GoAbroad

Service Learning in Costa Rica

by: Global Citizen Adventure Corps

10 (1)Verified

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...

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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

Locations:
  • Costa Rica
Availability
Year(s) OfferedYear RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
Cost Per Week$2000-$5000
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Childcare & Children
  • Conservation
  • See more
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details

Awards

2025 Finalist - Innovation in DiversityGold medal with green banner indicating 2023 Top-Rated Nonprofit by GreatNonprofitslogo of Sustainable Travel InternationalCandid Transparency logoGoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Winner - Philanthropy

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

10

Total Reviews

1

Life-changing experience

July 11, 2024by: Jenna Patton - United StatesProgram: Service Learning in Costa Rica
10

I 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.

Hollow Rock- Bruceton Central High School students in front of a Wild Sun sign

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

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks

Age Requirement

Age Requirement Varies

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families, Group

Cost per week

$2000-$5000

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

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Jenna Patton

Participated in 2024

Alumni

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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