Description

Our community Service programs are a great way to give back, help those less fortunate and make a difference in the lives of others. Be immersed in the local culture and experience glacier hiking in Alaska, spotting the "Big 5" in Africa, surfing in Hawaii, exploring Machu Picchu in Peru and relaxing in mud baths and hot springs in Costa Rica.

Highlights

* Community Service:
- Build homes with Habitat For Humanity
- Mentor a Child in need
- Preserve a cloud forest
- Run day camp activities for children of a small community in the *Central Valley
- Participate in a local development and beautification project
Adventure
- Zip-Line through the rainforest
- White water raft
- Rappel down a waterfall
- Surf the Pacific
*Touring Highlights:
- Explore Arenal Volcano
- Relax in a mud bath
- Relax on incredible beaches
- Hang out with monkeys in Manuel Antonio NP
- Taste the famous Costa Rican coffee at Café Britt

Amazing Details:

Central Valley - Service Partners & Projects

* Habitat For Humanity International
Habitat For Humanity International has provided homes for over one million people since it was founded in 1976. In its short history, HFH Costa Rica has built over 650 homes. Roughly 35% of the population of Costa Rica lives in sub-standard housing.

You will help build homes for local families with two chapters of HFH in the Central Valley. Our volunteer labor will significantly cut the costs of these homes for future occupants! We see tangible results of your efforts as we work alongside the people that will one day be living in these homes.

* Costa Rica Humanitarian Foundation (CRHF):
In 1978, Gail Nystrom left New Jersey for a Peace Corps assignment in Costa Rica. After a brief return to the States, she knew she had to return and founded the CRHF to improve the quality of life for special-needs populations. From her vision and drive, and the efforts of many volunteers, the CRHF has grown to manage more than fifty projects throughout the country, focusing on education, community development, and preventive health care.

Past groups helped build a high school for the local youth of Picagres in the Central Valley. They ran programs such as sports, reading, dance, crafts and face painting for the children of La Carpio and 2 local primary schools, Palenque and Concepción, as well as participated in a beautification & local development project by painting murals on the walls of the community and painting the outside of people's homes.

* Central Valley - Adventure Highlights
Kick off the summer whitewater rafting the thrilling Reventazón River! After full days building homes in the sun, relax at our hotel. Taste famous and delicious Costa Rican coffee while learning how it's grown by the comic troupe at Café Britt. Experience a waterfall rappelling adventure (21 day trip only) and join a Latin dance class!

* Monteverde - Service Partners & Projects

Monteverde Cloud Forest Region:
Called a cloud forest rather than a rainforest because of its altitude, its canopy is extremely rich with wildlife - and one of the most acclaimed refuges in the New World Tropics.

Past groups completed a project focusing on reforestation (planting trees) under the supervision of a local guide. Protect growing plants from invasive species and plant coffee plants at a coffee co-op.

* Monteverde & Arenal - Adventure Highlights
Walk the canopy and ride SkyTrek's eleven thrilling zip lines! Visit La Fortuna waterfall and relax in thermal hot springs. Participants on the 28 day program also experience a canyoning adventure in Arenal Volcano National Park.

* Rincon De La Vieja - Adventure Highlights
On this retreat, enjoy river tubing and soothing yourself in rustic mud baths. Enjoy some downtime by the pool at our eco-resort. Enjoy a rewarding swim after hiking to a beautiful waterfall.

* Flamingo - Service Partners & Projects

Flamingo Beach Community Project
Participate in a beautification project; groups may be doing beach preservation or painting local homes for underprivileged residents.

* Flamingo - Adventure Highlights
Get set for surf lessons at Tamarindo Beach - you'll be hanging 10 in no time! Relax on the beach and experience local nightlife at a disco.

* 28 day option, the adventure continues...
Visit the Poas Volcano and spot wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, birds and turtles.

* Dominical - Adventure Highlights
Ride horseback through the beautiful forest and along the beach. Our hotel is just steps from this famous beach where you can chill, play volleyball or cool off in the clear blue water.

* Manuel Antonio Eco-Resort - Adventure Highlights
Enjoy a guided tour with your close friends at this incredibly beautiful National Park. Relax on sandy beaches, hike through lush rainforest, and view iguanas and the rare white faced monkeys!

Travel Types

• Camping
• Canoeing
• Cross/Back Country Skiing
• Cycling (Mountain)
• Cycling (Road/Touring)
• Dancing
• Downhill Skiing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Kayaking (River)
• Kayaking (Sea)
• Rafting
• Sailing
• Scuba
• Snorkeling
• Soccer/Football
• Student Tours
• Water Skiing

Qualifications

Participants on our community service programs should be prepared to work as a team. You are committing yourself not only to hard work on service days (from 6-8 hours) but also to your fellow volunteers and those we will be assisting. In sharing this rewarding experience, you are guaranteed to form lasting friendships and will no doubt take away much more than you give. You will receive a certificate of completion recognizing 30-80 hours (depending on program) of service and listing projects accomplished.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration
• High School Study Abroad
• Student Tours

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

2,799; 5,399; 6,399

Program Fees Include:

For 10 Days

- Accommodations: Bed & Breakfasts and Hotels
- A certificate of completion recognizing 30 hours of service and a list of projects accomplished is issued after the trip.
- Everybody participates together in each project.

For 21 Days

- Accommodations: Bed & Breakfasts and Hotels
- A certificate of completion recognizing 60 hours of service and a list of projects accomplished is issued after the trip.
- Everybody participates together in each project.

For 28 Days

- Accommodations: Bed & Breakfasts and Hotels
- A certificate of completion recognizing 60 hours of service and a list of projects accomplished is issued after the trip.
- Everybody participates together in each project.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of of 18 - 21

360 Student Travel's Mission Statement

360 Student Travel will allow you the opportunity to step in a new direction. Travel, volunteer, or improve your foreign language skills we are here to help you take that new step by helping you keep your other foot planted. Regardless of travel style, all programs are created with the understanding that no matter what you want to accomplish during the summer, it is still summer, and the challenges and experiences should be enjoyable as well as rewarding. On our Community Service Program you'll be making the world a better place and discovering the world at the same time - ziplining in Costa Rica, exploring a glacier in Alaska, or marveling at the "Big 5" in Africa. If you're open-minded and interested in achieving goals, volunteering, and helping others, then this will be a meaningful and adventurous summer for you. If you're thinking of studying Spanish or French and want the excitment of travel join us in either Spain, Costa Rica or France. On most of these language programs, we study at multiple locations within a country so you experience its full diversity. On our Pre-College Enrichment program get a sneak peek at college life while being immersed in the culture and excitement of Barcelona. We have teamed up with the renowned International House School, centrally located just steps from Plaza Cataluna, to bring you exciting courses from Creative Writing and International Business to Spanish Language, and SAT prep with Princeton Review. Join us on our Global Adventures if adventures are for you. We offer the most unique variety of activities imaginable that encourage individual growth and character.

Year Founded

1982