Dynamic Initiative - Costa Rica

• Wind through farms to enjoy the unhurried pace of life.
• Explore the country's waterways through kayaking and tubing expeditions.
• Experience an exhilarating ziplining expedition through lush treetops.
• Enjoy an afternoon swimming in your private lake behind Home Base.

• Home Base is an all-wooden lodge surrounded by rural pineapple and sugarcane farms, offering access to three lakes for swimming, kayaking, and expansive grounds.

• Students stay in gender-segregated rooms with assigned roommates.

• Home Base serves simple, fresh, and healthy meals, reflecting the traditional dietary staples of Costa Rica.

• Enjoy delicious, locally-grown fruits as part of the culinary experience.

• We cater to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, no pork, and no fish options, and understand the importance of accommodating vegetarian, Kosher, or Halal diets. Feel free to reach out with any specific dietary concerns or questions.

• Students receive internet access once per week. Access is provided through temporary WiFi at Home Base or at a local internet café.

• Laundry is not available on programs shorter than 14 days in length, so students are asked to pack accordingly.

• Visit Juan Castro Blanco National Park and hike near the renowned Arenal Volcano.
• Relax in hot springs and follow a local guide to learn about cultural traditions, history, and natural features.

21-Day Flagship Extras:

• Whitewater Rafting: Experience an epic whitewater rafting excursion on the Aguas Bravas river.
• Ocean Catamaran and Snorkeling: Enjoy an ocean catamaran ride and snorkeling expedition for added adventure.

• Choose any first-day flight within the provided arrival window.

• Staff available for airport pickup regardless of arrival time or delays, providing transportation to Home Base with licensed drivers.

• Receive exact details on destination airport and arrival time restrictions after enrollment.

• Transportation in approved vehicles or suitable modes for each location; supervised public transportation on Europe programs.

• Arrive between 06:00 (6am) and 17:00 (5pm) on the day your program begins 

• Depart between 09:00 (9am) and 17:00 (5pm) on the day your program ends

• Please note there is a $29 departure tax when exiting Costa Rica. Many airlines incorporate this into the price of the ticket; however, some do not. Please check with your airline.

Community Service

• School and Community Center: Work on improving infrastructure and conditions at a local school or community center where children spend significant time daily.
• Collaboration with Leaders: Partner with school and local leaders to address community needs, such as maintaining gardens, building greenhouses, refurbishing classrooms, or handling repairs.
• Dedication to Interactions: Engage in physical endeavors crucial for community development; foster interactions with local students through soccer matches, English-language games, and language skill enhancement.

Immersive Learning

• Development Challenges: Witness firsthand how persistent development issues impact the daily lives of Costa Rican youth.
• Farm Visits: Explore farms around Santa Teresa, meeting families whose children attend the schools you volunteer at.
• Cross-Cultural Interaction: Connect with local schoolchildren for lasting memories, fostering opportunities for language exchange and mutual inspiration.

Program Highlights

• Volunteer on infrastructure projects at rural schools
• 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 and relax in hot springs
• Learn about the culture through cooking and dancing lessons, as well as a coffee workshop
• Enjoy a whitewater rafting adventure, and take an overnight excursion to the beach for a catamaran ride and snorkeling (21-Day Program only)

• Pocket Money Advice: $100 per week, depending on the spending habits of the student. This will be just for souvenirs and snacks. 

• Emergency Fund: It is advised families to send students with $200-$300 of emergency funds to only be used in case of an emergency. This money is not to be used on snacks or souvenirs.

• Safety First: Our 5-Point Safety System™ ensures rigorous standards to prioritize the safety, health, and well-being of students on every program.

• Home Base: Experience a safe and comfortable home away from home, serving as a gathering place for reflection and team building after active days.

• Caring Supervision & Local Expertise: No student is ever alone outside Home Base; our 6:1 student-to-staff ratio, along with local partners and international staff, ensures dedicated supervision and expert knowledge of the local community.

• Safe Transportation: Greeted by experienced drivers upon arrival, students are transported to Home Base safely, with approved vehicles or appropriate modes of transport for each location.

• Healthy Meals & Pure Water: Enjoy fresh, balanced meals prepared daily, blending local cuisine and common staples for a healthy dining experience.

• 24/7 Support & Emergency Response: With a proactive risk management approach, we provide constant support and emergency response throughout the program, ensuring a secure environment for all participants.