COSTA RICA
THE INITIATIVE FOR CHILDREN
Make an impact on the next generation of Costa Rican youth through infrastructure improvements and cross-cultural exchanges at local schools.
Highlights
FOR THE COSTA RICA: THE INITIATIVE FOR CHILDREN™ PROGRAM
- -Volunteer on infrastructure projects at rural schools and teach English to local schoolchildren
- Discuss critical community issues
- Experience Costa Rica’s rainforest canopy on a zipline and on a hike to a waterfall
- Go river tubing on Rio Arenal and relax in hot springs
- Learn about the culture through cooking and dancing lessons, as well as a coffee workshop
- Enjoy a whitewater rafting adventure, and take an overnight excursion to the beach for a catamaran ride and snorkeling (21-Day Flagship Program only)
Program Menu For
The Initiative for Children
COSTA RICA
THE INITIATIVE FOR CHILDREN
Program Overview
Join this program and get hands-on experience with impactful projects that directly benefit Costa Rican youth. We’re located in a serene, non-touristy community, where your primary focus will be revitalizing local schools through structural improvements, refurbishments, and other essential projects. You’ll also spend time learning about how the local community lives and works, trying local foods and learning how to dance as the Ticos do during a group lesson.
After your rewarding service work, dive into the natural beauty of Costa Rica with thrilling activities like zip lining, river tubing, hiking, lake kayaking, and relaxation in volcanic hot springs. Opt for the 21-day experience to add more excitement to your adventure, exploring pristine Pacific coast beaches on a catamaran, snorkeling, and conquering the thrill of whitewater rafting.
COSTA RICA
THE INITIATIVE FOR CHILDREN
Community Service
Work at a school or community center, where local children spend extended time in their daily lives. With school and local leaders, improve the infrastructure and conditions of the site, as well as learn about local challenges and opportunities available to children in the community. Depending on the needs of the community when you arrive, you might maintain gardens, build a greenhouse where food can be grown, refurbish a classroom or work on repairs.
While interactions with local schoolchildren can vary from session to session, your dedication to these physical endeavors is crucial. When opportunities arise, we engage in activities like soccer matches or lead English-language games to foster interaction with local students and help them enhance their English language skills.
Immersive Learning
While Costa Rica is well known for its environmental and educational efforts, see firsthand how persistent development issues affect the daily lives of its youth. Visit some of the farms that surround the town of Santa Teresa — students in the schools you’ll volunteer at are from the families who work on these pineapple and livestock farms. While here, ask questions and spend time learning what it’s like to grow up and live in Costa Rica. When we’re able to connect with local schoolchildren, cross-cultural interaction provides lasting memories for the students, opening up opportunities for language exchange and mutual inspiration.
Adventure
Take time away from community service to experience the adventurous side of Costa Rica! Visit Juan Castro Blanco National Park and hike near the world-famous Arenal Volcano. Relax in amazing hot springs and follow a local guide who will teach you about the cultural traditions, history and natural features of the area. Wind your way through the farms and enjoy the unhurried pace of life. Explore the country by water on kayaking and tubing expeditions. Follow that up with an incredible ziplining expedition through lush tree tops. You’ll even have a chance to spend the afternoon swimming in your very own private lake behind Home Base!
On the 21-Day Flagship Program only, you’ll experience an epic whitewater rafting excursion in the Aguas Bravas river as well as an ocean catamaran ride and snorkeling expedition.
Lodging
This program is based in Alajuela province, in the town of Santa Teresa. Home Base is an all-wooden lodge surrounded by rural pineapple and sugarcane farms. There are three lakes near the property where students can swim, or kayak and enjoy their exclusive sprawling grounds. The food at Home Base will reflect the traditional dietary staples of the people in Costa Rica. It will be simple, but fresh and healthy and include delicious, locally-grown fruits. Students will stay in gender-segregated rooms with roommates.
COSTA RICA
THE INITIATIVE FOR CHILDREN
Dates & Tuition
Everything you need to know before you apply.
21-Day Program
Ages 14-18
| 2024 Dates |
|---|
| JUN 27 – JUL 17, 2024 |
14-Day Program
Ages 14-18
| 2024 Dates |
|---|
| JUN 10 – JUN 23, 2024 |
| JUL 21 – AUG 03, 2024 |
Tuition Includes All In-Country Expenses
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- In-country transportation
- Lodging
- 3 meals per day
- Professional full-time staff and experts
- 24/7 parent support hotline during the program
- Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
- Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
- Pre-departure materials and support
- Educational materials
To save your spot, an application fee and $600 deposit are required.
Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™
GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Speak with the GLA Admissions Team
Admissions
Phone Number
1-858-771-0645
USA Toll-Free
Phone Number
1-888-358-4321
Admissions
Email Address
info@experienceGLA.com
COSTA RICA
THE INITIATIVE FOR CHILDREN
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