Seasonal Escapes in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose

Dates: Winter Escape: December 24, 2007 - Jan 18, 2008, Spring Escape: April 7 - May 4, 2008, Summer Escape: July 21 - August 15, 2008, Fall Escape: October 6 - November 2, 2008

Description: Come to beautiful Costa Rica a tropical paradise and one of the world's best destinations for both socio- and eco-tourism. An abundance of opportunities for conservation amid white sand beaches makes Costa Rica an excellent destination for everyone from sunbathers and surfers to scientists and teachers. Excitement awaits either the adventurer in the country's rainforests and on top of its steaming, active volcanoes or those seeking relaxation and the enjoyment of " la pura vida" the good life in Costa Rica! Global Crossroad's Seasonal Escapes in Costa Rica provide volunteers with a month-long adventure in Costa Rica splitting time between volunteering in community services projects, cultural immersion and amazing travel to some of this country's most amazing sites.

Highlights: Welcome to San Jose and Spanish Language Training (8 Days)

Program: Seasonal Escapes
Highlights: Community work, culture, travel
Arrival and Departure: San Jose International Airport (Costa Rica)
Project End point: San Jose
Special need: Good health for trekking
Accommodations: Hostel, host family, tourist hotel
Foods: local meals 3 times a day
Program fee: US $1899 for 4 weeks including 6-day, guided tour

You will be met by Global Crossroad's local representative upon arrival in wondrous San Jose. After a brief orientation, you can relax and settle into your accommodations in preparation for the next day's Spanish language lessons. Over the next seven (7) days, acquire a working level of the Spanish language ensuring your enjoyment of this abroad adventure.

Activities: welcome, orientation, Spanish language lessons, city tour of San Jose, and free time exploring

Work in Orphanage Or Other Community Service Projects (14 Days)

For the next 14 days, volunteers go to various orphanages (or other community service projects) located throughout San Jose and the surrounding areas. Volunteers will be sub-divided in many small groups. Global Crossroad will place 2-5 volunteers in one orphanage depending upon the number of childre. As a volunteer in the orphanage project, you will teach English (3-4 hours a day) in the orphanage or schools (when the children attend school during the day). You will help the children by educating them on issues of personal hygiene and sanitation helping them to brush their teeth, showering, etc.

Activities: work in orphanage, teach English, organize games and other extracurricular/creativity-based activities, and self-exploration of San Jose during free time.

Explore Costa Rica (7 Days)

After serving the communities and children of Costa Rica and acquiring some insightful perspective into the local culture, set out on an unforgettable journey through the tropical beauty that is Costa Rica . Take an exciting cruise on a sea-faring catamaran, hike to Paos Volcano National Park, enjoy an authentic cup of Costa Rican coffee, be awed by the Botos Lagoon, splash around in the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, surround yourself with the fluttering of butterfly wings at the Magia Blanca Falls (the largest enclosed butterfly observatory), sink your feet into the soft sands of unspoiled beaches and float away on a leisurely boat ride along the wildlife-brimming Sarapiqui River... and MORE!!!

Activities: catamaran cruise, visit numerous waterfalls, volcanoes (both dormant and active), numerous national parks, virgin beaches, butterfly observatory, wildlife sanctuaries, and more.

Cost in US$: $1899

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Global Crossroad's Mission Statement: Global Crossroad offers many remarkable and challenging volunteer, internship, mini-adventure, and cultural immersion opportunities to interested international volunteers in marvelous countries such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Mongolia, Ghana, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Kenya. Our unique programs are creative and exciting, as they engage volunteers in breathtaking journeys. Here, a volunteer can become involved in service projects while they explore remote villages. A volunteer can also learn a wonderful new heritage as the Global Crossroad provides language training courses and cultural tours.

Year Founded: 2002