Aspire by API: Costa Rica Community Service Trip

This program is provided by

Location

Costa Rica

Description

The Costa Rica community service trip is a two-week program intended to introduce students to the local communities and diverse natural environment of Costa Rica. During the first week of the program, students will live with local host families in a small village in the province of Alajuela. During the second week of the program, students will stay as a group in hotels. Participants will travel to Sarapiqui, Arenal and Manuel Antonio performing service work with local farmers, environmental groups, schools, and orphanages. Aspire directors will lead several guided group reflection sessions during the program. All meals, events and activities, including a visit to a hot spring (heated by a local volcano) and a zipline outing, are included in the cost of the program. One year of Spanish or the equivalent is required for admission. Upon completion of this program students will receive a certificate documenting 30 hours of community service.

Highlights

Costa Rica is a country of natural beauty, political stability, friendly people, and a temperate climate. Since dismantling its army in 1948, it has been known around the world as one of the most stable countries in Latin America and has often been a mediator in other Central American conflicts. The international community acknowledged this contribution in 1987 by presenting President Oscar Arias with the Nobel Peace Prize. Costa Rica has devoted itself to environmental conservation and educational achievement. Today, Costa Rica's National Conservation Areas System (SINAC) covers more than 134 areas - national parks, reserves, and refuges - comprising roughly 27 percent of the national territory. This commitment provides an abundance of natural wonders and biodiversity - a paradise for naturalists and wildlife. The relatively small size of the country allows one to explore the beach, jungle and mountains all in one day. The population of Costa Rica is diverse and the people, colloquially called the 'Ticos,' are warm and welcoming.

Ages: 15-18 only (completing grades 9-11).

Credit: No academic credit. A certificate documenting 30 hours of community service is provided upon completion.

Scholarships are available, please contact Aspire by API for details.