SUMMER TRAVEL PROGRAMS FOR TEENS

Rescue and rehabilitate animals in Costa Rica, a natural haven for both domestic and wild creatures.

• Do hands-on volunteer work alongside veterinarians and get first-hand experience
• Help care for dogs at a rescue center
• Learn about Costa Rica’s animal rescue and wildlife conservation efforts
• Zipline and horseback ride through lush valleys
• Careen down the river on a whitewater rafting adventure and log some extra hours in the veterinary clinics (21-Day Flagship Program only)
• Designed for teens ages 14-19

On this program you will promote animal rights and spread awareness about the issue in local communities. Gain pre-veterinary experience working alongside certified veterinarians and animal rescue experts. Not only will you do compassionate, hands-on work with lovable, furry friends at a dog rescue center, you’ll also learn about exotic wildlife species in a country known for its dedication to conservation. In your time off service, experience all the outdoor adventure and natural beauty Costa Rica has to offer.

Experience the pure life—or Pura Vida—while giving back to a rural beach community.

• Live in a coastal village near a beautiful beach
• Volunteer on educational or environmental development projects
• Go tubing down the Rio Negro
• Engage with locals and practice your Spanish around town
• Zipline through the forest
• Enjoy the ocean via catamaran and snorkel among marine life
• Designed for teens ages 14-19

On this program you will escape to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, where you’ll volunteer on the project that is most needed at the time of your arrival–this could be beach cleanup, beautification projects, or other initiatives that improve the community. While it has many achievements to boast of, such as universal health care, many Costa Rican communities – individuals, families and children alike – still need your support. Volunteer efforts can be a big help to its most vulnerable citizens. Relax after a hard day’s work at our beautiful Home Base. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy water sports, fun in the sun and other activities with your new friends from all over the world.

Discover what you can do for the future of the planet along the spectacular coastline of Costa Rica.

• Explore the Pacific coast as you travel south and then up along the coastline
• Support a sustainable sea turtle hatchery and conservatory alongside local community organizations
• Go bioluminescence kayaking and explore Costa Rica’s renowned national parks
• Explore waterfalls, go ziplining and soak up ample beach time
• Live in multiple beach communities along the Pacific shoreline, each a unique cultural treasure
• Designed for teens ages 14-19

On this program you will experience a variety of world renowned beaches and national parks of Costa Rica throughout. Depending on whether you choose the 14-day or 21-day session, two or three small coastal communities will become your home away from home. As you travel the Pacific coastline during your expedition, you will contribute to conservation projects addressing climate change and learn to be environmental stewards. On the Nicoya Peninsula, spend a week learning about sea turtle conservation and supporting other wildlife native to the area. Then head south and explore world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park, while continuing your environmental service projects along the coast.

Become a conservationist for Costa Rica’s sea turtles as you explore the unspoiled coast.

• Protect an endangered sea turtle nesting beach
• Assist with night patrols and visit a turtle nursery
• Soar through the rainforest canopy on a zipline adventure
• Learn to surf the warm, mild waves of Costa Rica
• Explore a small beach town and the local artisans market
• Designed for teens ages 14-19

On this program you will learn about many of the threats sea turtles face – boat traffic, climate change, accidental catch by industrial fisheries and pollution in their habitats. The population has declined by 90% since 1980. You’ll live and work on the rural Caribbean coast, assisting a turtle conservation organization with critical efforts to preserve the natural areas where this endangered species lives. Ensuring that the turtle population will thrive for generations depends largely on our ability to educate the local community and protect the places where turtles nest. With the right timing and luck, you might be rewarded with the sight of turtles hatching.

Costa Rica is your classroom where Spanish immersion, volunteering and adventure create a limitless learning environment.

• Take your Spanish to the next level through a structured immersion program
• Practice with native speakers in an encouraging community
• Volunteer on projects focusing on infrastructure or the environment
• See wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park
• Learn the importance of sustainable development for Costa Rica’s future
• Designed for teens ages 14-19

On this program you will work take learning Spanish out of the classroom—you’ll live in Cartago, land of volcanoes, beautiful nature and friendly Costa Ricans, and learn to speak the language from locals. These experiences enhance your language immersion, making sure you get plenty of practice and return home a more confident Spanish speaker. Finally, if you opt to stay for our Homestay Extension, you will live with a local family in a Costa Rican community for an extra week of language skill building as well as cross-cultural immersion.

Embrace Costa Rica’s children and make an impact on the next generation in one of two ways: through community development at local schools or via sports leadership.

• Volunteer on infrastructure projects at rural schools
• Discuss critical community issues
• Bond with local youth through cultural exchange or a shared love for sports
• Experience Costa Rica’s rainforest canopy on a zipline and on horseback
• Go river tubing on Rio Arenal near the volcano and relax in hot springs
• Designed for teens ages 14-19

On this program you will

learn how development issues in rural Costa Rica — from education access to sustainable land use — are all related to the wellness of youth. You’ll be based in a very small town far from developed tourism hot spots. Bond with children and families from your neighborhood as you volunteer in their schools, help lead environmental education or community sports projects, and spend time working with grassroots organizations passionate about engaging the community in more sustainable practices.