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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 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 through jungles, kayaking in bioluminescent waters, and doing much more. GCAC adventures in Costa Rica are annual events usually set around school breaks, but are also available for groups to charter.
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 through jungles, kayaking in bioluminescent waters, and doing much more. GCAC adventures in Costa Rica are annual events usually set around school breaks, but are also available for groups to charter.
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
- Education
- Environment
- Health
- All Nationalities
Awards
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 StatesI 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
- Education
- Environment
- Health
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- 1-2 Weeks
Age Requirement
14+
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families, Group
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- In-Country Transportation To & From Project
- International Airfare
- Guide / Chaperone
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- In-Country Orientation
- Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
- Academic Credit
Refund Policy
Partial Refund
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
Can my group charter this service learning program in Costa Rica?
We offer charter experiences to high schools, universities, community or church groups, and corporate teams. Individuals can join others who share their interests/desire to serve. Contact us for more information.
What makes a GCAC program unique from other travel experiences?
GCAC focuses on travel service learning. We offer transferable college credit and the chance to earn the President's Volunteer Service Award. Scholarships are available for participants who demonstrate financial need and come from rural and/or economically disadvantaged areas.
Do I need to speak Spanish to join this program in Costa Rica?
No language skills are necessary, although we do encourage practicing your Spanish to better interact with our local partners and hosts.
What are the next steps if I'm interested in volunteering?
Click the Inquire Here button, and we'll send details about upcoming programs. If we don't have one scheduled in the next few months, fill in the pop-up window and let us know you are interested. We will notify you when our next GCAC adventure to Costa Rica opens for registration. If you are a potential co-leader of a group of 10 or more, you can contact us through our Become a Co-Leader form.
Where can I find information about similar programs?
Check out other programs on our Profile Page. All you have to do is click on our organization name above, leading you to a page with our organization details and programs.
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