Costa Rica: Spring Break Service Adventure

Highlights

Make an impact this spring break as you experience the culture and “pura vida” while giving back to the rural beach community you’ll call home during your stay.
  • Volunteer on community development infrastructure projects or sea turtle preservation efforts
  • Go tubing down the Rio Negro
  • Engage with locals and practice your Spanish around town
  • Zipline through the forest canopy
  • Enjoy the ocean via catamaran and snorkel among marine life
  • Experience Costa Rican culture through guest speakers, cooking and dance classes

On This Program you will...

Experience Spring Break in a whole new way! Lend a hand on projects that improve the lives of local residents and the natural world. Costa Rica is a breathtaking, culturally-rich country; however, some communities still need extra support, and your efforts can be a big help to its citizens. It’s not Spring Break without a bit of adventure, and Costa Rica can supply this in droves! You’ll have the chance to enjoy water sports, have fun in the sun, and participate in other activities with your new friends from all over the world.

When enrolling for this program, choose to focus on one of two tracks: General Service Track or Sea Turtle Track. The track you choose will determine the focus of your experience and your community service projects.

Your Adventure is Just Around the Corner!

Community Service

General Service Track

On the general service track, students may work on a variety of projects determined by local community leaders based on what projects are most needed at the time of your arrival. There are many opportunities to serve the community here. For example, you may assist in environmental projects such as planting native tree saplings, or creating signs to promote environmental awareness and sustainability. You could work on initiatives within local schools, such as improving classroom infrastructure or starting a school or community garden.

Sea Turtle Track

On the sea turtle track, students will take to local beaches and participate in cleanup efforts, removing debris that can ensnare young hatchlings making their way to the sea. You’ll help local partners as they survey nesting sites and make sure they’re primed for the nesting mothers. You’ll also be assisting on night patrols with a local nonprofit dedicated to environmental protection and to increasing birth rates for Costa Rica’s threatened sea turtle species.

Immersive Learning

Living in an authentic community is a great way to learn about Costa Rican culture. Learn to dance salsa and merengue, two traditional dances of the region. In Costa Rica, food is a huge part of their cultural identity–sample fresh fruits fresh from the tree, and try local dishes like gallo pinto or a casado, then learn to make traditional dishes yourself at a cooking class. Discuss current social issues in Costa Rica, including growing environmental concerns and the importance of ecotourism. You’ll also have opportunities to practice your Spanish or pick up new words with locals in the region.

Adventure

You can’t visit Costa Rica without getting a little taste of adventure! Our location on the Pacific coast is ideal for all things ocean: Cruise along Potrero Bay on a catamaran and play in the waves. You’ll have plenty of time for fun in the sun and relaxing in the sand. Go ziplining over green tree canopies and whitewater tube down a wild and picturesque river.

Lodging

Home Base is located in the coastal Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, in a Playa Junquillal, renowned for its beautiful beaches and protected ecological areas. You’ll have access to a pools and gardens. Students stay in gender-segregated rooms with roommates, and have private bathrooms and air conditioning.

Dates & Tuition

Costa Rica

Spring Break Service Adventure

8-Day Program (Spring)
2022 Dates
 March 12 – March 19, 2022
 March 26 – April 2, 2022
 April 9 – April 16, 2022
 
Duration: 8 days
Tuition: $2,299
Student/Staff Ratio: 8 to 1
Community Service Hours: 20
Language Hours: N/A

Tuition Includes All In-Country Expenses Including:

  • All educational materials
  • Lodging
  • 3 meals per day
  • All in-country transportation
  • Airport pick-up/drop-off
  • Professional full-time staff and experts
  • 24/7 Parent Support Hotline during the program
  • Secondary Medical and Evacuation Insurance
  • All cultural activities, lectures and weekend excursions
  • Pre-departure materials and support