The Initiative for Children in Costa Rica

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.

Community Service

Work at a school or community center, where local children spend extensive time every day. Improve the infrastructure and conditions of the site alongside students and members of the community; learn about the local challenges and opportunities available to the children who live there. 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 firsthand 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.

Program Highlights

• 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)