COSTA RICA

SURF, SPORTS & SUSTAINABILITY

Zipline in the jungle canopy, hike through the tropical forest to breathtaking waterfalls, and relax in thermal hot springs

Highlights

FOR THE COSTA RICA: SURF, SPORTS & SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM

  • Stay active by surfing warm friendly waves and playing pick-up sports
  • Learn about sustainable farming techniques and local green initiatives
  • Volunteer on ecological restoration projects and community initiatives
  • Support reforestation efforts by collecting and planting native seeds and clearing waste from waterways
  • Zipline, go tubing down a river through lush canyons, and relax in thermal hot springs
  • Explore the coast by catamaran boat and snorkel amongst diverse marine life

COSTA RICA

SURF, SPORTS & SUSTAINABILITY

Program Overview

On this program you will discover Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province–you’ll be amazed by the variety of beautiful beaches, mangrove forests and lush jungles. Volunteer with local ecological groups to help conserve nearby beaches and forests. As part of your service project, work on a variety of initiatives: depending on the community’s need at the time of your arrival, you may collect native seeds for replanting, work in a local nursery to prep saplings for reforestation campaigns or clear waste from beaches and waterways. Learn about sustainable farming techniques and green initiatives. Stay active daily by surfing warm waves, practicing yoga and playing pick-up sports. Experience the essence of the ocean-minded “Pura Vida” lifestyle as you learn how to surf from skilled instructors. Take in all the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and rich biodiversity of Costa Rica during your two weeks here in Central America.

COSTA RICA

SURF, SPORTS & SUSTAINABILITY

Community Service

Take part in community service projects to support environmental conservation along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Students will volunteer alongside local organizations on environmental projects such as reforestation initiatives, seed collection and plant propagation. Students will also learn about mangroves and collect propogules for planting to support the regrowth of local mangrove forests. Mangroves are essential for reducing coastal soil erosion and are a critical habitat for both land and marine species found along the coast, and you can help them to thrive. Our goal will be to play a small but important part in protecting native habitats and supporting ecological restoration. Students will also lend a hand on a sustainable farm and learn sustainable farming techniques. Prepare yourself for many opportunities to learn more about advocating for our environment and promoting sustainability.

Immersive Learning

This is your opportunity to learn about world-famous Tico culture–embrace the “pura vida” lifestyle through cultural exploration and meeting with local leaders. Put your culinary skills to the test with a cooking class, where you’ll sample the delicious treats from the famous wood burning stoves of the Guanacaste region. Practice your Spanish while exploring the town and interacting with our service partners. Keep your blood pumping with a pick-up game of soccer (“fútbol”) and beach volleyball during your time here. And last but certainly not least, learn to surf and ride the waves for the first time, or hone your surfing skills in Costa Rica, a world class surfing destination.

Adventure

Adventure is at the heart of this experience! Designed for athletes, board riders, adrenaline junkies, or any adventurous student, this program is a sports lover’s dream. Feel the excitement of catching waves in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Known for its variety of waves, this is the perfect place to learn or hone your skills on a welcoming beach just a short drive from our Home Base. Experience Costa Rica’s wildlife both on land as you walk down tropical paths, and at sea as you sail on a catamaran. Experience the rolling rapids of the Rio Negro at Rincon de la Vieja National Park on a tubing excursions, before having a soak in volcanic hot springs to warm up. Finally, zipline through the lush jungle canopy and enjoy spectacular views as you soar through the treetops.

Lodging

Your Home Base on this program is an ecolodge with many green areas and fruit trees all around the property. Live surrounded by beautiful flora & fauna–including monkeys! Students will share rooms with roommates, and have shared bathroom and shower facilities. Food will be healthy, locally sourced, and primarily plant based with daily chicken or fish options, including sides of rice, beans, vegetables and fresh fruit.

COSTA RICA

SURF, SPORTS & SUSTAINABILITY

Dates & Tuition

Everything you need to know before you apply.

14-Day Program
2024 Dates
JUN 10 – JUN 23, 2024
JUN 26 – JUL 09, 2024
JUL 13 – JUL 26, 2024
JUL 30 – AUG 12, 2024
Duration: 14 days
Tuition: $5,199
Student/Staff Ratio: 6 to 1
Community Service Hours: 30
Language Hours: N/A
For Ages: 14-18
Lodging: Ecolodge

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

SURF, SPORTS & SUSTAINABILITY

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