BE MORE THAN A TOURIST! 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.
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. Join the Global Routes tradition, one which dates back to over 20 years of service with a host of communities and dozens of schools in Costa Rica.
GLOBAL ROUTES PROGRAM MODEL: Global Routes High School Summer Programs provide students (ages 14-18) with transformative international experiences focused on meaningful service, authentic community stays, and unparalleled adventure. Students develop critical global skills, leadership, confidence, compassion, and an enthusiasm for experiencing the world!
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
“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, Costa Rica Parent
$4,995 for the 2-week program and $6,895 for the 4-week program. *International airfare is not included in the tuition. Roundtrip airfare from New York to San Jose will be approximately $600 – $1,000.
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.