COSTA RICA
THE INITIATIVE FOR CHILDREN
Make an impact on the next generation through community development or sports leadership.
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 near the volcano and relax in hot springs
- Enjoy a whitewater rafting adventure, and go on 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
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, and spend time working with grassroots organizations passionate about engaging the community in more sustainable practices. After service, experience Costa Rica’s lush landscapes and outdoor adventure activities like zip lining, river tubing, hiking, lake kayaking, and relaxing in volcanic hot springs.
If you choose the 21-day Flagship experience, you’ll also explore the beaches on the Pacific coast by catamaran and go snorkeling, as well as whitewater rafting.
Featured Theme
Featured Destinations
COSTA RICA
THE INITIATIVE FOR CHILDREN
Community Service
Work at a school or community center, where local children spend extended time every day. With community members and students, improve the infrastructure and conditions of the site, learn about the local challenges since COVID 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, or engage with youth in a variety of activities to enhance their English language skills.
Immersive Learning
While Costa Rica is well known for its environmental and educational efforts, see first-hand 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, spend time learning what it’s like to grow up and live in Costa Rica. Cross-cultural interaction provides lasting memories for the students, opening up opportunities for language exchange, various lessons and mutual inspiration.
Adventure
Take time away from community service and experience the adventurous side of Costa Rica. Go hiking 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. Go kayaking on a nearby lake. Follow that up with an incredible ziplining expedition and take to the water on a fun river tubing excursion. 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. Go to the beach for a 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 Flagship Program
Ages 14-18
| 2023 Dates |
|---|
| JUN 29 – JUL 19, 2023 |
14-Day Program
Ages 14-18
| 2023 Dates |
|---|
| JUN 12 – JUN 25, 2023 |
| JUL 23 – AUG 05, 2023 |
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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