MEDICINE & HEALTHCARE DISCOVERY

When you arrive at San José (SJO) airport, our friendly team will be there to greet you with a warm Costa Rican welcome. From there, you’ll be transferred to Paraíso de Cartago, where you’ll be staying throughout the program. This is your chance to relax, settle into your accommodations, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast, followed by a warm Costa Rica welcome and GLA orientation. Learn about the project and its impact on the local community. Explore Cartago on a guided walking tour, discovering its history and culture. In the evening, engage in the primary leadership activity and gain insight into healthcare in Costa Rica.

Engage in our main service project providing vision exams to the community. You’ll work alongside an ophthalmologist to learn the basics of eye exams and use specialized software. These eye campaigns take place in rural areas with local schools, often serving children who have never had their vision tested. Working at multiple stations with the doctor and GLA staff, you’ll help conduct exams, after which children will receive eyeglasses on-site or a prescription for more complex needs.

Each day concludes with a reflective meeting on project goals, followed by cultural exchange activities such as playing soccer with community members. Enjoy excursions to Montesky lookout point, a local waterfall, and guided walking tours of Orosi and Ujarras to learn about their history and culture. You’ll also hear from a local doctor about Costa Rica’s healthcare system and take part in a hands-on cooking class exploring traditional cuisine. Evenings are spent reflecting with fellow students and mentors on service impact, leadership, and cross-cultural experiences.

Begin a service project supporting a local elderly care center home to about 150 residents with varying levels of ability. You’ll shadow trained and licensed caretakers (“cuidadores”) and assist with basic daily tasks. After training, you’ll help take vital signs—temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration—and support physical and occupational therapy sessions.

You’ll also help with non-technical tasks such as gardening, cleaning, laundry, kitchen duties, serving meals, and engaging residents through games or dance. The day includes visits to local Ministry of Health clinics (EBAIS) to learn about community healthcare, followed by a soccer match and time to relax.

Embark on an exciting ziplining adventure, flying through the vibrant Costa Rican landscape, taking in stunning views and enjoying the thrill.

After lunch, head back to the elderly care center to continue supporting the residents and caretakers. End the day with a reflective activity, allowing participants to share and process their experiences.

Wrap up your work at the elderly care center, reflecting on the impactful experiences and connections you’ve made. Consider what you’ve learned about supporting health and well-being, and explore how physical and emotional health are intertwined, especially in older age.

Attend a session with a guest speaker who will provide insights into the social context of the elderly in Costa Rica. Finish the day with another hands-on cooking class, learning to prepare traditional Costa Rican dishes.

Tackle another aspect of healthcare by conducting a dental health campaign at a local elementary school, educating students on oral hygiene practices to support their dental health. In rural Costa Rica, limited access to dental care presents challenges in receiving regular check-ups and treatments.

With guidance from a dentist, you’ll learn the basics, plan, and deliver the content for the workshops. Afterward, take a break before embarking on an adventurous hike up the Turrialba volcano, exploring Costa Rica’s stunning natural beauty and geological wonders.

Today, we’ll celebrate the impactful community service work we’ve done with an excursion to Uvita. Start with a surf lesson and embrace the ocean-minded Pura Vida lifestyle. After surfing, enjoy a sunset over the waves you’ve just ridden, and take in the beauty of Marino Ballena National Park. Explore Uvita Waterfalls and relax at two scenic beaches to complete your Costa Rican beach adventure. Return to Cartago Home Base for a closing reflection activity and a special farewell dinner, cherishing the memories and connections made throughout your time in Costa Rica.

In the morning, it’s time to say goodbye to your peers and staff. We’ll travel together to the airport in San José, where GLA staff will assist with check-in and bid you farewell as you head home. ¡Adiós!