Location
  • Costa Rica
Length
2 - 4 weeks
Need-based funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Direct Enrollment
Timeframe
Summer
Housing
Lodge
Age Min.
14
Age Max
18

Pricing

Starting Price
3999
Price Details
14-day program: $3,999
21-day program: $5,299
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals Transportation
What's Not Included
Airfare
Oct 30, 2023
Dec 06, 2023
0 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Costa Rica's public education system is one of the strongest in Central America; however, there are still areas of need. Work with a local NGO on community-driven initiatives that support Costa Rica's youth: help out on infrastructure projects in a school, assist with community outreach and education projects, and bond with the families in your host community. Hear from local leaders about challenges that rural educators face and help work to find solutions. Get to know Costa Rica's natural beauty through a jungle zipline course, a hike near the famous Arenal volcano and afternoons kayaking and swimming in your own private lake.

Service Hours: 14-day = 36 / 21-day = 60
Program Theme: Youth & Education

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Learn to dance and cook like a Tico
  • Give your time on community infrastructure projects that benefit children
  • River tube, zipline, kayak, swim and hike through one of the world's most biodiverse regions
  • Hear from local leaders about the challenges facing the education system in Costa Rica and how they are working to make a difference
  • Whitewater raft and take a catamaran snorkel excursion (21-day program only)

Scholarships

GLA IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) Scholarship

The goal of our scholarship is to provide inclusion, diversity, equity and access to GLA programs.

Program Reviews

4.50 Rating
based on 2 reviews
  • 5 rating 50%
  • 4 rating 50%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 4.5
  • Safety 4
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Default avatar
Berenice
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rica

This was my first time going on a trip with other students and with staff and counselors. I was a bit nervous but when I saw the staff at the airport I felt an immediate sense of relief because I knew I was going to be comfortable staying with them for the entirety of my two week trip. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the foods and drinks that I ate and the place I stayed at was beautiful. The activities that we did as a group made us think about our purpose, how we could get the most out of the experience, and was a great way to get to know everyone. Overall, the trip helped me grow as a person, made me understand the importance of community services, and I learned a lot about Costa Rica’s culture.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The hardest part about the trip was that I had never travelled outside of the country and I have never done it alone. It was the biggest obstacle I had to overcome the entire trip. Everything else on the trip was incredibly fun and exciting.
Pros
  • Knowledge
  • Experience
  • Friends
Cons
  • our shower broke a few times
2 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Megan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rice: Initiative for Children

GLA Costa Rica's Initiative for Children Program is nothing short of transformative. The seamless blend of cultural immersion, education, and community service creates an unparalleled experience for participants. Witnessing the joy on the faces of the children and the tangible improvements in their educational environments is heartening. What sets GLA apart is its commitment to sustainable development, ensuring that the positive changes endure long after the volunteers have departed. This program goes beyond traditional volunteerism; it cultivates global citizenship, instills leadership skills, and leaves a lasting legacy of empowerment. GLA Costa Rica has undoubtedly succeeded in not only rebuilding schools and providing resources but also in nurturing a generation of compassionate and informed global citizens who are inspired to create positive change in their communities and beyond.

Pros
  • Forming new friendships
  • Learning about a new culture
  • Get to have fun while doing good
6 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers