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: Arrival
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.
Day 3: Community Service & Cultural Activity
Begin with a beach clean-up at Playa Junquillal, a black sand nesting site for four species of sea turtles, and help plant native species to support the ecosystem. In the afternoon, join a community-led cooking class using a traditional Guanacaste wood-burning oven, then wrap up the day with a friendly soccer match.
Day 4: Zipline Adventure & Beach Day
Soar through the treetops on exhilarating ziplines, taking in the forest from above and keeping 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 5: Community Service & Cultural Activity
Continue our service work at a local school or community center, helping with projects like painting, planting or repairing facilities to create safe, welcoming spaces for play and learning. After lunch at Home Base, enjoy a dance workshop featuring salsa, bachata and merengue, then close the evening with a leadership session led by your GLA Mentors.
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
Program Details
Dates & Tuition
2027 Session Dates
March 7 – March 13, 2027
March 14 – March 20, 2027
March 21 – March 27, 2027
March 28 – April 03, 2027
April 04 – April 10, 2027
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
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
Eunice C. | 2026 Alumni Parent
“This spring break, my daughter participated program in Costa Rica. I was worried at first, as it was her first time traveling out of state on her own. However, the team leaders, counselors, directors, and 24-hour emergency hotline were all incredibly supportive and well-organized. The trip was truly inspiring and transformative. Through team projects and cultural immersion, she developed stronger leadership, communication, and global awareness skills. The encouraging and collaborative environment helped her grow in confidence and purpose. She returned home more mature and motivated to make a positive impact in the future. I’m very happy to see this growth, and she is excited to participate in another GLA program next year.”
The Program Experience
Service Learning
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.
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!
Country Spotlight
Immerse yourself in the warm Pura Vida spirit of Playa Junquillal, a small coastal town in Guanacaste celebrated for its protected ecological areas and vibrant heritage.
Lodging: 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.
Meals: Food is a celebration of heritage in Guanacaste. Try fresh tropical fruits and relish traditional local dishes like the flavorful gallo pinto or a satisfying casado, and learn to make a traditional dish of your own!
COSTA RICA
SPRING BREAK SERVICE ADVENTURE
Photo Gallery
COSTA RICA
SPRING BREAK SERVICE ADVENTURE
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