Gap Year Programs in Manuel Antonio,Costa Rica

Join the Turtle Conservation program in Costa Rica with International Volunteer HQ and help protect endangered sea turtles while living on the remote and beautiful Nicoya Peninsula. Volunteers assist with vital conservation tasks including beach patrols, nest monitoring, hatchery construction, relocating eggs when needed, and supporting the safe release of hatchlings. You may also take part in beach cleanups, reforestation efforts such as mangrove planting, and community education activities that promote marine conservation. Volunteers often support both day and night work depending on nesting activity, so expect hands-on tasks and plenty of time outdoors. This program is ideal for nature lovers, students, gap year travellers or anyone passionate about wildlife protection. Your hosted experience includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation in a volunteer house or homestay, two meals each day and 24/7 support from the local team. Programs start every Monday, and you will join an international group of volunteers while taking in Costa Rica’s natural beauty and coastal culture as you contribute to meaningful conservation efforts.

Discover a new environment and a new ‘you’ in this 24-week gap year program offered by Maximo Nivel. Stay in Costa Rica, starting in the capital San Jose and then to other stunning locations including Manuel Antonio Beach. Totally customizable, thanks to a pre-planned itinerary, our gap year in Costa Rica includes: – 12 weeks of Spanish language classes – 8 weeks volunteer—Working with Kids – 8 weeks volunteer—Teaching English – 4 weeks volunteer—Sea Turtle Conservation – 1 week Surf School – 1 week Scuba certification – 2-week break with housing Maximo Nivel partners directly with an official School of Record in the US allowing us to provide university credit through Spanish language studies and volunteer work.

This language program includes everything you need to learn, practice, and improve your Spanish in a truly idyllic location. The Standard Spanish Program accepts students aged 18 and above, from complete beginners to advanced speakers. Whether you need to improve your Spanish for professional purposes, prepare for an exam, or are just learning for fun, our team will create the environment you need to succeed. Receive four hours of group Spanish classes per day, Monday to Friday, from 9 am-1 pm. Group classes, with a maximum of six students, are led by professional teachers. In the afternoons, explore the nearby national park and numerous beaches. All of our programs include a complimentary program of activities, access to a swimming pool, snorkels, surfboards, and a tour office to assist you in booking other activities. Throughout the program, you have the option to stay with a local host family for maximum Spanish immersion. The alternative option is an 'on-campus' accommodation at the popular Hostel Plinio.

Feed your love for the outdoors or gain the necessary skills to jumpstart your career in the outdoor industry. Earn seven internationally-recognized certifications, 10 academic credits, and complete an in-depth study of Outward Bound Costa Rica’s educational model to make you a desirable instructor or guide for various organizations around the world. From learning to set up belay systems and guiding rafts down whitewater rapids, to providing wilderness medical care, this course has you covered! This is a 65-day course divided into seven distinct phases: Multi-Element Leadership Training Wilderness First Responder Medical Course Surf Instructor Training Whitewater River Guide Training Waterfront Lifeguarding Technical Ropes Rescue Scuba Diving Top graduates of this Outdoor Leader Semester program may be offered a paid internship as a Field Instructor Intern for Outward Bound Costa Rica’s summer high season, with the possibility of staying on as a year-round instructor. *Please note that, for the health and safety of our participants, OBCR has made program adjustments to these courses. Please visit our website to view our COVID-19 considerations.*