The first words you hear when you arrive in Costa Rica may be “pura vida,” a greeting that expresses the peaceful spirit of a nation with a long tradition of democracy and a commitment to education. Welcome to the summer adventure of a lifetime!
Costa Rica’s warm and hospitable people, known affectionately as Ticos, inhabit an extraordinary region of the world, one replete with active volcanoes, dense rainforest, spectacular waterfalls, and pristine beaches.
Adventure via zip line, raft, and on foot through the rainforest. Learn from local experts and collaborate with organizations making positive change. This country’s progressive approach to conservation has protected a substantial range of its natural habitat.
Live and work with members of your host community as you gain a new appreciation for rural life and learn about the critical link between development and environmental protection. With over 20 years of experience working in Costa Rica, we’ve established deep relationships with many communities throughout the nation.
HIGHLIGHTS
Improve your Spanish as you work alongside community members on a service project or enjoy a warm meal of gallo pinto with your host community.
Dive into the heart of the Rainforest. You’ll climb giant trees, forage for medicinal plants, learn Costa Rican homestyle cooking, and zip-line.
Whitewater raft on the Savegre River, through deep canyons and lush tropical rainforest.
RECENT TESTIMONIALS
“Before arriving in Costa Rica, I expected my role to be one of giving, but there turned out to be just as much receiving on my part. Overall, I found there to be a perfect balance of fun and growth.” - Jolene, Costa Rica, Student
“I loved all the information that was provided upfront to help us prepare, and I'm extremely grateful that Kyli had this experience. The team is very experienced at running these programs. I appreciated the backgrounds and maturity of the leaders, which seem different from some competitive programs. The host families and community that she lived in sound absolutely amazing. All in all, it was a great experience. - Cindi, Costa Rica, Parent
Reviews (2)
Extraordinary Experience
Reviewed
on Sep/18/2022 by ejlgebauer
My son was a Global Routes student in summer 2022. He was extremely nervous and more than a little scared about going on his first long adventure by himself, especially after 2 years of Covid that made everyone way too comfortable going nowhere and not making social connections. It was very hard for him to say goodbye and then embrace all the new people and experiences. The staff, his host family and the other students were incredibly open, accepting, warm and gracious with him. They helped him find a successful pathway through what ended up being an extraordinary adventure. With support, he was able to embrace the hard parts, really enjoy the good stuff and grow tremendously.
When he arrived home, he was transformed. He feels more confident and comfortable in his own skin. This is visibly evident - he stands taller and is much more willing to try new things. For example, on his own initiative he decided to try out for the soccer team, which we feel he would not have been open to before his Global Routes experience.
Costa Rica With Global Routes
Reviewed
on Jan/21/2018 by Chloe
In the summer of 2017, I went to Costa Rica with a group of teens from Global Routes. Honestly, it was one of the best months of my life. I met many amazing people, many of which I am still in contact with today and have become some very close friends. We talk often and visit each other for those who live in close cities. We became so close and now I feel safety talking to them about very real things. The leaders of the trip were also amazing. Two of them managed to keep 16 teenagers was very impressive. In the end we were a FAMILY, only living together for a month, but I feel so close to everyone.
Testimonials(1)
"Chloe came home from the Costa Rica trip beaming. She loved the people she met, loved the leaders, adored her fellow travelers. She had so much fun! She came back appreciative of our modern life in the U.S. and told us stories about her adventures for weeks afterward. She gained a lot of perspective and maturity from the experience. And she had the time of her life! Sending Chloe to Costa Rica with Global Routes was a million times over the right decision."
- Elizabeth, 2017 Parent- August 25, 2017
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My son was a Global Routes student in summer 2022. He was extremely nervous and more than a little scared about going on his first long adventure by himself, especially after 2 years of Covid that made everyone way too comfortable going nowhere and not making social connections. It was very hard for him to say goodbye and then embrace all the new people and experiences. The staff, his host family and the other students were incredibly open, accepting, warm and gracious with him. They helped him find a successful pathway through what ended up being an extraordinary adventure. With support, he was able to embrace the hard parts, really enjoy the good stuff and grow tremendously.
When he arrived home, he was transformed. He feels more confident and comfortable in his own skin. This is visibly evident - he stands taller and is much more willing to try new things. For example, on his own initiative he decided to try out for the soccer team, which we feel he would not have been open to before his Global Routes experience.