Service Learning
COSTA RICA
9 days/8 nights | Full Board | Up to 30 participants | From $1,610pp
Experience Costa Rica’s lush landscapes and rich biodiversity through hands-on community and environmental projects on the Pacific coast. Contribute to conservation, agroforestry, biodiversity monitoring, and wildlife protection initiatives while supporting local communities. Deepen your connection with Costa Rican culture through interactive workshops in cooking, crafts, and music, and guided explorations of rainforest and coastal ecosystems. Conclude your journey with adventure and relaxation, from surf lessons at Playa Hermosa to magical encounters with bioluminescent waters in Curú National Park.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Costa Rica and settle into your hotel before an afternoon orientation introducing the values and goals of your service-learning journey. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional cuisine, connect with fellow participants, and ease into the spirit of Pura Vida as the experience begins.
Day 2
Start the morning with a guided walk through San José, taking in the city’s lively markets, historic landmarks, and everyday culture. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to relax or explore at your own pace—whether wandering museums, strolling through local parks, or discovering the cafés and creative neighborhoods that give the city its charm.
Day 3
Travel from San José to the Pacific coast, watching the landscape shift from mountains to tropical lowlands as you arrive at CIRENAS. Spend the afternoon settling into the eco-campus with an introduction to its mission of sustainability and community engagement, followed by a team-building activity that sets the tone for the days ahead.
Day 4
Begin the day with hands-on service, contributing to local conservation efforts and gaining insight into the ecosystems you’re supporting. In the late afternoon, enjoy a traditional cooking experience, learning local techniques and flavors that offer a deeper connection to Costa Rican culture.
Day 5
Continue your service work in the morning, rotating through projects that support local sustainability and deepen your understanding of the environment. In the late afternoon, take part in an artisan workshop, creating handcrafted pieces while learning from local artists and their traditions.
Day 6
Spend the morning continuing your conservation work, rotating through projects that support habitat restoration and highlight the impact of collective effort. In the late afternoon, head out on a guided jungle walk, exploring local wildlife and experiencing the region’s rich biodiversity up close.
Day 7
Dedicate the day to your final round of service projects, rotating through activities that reinforce the week’s themes of stewardship and community impact. In the evening, come together for a celebratory dinner and reflection, honoring the work accomplished, the connections formed, and the personal growth that has shaped your service-learning experience.
Day 8
Start the day with a surf lesson at Playa Hermosa, enjoying the fun and energy of the Pacific coast. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach at your own pace before heading out in the evening for a bioluminescence boat tour, witnessing the glowing waters that make this coastal experience unforgettable.
Day 9
Say goodbye to Costa Rica and the connections you’ve made as you head to the airport for your flight. Leave with meaningful memories, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of global citizenship and community engagement.
Meals & Accommodation
Hotels | Twin rooms for students | Single rooms for staff | Full board
Locations
Included
8 nights accommodation
All meals and soft drinks
Transportation
All activities
Entrance fees
Certificate of completion
Program management
Not included
International flights
Visas
Tips/gratuities
Laundry service
Alcohol
Travel insurance
Items of a personal nature
Partners
Hands-On Institute is a Nepal-based organization committed to sustainable community development and cultural preservation. They engage local groups through education and empowerment initiatives, fostering positive social change. Their deep local connections and expertise enrich broader efforts to support Nepal’s rural communities, contributing valuable insight and impact within the region.
Which courses can our Nepal Service-Learning Trip be tailored to?
Global Studies, International Relations, International Development, Political Science, Peace/Conflict & Justice, Human Rights, Geography, Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Gender Studies, Cultural Studies, Social Work, Education, Public & Community Health, Risk & Disaster Management, Social Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, Environmental Science, Climate Change, Conservation Studies, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Architecture, Computer Science, Agriculture, Religious Studies.