parent
“We are extremely happy with our daughter’s experience with GLA as a student. She is considering marine biology as a major in university and introducing her to the field in Costa Rica volunteering in the marine conservation and sea turtle expedition program seemed like a great idea. Program staff has been there to answer any and all questions from the application process to the trip itself. Safety was treated as the topmost priority, which set our minds at ease. Our daughter made some great friends, met great staff and mentors and had the time of her life! We highly recommend this experience!”
The Program Experience
Language Immersion
Go far beyond traditional classroom instruction by practicing your Spanish in real-world settings alongside welcoming local communities. Strengthen your conversational skills through daily interactions with native speakers, service partners and local youth building confidence as you exchange stories, navigate local markets and participate in guided cultural activities like dance workshops and traditional cooking classes.
Students on the 21-day program will expand their language practice as they travel into the Afro-Caribbean region, experiencing unique linguistic dialects and cultural heritage along the coast.
Service Learning
Work alongside your peers on community-driven service projects that strengthen infrastructure and educational access for local primary schools. Assist with renovating classrooms, upgrading school facilities and facilitating cross-cultural exchange and language games with local students. In addition, partner with a rural community of 200 residents to learn about their sustainable development practices, socio-cultural tourism models and local conservation initiatives.
Students on the 21-day program will extend their service commitment to remote coastal habitats, supporting local conservation efforts in isolated Caribbean beach communities.
Exploratory Travel
Immerse yourself in the living history and authentic charm of Costa Rica’s Central Valley as you explore historic towns like Heredia and Turrialba. Discover pre-Columbian history and ancient indigenous culture at protected archaeological monuments, admire colonial and national architecture and tour local community spaces to gain insight into rural Tico traditions. Along the way, visit active biodiversity hubs where scientific research, habitat restoration and environmental sustainability intersect.
Students on the 21-day program will journey deeper into the Caribbean lowlands, exploring remote jungle waterways, rural island communities and unique coastal lifestyles.
Adventure
Experience an adrenaline-filled journey through the lush mountains, rushing rivers, and volcanic valleys of Costa Rica! Fly high above the treetops on an exhilarating cloud forest zipline canopy tour, hike through vibrant green trails to swim in natural mountain waterfalls and explore historic national monuments nestled in the hills.
On the 21-day program, your adventure reaches a whole new level as you navigate Class II–IV rapids on a whitewater rafting trip down the Pejibaye River and take a riverboat safari into the Caribbean jungle.
Country Spotlight
Discover the welcoming spirit, rich Tico traditions, incredible biodiversity and regional flavors of Costa Rica across varied landscapes.
Lodging: Experience dynamic accommodations across the country! In the Central Valley, stay in private hotel cottages surrounded by green mountains near Heredia, featuring a swimming pool and scenic city views, followed by a campus-style Home Base in Turrialba situated inside a renowned biodiversity hotspot. Students on the 21-day program will also experience a third rustic ecolodge near Parismina, a short walk from the Caribbean Sea with limited electricity and no Wi-Fi, offering a rare chance to unplug and spot jungle wildlife right outside your room.
Meals: Savor fresh, home-cooked Costa Rican cuisine centered on wholesome staples like rice, beans, fresh vegetables and savory proteins (such as classic casados). The Central Valley region is especially famous for its abundant array of fresh, locally harvested tropical fruits and authentic regional family recipes.
COSTA RICA
SPANISH LANGUAGE ADVENTURE
Photo Gallery
COSTA RICA
