Costa Rica: 4-Week Program, June 30-July 28 2021 (dates may shift slightly)
Costa Rica is a perfect choice for the student seeking to improve their Spanish skills, contribute to a meaningful service project, and experience life-changing adventures in the heart of the rainforest. In the afternoon, you'll play soccer with local children, help your host family prepare the traditional dish of gallo pinto, or harvest sugar cane on the family farm. You'll explore exotic rainforests via zipline, rappel down waterfalls, learn to surf in the pristine Pacific Ocean, and whitewater raft the Savegre River. Experience the Pure Vida life!
DATES: June 30-July 28
GROUP SIZE: Up to 18 students (co-ed), 2 U.S. leaders, 2-3 Costa Rican Staff
SERVICE HOURS EARNED: 40-60 hours
LEARNING GOALS: Spanish, leadership, outdoor skills, construction
TUITION: $6,195 (Financial Aid Available)
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!
ORIENTATION
Spend your first days in Costa Rica experiencing the beauty of this nation in a rainforest lodge, a magical place that's situated well off-the-beaten-path and run by a generous and dedicated family. Climb giant trees, forage for medicinal plants, zip-line through the rainforest canopy, and learn how to make chocolate from cacao you gather with your own hands. Cool off by taking a dip in the nearby river, rappelling down a cascading waterfall, or exploring a local cave.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE
For the next two weeks, you reside near a small rural village outside of San Isidro de El General. Here, in the hilly farmland of southern Costa Rica, you rise in the mornings to the sight of clouds enveloping the valley below. During the day, join your group and community members to complete a construction project. Practice your Spanish while playing soccer with local children or helping your host community friends prepare gallo pinto (Costa Rican rice and beans). These daily moments in rural Costa Rica welcome you into the pura vida way of life.
TRAVEL ADVENTURES
You depart your host community after a big farewell celebration, or despedida, and continue on to the quiet beach town of Uvita. Here, relax on tranquil tropical beaches, explore a local waterfall, and spend an afternoon learning to surf. At high tide the mighty Pacific Ocean draws near, extending an irresistible invitation for you to dive into its warmth. When it recedes at low tide, you can follow its trail along a wide sandbar that extends far into the horizon. As a final adventure, your group sets out on a whitewater rafting trip. This exciting stretch of rapids flows through a beautiful forested canyon, where waterfalls tumble from all directions into the Pacuare River.
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
ENROLL TODAY: Complete our brief first stage enrollment form to save your space. No commitment or deposit necessary.
LEARN MORE: Schedule a call with our Director, Adam: https://calendly.com/globalroutes/letsconnect/
CONTACT US: hello@globalroutes.org, (413) 585-8895
