Service Expeditions in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description: Don't just sit there, do something! Travel way beyond the beaten path to rural lodges in Costa Rica which are owned and run by the local communities. We don't do overbuilt, concrete resorts! Work with real people in the community to help with construction, painting, trail building or other community service activities. Then ride a zip line through the forest, visit a pristine beach, or dive under a jungle waterfall! You not only learn about sustainable, rural development in Costa Rica: You are a part of it!

Highlights: Highlights include directly supporting rural community development and environmental conservation in Costa Rica while at the same time practicing Spanish and going on adventure tours. All of this happens in some of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica and supervised by leaders who have long experience working on environmental conservation and sustainable development in Costa Rica!

Qualifications: An open mind, a desire to serve, and an intense need for adventure!

The programs are designed for high school and college students.

Cost in US$: $1295

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A high school or college student wanting to learn about Latin American culture, experience the Costa Rican rainforest, and serve others.

Age Range: 14 on up!

This Program is open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4-14

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Central American Service Expeditions's Mission Statement: Central American Service Expeditions arose from the need for quality international service and inter-cultural experiences for teens. Economic production and consumption is becoming more and more globalized, so it is critical that all of us learn about other cultures and societies. Being an educated global citizen requires us to learn more about the world in which we live and on which we all depend. This process is best begun at an early age when young adults are just starting to take an interest in the world around them. A service expedition with Central American Service Expeditions will jump start the process of opening a young person's mind to the many possibilities of the world and our role within it. Central American Service Expeditions is commited to take youth safely out of their "comfort zone" and place them within a context which allows them to challenge their stereotypes about themselves and other cultures, and to grow as individuals. All of our expeditions take place at community run eco-lodges in the Costa Rican rainforest and beaches!

Year Founded: 2005