GoAbroad

Costa Rica Service & Adventure - 18 Days

Contact ProviderProgram Costs
5.0 / 5Student rating
2Reviews
93Programs
1982Year established

Program Overview

Dive into the perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cultural immersion, and unforgettable adventures in this teen summer program. Travel to Costa Rica and work alongside some of our long-standing partners on projects such as building infrastructure in the Central Valley and helping cook for and run a food bank for a disadvantaged community. This trip uses a service-learning framework tailored for high school students, wherein our staff provides guidance and reflection on the impact of our work and promotes the values of empathy and cultural sensitivity. When not volunteering, our participants go on adrenaline adventures like learning to surf, rappelling down a waterfall, and zip-lining over the rainforest canopy! It won’t be long until students fall in love with the Pura Vida lifestyle and all things Costa Rican in this 18-day program.

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Program Highlights

Work on a community project like helping build homes.
Help clean local beaches and protect oceanside wildlife.
Enjoy a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure.
Learn to surf with professional instructors.
Zip-line over the canopy in Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support

Quick Details

Location
Arenal, Costa Rica
Availability
Year(s) Offered:2026
Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • Summer
Age Requirement14-17
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Rafting
  • Student Tours
  • Summer Camp
  • Surfing
Focus Areas:
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Experiential Learning
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Community Development
GuidelinesAll Nationalities
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Updated Mar 18, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Arenal, Costa Rica

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered: 2026
  • Duration: 1-2 Weeks, 2-4 Weeks, Summer

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities

Education Levels & Language

  • Language: English
  • Education: High School Freshman (1st Year)
  • Education: High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • Education: High School Junior (3rd Year)

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Other

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

14-17

Duration

1-2 Weeks, 2-4 Weeks, Summer

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Westcoast Connection

5.0
2 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
2
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Program Opportunities
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Program Administration
5.0
Personal Development
5.0
Living Situation
4.5
Cultural Immersion
4.5

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Showing 2 of 2 reviews

Beth RubyCanada · September 2025

Experience of a lifetime

Our 15-year-old daughter had the experience of a lifetime on her trip to Costa Rica with Westcoast Connections. From before we even registered her for this trip until after she got home, we were impressed with the communications and support we received from the Westcoast staff. We felt confident about her safety, health and well-being throughout the trip. The travel, accommodations and activities were all excellent. From a social perspective, she went on this trip without knowing a single other participant and came home with 20+ new, wonderful friends. The staff did a great job making sure the social dynamics of the group were positive and inclusive.

Emilia SlaterUnited States · September 2025

Amazing experience!

My daughter came home saying it was the best time ever. The people, of course, made it amazing, but the community service work she did really made her realize how others are in need of help and support from outside their community. To have made a positive impact in these communities really meant a lot to her. She also enjoyed the adventure part of the trip! Loved doing new things with new people and made string connections with her group. She has now made some of the what friends she'll have for life. Thank you for an incredible experience!

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2025 - Notable Mention

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