Description

A winding dirt road leads you across small creeks and through endless fields of banana and plantain trees to the spectacular slopes of the Talamanca Mountain Range, one of the most pristine regions in Costa Rica. A journey through these ancient mountains brings you to a Bribrí village, where welcoming friends, a fascinating culture, and a timeless way of life await.

A Cultural Fusion
One of Costa Rica's largest indigenous groups, the Bribrí have lived in the hills and valleys of the Talamanca Mountain Range for hundreds of years. They have managed to hold on to their traditional beliefs and customs while integrating into mainstream Costa Rican society. During this program you will have the opportunity to visit villages outside of the reservation, where Bribrí and Tico cultures have fused to create a rare blend of indigenous and modern lifestyles.

The True Talamanca Experience
Immerse yourself in the rural way of life of this small Costa Rican community. In addition to learning about the culture of the Bribrí people, you will play an active role in much needed development projects with the local schools and other community organizations. You might help the town repair the health clinic or build a classroom for an overcrowded school. Pick up a few Bribrí phrases while you teach English to children at the elementary school or play a fun game of soccer with the locals. After a day of service work, you can spend your free time hiking to nearby waterfalls or cooling off with a refreshing swim in the river. At the end of the day, you'll head back home just in time for a hearty Costa Rican meal prepared by local women.

When the week has come to an end, take a well-deserved break and check out the Caribbean Coast. Cahuita and Puerto Viejo are relaxed beach towns where you can chill out on long stretches of white sand, hike through a coastal national park, or go shopping for local crafts and souvenirs for your friends and family back home. Join us for this exciting mix of community service, exploration, and cultural immersion in the heart of the beautiful Talamanca Mountain Range.

Who Should Come?
This program is designed for students who would like to experience a true rural lifestyle first hand and give back through meaningful service projects. Although program accommodations are comfortable, you must be aware that you will be surrounded by jungle, animals and bugs. You should also be aware that the service activities may be physically strenuous. You should come with an open mind and a positive attitude and expect the experience of a lifetime.

Make the Connection
After a week of hard work on the Bribrí program, you may wish to head to our Volcano and Rainforest Community Service Base to continue your service efforts while participating in some of the most exhilarating adventure activities Costa Rica has to offer. Or head to the Maleku Culture and Service Experience program to immerse yourself in another of Costa Rica's colorful indigenous groups. If you want a break from service, join the Costa Rica Adventurer program for two weeks of heart-pumping adventure activities. This trip connects with our other programs in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Panama.

Highlights

EXPLORE a unique fusion of indigenous and Tico cultures as well as the hidden natural treasures scattered throughout the Talamanca region.

PAINT and improve the conditions of Bribrí community buildings during small development projects.

IMPROVE your Spanish skills while you work alongside friendly Costa Ricans who are excited to help you learn.

RELAX, snorkel, and surf in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea during a day at the beach.

HIKE to a beautiful waterfall and cool off in its clear pools.

ENJOY a ride on the back of a banana truck.

PLAY with local school children as you teach English through recreation and supplement their school day with a happy infusion of laughter-filled cultural exchange.

Qualifications

Students must be 14-years old and up to participate on the program. Additionally, participants must submit an application through the Rustic Pathways website and complete the appropriate documents before traveling on the program.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

1,395 + International Airfare

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

14 years old and up

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living

Scholarships are Available

Rustic Pathways is providing over 100 scholarships for the 2012 season based on a mix of both need and merit. Application deadline is every year in early Spring. Please contact us for more details on applying for a scholarship and other financial aid options.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983