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Service Learning in Costa Rica
Costa Ricans greet and encourage each other with Pura Vida – a phrase that means much more than its literal translation of Pure Life. As a volunteer with GCAC, you feel the emotions of those words as you work with our partner nonprofits. You could collaborate with an animal rescue center dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of local wildlife. You could also help address the needs o...
Costa Ricans greet and encourage each other with Pura Vida – a phrase that means much more than its literal translation of Pure Life. As a volunteer with GCAC, you feel the emotions of those words as you work with our partner nonprofits. You could collaborate with an animal rescue center dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of local wildlife. You could also help address the needs of children who have experienced neglect, abuse, or assault. All GCAC programs focus on our mission of increasing mutual respect for people, places, and the planet, and one or more United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our Costa Rica program is a great example. At GCAC, we work hard and play hard, too. You’ll explore the most biodiverse areas in Latin America—visiting beaches, hiking thro...
Program Highlights
Receive college credit, which is available for high school juniors and seniors and university students.
Apply to earn one of our scholarships, available for students with demonstrated financial need.
Put in service hours and become eligible to earn the President's Volunteer Service Award.
Benefit from an inclusive program fee with lodging, meals, service project expenses, cultural activities, ground transportation, and so much more.
Travel with other travel/service/learning advocates or check us out to charter a future experience as a school, community, or corporate group.
Quick Details
- Costa Rica
- 1-2 Weeks
- Animal Welfare
- Childcare & Children
- Conservation See more
- All Nationalities
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Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Life-changing experience
July 11, 2024by: Jenna Patton - United StatesProgram: Service Learning in Costa RicaI had the pleasure of traveling to Costa Rica as a co-leader with GCAC and a group of students from my high school. The opportunities that this experience provided for myself and my students were second to none. While we all enjoyed the excursions and the touristy aspects of the trip, the relationships we built with locals and the hard work we put in while volunteering at Wild Sun was by far our favorite part. Not once during the trip did any of the students get upset because they had to forego some of the luxuries of home, i.e. air conditioning! We all fell in love with this country and the people. When we left there was not a dry eye in the group and we immediately started planning for our return trip.

Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Costa Rica
Types and Subjects
- Causes
- Animal Welfare
- Childcare & Children
- Conservation
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- 1-2 Weeks
Age Requirement
Age Requirement Varies
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families, Group
Cost per week
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation Options
- Group living
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Online Application
Frequently Asked Questions
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff

Jenna Patton
Participated in 2024
Jenna lives in Camden, TN, with her family. She has a degree in Education, a Master's degree in English as a Second Language, and has completed 21 hou...

Jenna Patton
Participated in 2024
Traveling abroad has been a dream of mine since I visited Spain my junior year of college. Immersing myself in a different culture is incredibly appealing. Experiencing new traditions, languages, and customs offers a unique perspective and helps me understand the world more fully. It's not just about visiting new places but also about connecting with people who live there, learning from them, and broadening my horizons. Being a Spanish teacher, I love having the opportunity to improve my proficiency. Being able to communicate in another language not only enhances travel experiences but also allows for deeper connections with locals. It’s a skill that I want to continue to develop and improve.
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