COSTA RICA
SPRING BREAK SERVICE ADVENTURE
Make a meaningful impact this spring break as you experience the culture of Costa Rica and its “pura vida” lifestyle while giving back to a rural beach community and the ecosystem.
Program Overview
On this program you will experience spring break in a whole new way! Lend a hand on projects that improve the lives of local Costa Rica residents and the natural world. Costa Rica is a breathtaking, culturally rich country; however, some communities and habitats still need extra support, and your efforts can be a big help. You’ll also meet and interact with community members or local organizations during your week abroad. It’s not spring break without a bit of adventure, and Costa Rica has an ample supply for everyone! You’ll have the chance to enjoy time in nature, have fun in the sun, experience ziplining through the jungle and participate in other activities with your new friends from all over the world.
On GLA’s Costa Rica: Spring Break Service Adventure program you will:
- Visit a sea turtle hatchery
- Practice your Spanish as you engage with locals around town
- Zipline through the lush forest canopy
- Enjoy the ocean via catamaran and snorkel among marine life
- Experience Costa Rican culture through cooking classes, dance lessons and more
Program Menu
COSTA RICA
SPRING BREAK SERVICE ADVENTURE
Sample Itinerary
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.
Day 1: Welcome To Costa Rica!
Fly into Liberia (LIR), where GLA staff will welcome you and take you to our family-run Home Base on the Pacific coast. Unwind after your journey, catch your first Costa Rican sunset, and enjoy a welcome orientation and dinner.
Day 2: Getting oriented
Start the day with team-building activities in the gardens, pools, and beaches around us. Get to know your community service site, meet local leaders, and learn about Guanacaste’s culture and environment. In the afternoon, swim in the warm waves, play beach games, and visit a sea turtle hatchery—maybe even witness a baby turtle release! End the day with a delicious dinner and our first Mentor Group session.
Days 3 & 5: Community Service & Cultural Activities
Service projects will vary based on community needs. Work with the Guanacaste Water Center to reforest depleted areas, care for saplings, and help protect the land from erosion and drought. You may also assist with school gardens, playgrounds, or community centers, creating safe and welcoming spaces. Join locals in a beach cleanup to promote environmental awareness. In the afternoon, take a traditional cooking class using a Guanacaste wood-burning oven, then learn salsa and merengue from a local instructor.
Day 4: Zipline Adventure & Beach Day
Soar through the treetops on exhilarating ziplines, taking in the forest from above—keep an eye out for monkeys and tropical birds! Then, hit the beach for boogie boarding, soccer, volleyball, or simply unwind in a hammock on the white sand.
Day 6: Snorkeling & Catamaran Ride
Enjoy a true Pura Vida adventure! Sail on a catamaran to a stunning snorkeling spot with crystal-clear waters, vibrant fish, and coral. Swim, relax on Guanacaste’s famous white-sand beaches, and soak up the sun. In the evening, celebrate with a farewell dinner, reminiscing with friends as you watch your final Costa Rican sunset.
Day 7: Departure
Say hasta pronto to new friends as your Costa Rica adventure comes to an end. Reflect on unforgettable moments before heading to Liberia’s airport, where GLA staff will assist with check-in. We hope your week of service, learning, and adventure leaves a lasting impact!
Program Map
COSTA RICA
SPRING BREAK SERVICE ADVENTURE
Community Service
Students will work on a variety of environmental conservation projects alongside local nonprofit organizations dedicated to protecting the area’s tropical dry forest, mangroves and beaches. There are many opportunities to serve the community here. For example, you may assist in environmental projects such as collecting seeds and planting native tree saplings, preventing erosion or creating signs to promote environmental awareness and sustainability. You may work on initiatives within local schools, such as improving classroom infrastructure or helping to maintain a community garden. Learn how small changes can have big impacts on sustainability! Discover your unique role as a steward of the environment for future generations.
Hands-on Learning
Our journey delves deep into the heart of Costa Rican culture, offering immersive learning experiences. Living within a small community provides insight into the vibrant Pura Vida culture and an opportunity to practice your Spanish or pick up new useful phrases from locals. In the Guanacaste region especially, food is a celebration of heritage. Try tropical fruits and relish local dishes like the flavorful gallo pinto or a satisfying casado, and learn to make traditional dishes of your own! Feel the rhythm of the region as you learn to dance salsa and merengue. Engage in thought-provoking discussions about social issues that will shape Costa Rica’s future, exploring topics ranging from environmental conservation to the significance of ecotourism. Finally, we’ll visit a remarkable sea turtle hatchery; with a little luck, you may get to witness a release of hatchlings!
Adventure
You can’t visit Costa Rica without getting a little taste of adventure! Our location on the Pacific coast is ideal for some seaside fun: cruise along Potrero Bay on a catamaran and live out your Spring Break dreams as you play in the refreshing ocean waves. There will be plenty of time for fun in the sun and relaxing on the beach. On our excursion day, get ready for an adrenaline rush as you and your new friends zipline over lush tree canopies!
Lodging & Meals
Home Base is a comfortable family-owned hotel located in Playa Junquillal, a little coastal town known throughout Costa Rica for its beautiful beaches and protected ecological areas. You’ll have access to a pool and gardens. Students stay in gender-segregated dorm-style rooms with 4-8 students per room. Rooms are equipped with bunk beds and have en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning.
COSTA RICA
SPRING BREAK SERVICE ADVENTURE
Dates & Tuition
7-Day Program
2025 Session Dates
March 15 – March 21, 2025
March 22 – March 28, 2025
March 29 – April 04, 2025
April 05 – April 11, 2025
April 12 – April 18, 2025
April 19 – April 25, 2025
Program Details
Tuition Includes All In-Country Expenses
Airport pick-up/drop-off
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
An application fee and $600 deposit are required
to hold your spot on-program.
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
“My experience with GLA was amazing. The service was incredible and I really loved being able to feel like I was making a difference in the communities. I really enjoyed the food, the activities we did and the presentations about Costa Rica. Thank you GLA for an amazing and life changing experience!“
Eloise R. | Student | 2024
COSTA RICA
SPRING BREAK SERVICE ADVENTURE
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