To the west, there is the Pacific Ocean and to the east, the Caribbean Sea. Costa Rica is a country famous for its pristine beauty and environmental conservatism. With GLA, you’ll be in the center of this Central American nation’s splendor. Live on a campus nestled in lush natural surroundings. Rich in natural parks, rivers, beaches, rainforests, and wildlife, Costa Rica beckons adventure-seekers to volunteer in its local communities.

Costa Rica not only has its ecotourism, but also boasts fascinating political and social policies. One of the most stable countries in Latin America, it has no armed forces. This peaceful nation has produced remarkable leaders. President Oscar Arias Sanchez won the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in negotiating peace in Central America.

The country is recognized for its innovative, progressive policies such as universal health care. Did you know that Costa Rica has “peace parks” along portions of its borders to reduce tension with neighbors, Panama and Nicaragua?

The vibrant, culture center and capital city of San Jose is home to the historic Teatro Nacional. While the countrysides support large sugar cane, coffee and pineapple plantations.

The Ticos and Ticas, as Costa Ricans call themselves, are a fun-loving people that like to celebrate. As the tourism industry continues to boom, they enjoy welcoming travelers and vacationers. The Spanish heritage, stemming from the Columbus explorations, is carried on in many of today’s customs.

Are you ready to explore this natural paradise and embark on the GLA Experience in Costa Rica? Spaces are limited for this ground-breaking year and we expect to fill the program, so apply now.