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Outdoor Leader Semester in Costa Rica & Panama

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5.0 / 5Overall Rating
1Review
1994Year established

Program Overview

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.*

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Program Highlights

Experience world-class diving spots in Bocas del Toro, Panama.
Learn firsthand about wilderness and outdoor survival from locals.
Train to be an outstanding guide or wildlife instructor in two beautiful locations - Costa Rica and Panama!
Receive certifications and up to 10 academic credits after completing the course successfully.
Engage in exciting outdoor activities, from trekking through the rainforest to scuba diving.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Cartago, Costa Rica
  • Dominical, Costa Rica
  • Gandoca, Costa Rica
  • Guanacaste, Costa Rica
  • Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
  • Quepos, Costa Rica
  • San Isidro del General, Costa Rica
  • San Jose, Costa Rica
  • Santo Domingo, Costa Rica
  • Talamanca, Costa Rica
  • Bocas del Toro, Panama

Fields & Subjects

  • Leadership
  • Spanish
  • Travel & Tourism
  • Liberal Arts
  • Culture
  • Education
  • Nutrition
  • Service Learning
  • Sustainable Development

Available Terms / Availability

  • Terms Available
  • Fall
  • Spring

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living
  • Home-stays

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • After College
  • Post High School
  • During College
  • During High School
  • Career Break / Mid-Career

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Outward Bound Costa Rica

5.0
1 review

Rating breakdown

5
1
4
0
3
0
2
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1
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Top categories

Academics
5.0
Living Situation
5.0
Cultural Immersion
5.0
Program Administration
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Community
5.0

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Review this Program

Showing 1 of 1 review

Ariel RubensIsrael · November 2021

Life changing experience!

On the Outdoor Leadership Semester, I learned so much about myself, overcame my fear of water (and others), and gained practical experience with group dynamics/leadership. As I am integrating this experience, I am noticing that I feel more confident, motivation to pursue outdoor education, and a calling to follow my heart into adventures in my hometown (rock climbing, surfing). Thank you to all of the instructors who assisted me in my 65 day transformation.

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Innovative New Program – Intern Abroad Finalist 2022
Top Rated Organization 2021 - Gap Year
Innovation in Crisis Response 2021 Finalist
Top Rated Program 2019 - Adventure Travel
Top Rated Program 2019 - Gap Year
GoAbroad Top Gap Year Provider 2018

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