High School Outdoor Education Programs in Costa Rica

Travel to Costa Rica for a program rich in community service and eco-adventure. Experience the traditional town of Atenas, surrounded by verdant mountains. Immerse fully in the Costa Rican culture by living with a local family and engaging in community service projects and afternoon cultural workshops. Travel for eco-adventure to the beautiful region of La Fortuna, at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Trek through the rainforest to a breathtaking waterfall and go on a zipline canopy tour through the jungle. Perform trail work at a private reserve and see exotic wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys, and toucans. Travel to Manuel Antonio beach on the Pacific coast for surf lessons, white water rafting, and hiking through the national park. Learn what sustainable tourism and eco-adventure are all about! A basic level of Spanish is recommended for this program.

Join us in Costa Rica for unforgettable memories and valuable service work! We will have the unique opportunity to perform 20 hours of valuable service work in two different communities. In La Fortuna we will work alongside the local association of Boy Scouts with various projects like planting trees to promote a better ecosystem, light construction, and clean-up projects. TFT feels strongly about the impact of this organization and we contribute every year to help them continue their mission in the community. In Sámara we work with another local association that provides supplemental educational, recreational, and career opportunities for youth with limited resources in the rural beach communities of the surrounding area. We will be helping run one of their many programs focusing on academic and artistic education, environmental consciousness, health, and socio-cultural development. Projects vary but our service work typically consists of working on art projects with the children, reading to them, teaching them English, and general upkeep of the school such as painting and light maintenance.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Develop your Spanish skills in Costa Rica with the Maximo Nivel Spanish Camp. Maximo Nivel Summer Spanish Camp is a full-immersion experience that integrates the Spanish language into all aspects of the program, including community service, sports, cultural activities, and tourism. You receive 3 hours of Spanish classes per day before heading out to different cultural activities and tours in the afternoon. Activities include museum visits, national park tours, creative workshops, recreational games, and more. This unique experience helps you develop a better sense of the world and grow into a true global citizen. Spanish Camp is an experience you remember forever! Every day, Spanish campers immerse themselves in the Spanish language while participating in a variety of activities and events around the capital city of San Jose and the beach towns of Manuel Antonio and Quepos. During weeknights, planned activities include salsa lessons, bonfires, karaoke, game nights, and movie nights, as well as quality time and Spanish language practice with your host family. On weekends, you take part in exciting cultural adventures and nature tours led by our professional guides.

Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you are passionate about! Choose from program themes ranging from Public Health and Medicine to Animal and Wildlife Conservation to Language Immersion and everything in between. GLA's offerings include: - Animal Rescue & Veterinary Project - Beachside Service Adventure - Marine Conservation & Sea Turtle Expedition™ - The Ultimate Adventure - Medicine & Healthcare Discovery - Middle School Service Adventure - Ocean & Wildlife Conservation Adventure™ - Sea Turtle Initiative™ - Spanish Service Adventure - Surf, Sports & Sustainability ™ - The Initiative for Children ™ - Spring Break Service Adventure - Costa Rica Internship: Career Exploration In Environmental Stewardship Costa Rica is known for its serene tropical surroundings and leading ecological conservation efforts. It comprises five percent of the world's biodiversity, making it Central America’s "crown jewel" and an unbeatable location for natural and cultural exploration.

The Girls Leadership Academy for Service & Sport (GLASS) is designed specifically for high school female athletes. Our one-of-a-kind curriculum is woven through sports, service, and global engagement. Hosted on our private campus in Costa Rica, each 10-day GLASS session includes: Sports-performance training Service-learning projects Leadership development workshops Mentorship from former college athletes International adventure GLASS is designed to help high school female athletes unleash their full leadership potential on and off the playing field.

During the Seeds of Change Tropical Rainforest Research Program, students are immersed in a hands-on field research program that takes advantage of the immense biodiversity of the tropical rainforest. They learn how to apply the scientific method while collaborating with team members to establish their original research question as well as the experimental design for their project. Students work together to implement their research and learn how to work as a team to overcome challenges and rebound from failures within resource and time constraints, just as in any real-world project. They use statistics to validate the results of their experiments and give presentations showing the results of their work, just like any research scientist would! The Tropical Field Research program prepares students for university-level science. Students learn how to work as a team, handle differences, and take advantage of the ways others communicate best. Students use TypeCoach to help navigate team-member differences. They learn and apply the most appropriate experimental designs, apply key statistical analysis techniques, and present their research in Costa Rica and their community at home.

GVI offers a variety of opportunities for young adults between the ages of 15 and 17 to gain first-hand experience in cultural immersion, marine and wildlife conservation and community development. This is a great way to become a global citizen with a better understanding of prevalent social and environmental issues. It’s also a gateway to improving your future education and employment opportunities, as you acquire soft and hard skills in your chosen GVI focus. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to dive in the oceans of Greece, visit the jungles of Costa Rica, or the rolling Incan valleys of Peru, all while contributing to sustainability, this is for you. This is an opportunity to connect with a network of people who share similar passions for sustainability, while also expanding your knowledge of different linguistic practices and cultural customs. Each project is aimed at reaching sustainable objectives that align with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Costa Rica is where adventure, service, cultural immersion, and the wonders of nature intersect. Our programs focus on turtle conservation, surfing, and connection with the local communities. With programs for high school students, college students, and young explorers, there’s an exciting opportunity to live the ‘pura vida’ lifestyle for all explorers. Turtle Conservation Project – Embark on a journey to protect sea turtles. Contribute to conservation through beach cleanups, hatchery construction & nest monitoring. Learn to surf in your free time. Pura Vida Service – Create authentic bonds with local communities and contribute to meaningful service projects. Program highlights include zip-lining, whitewater rafting, and hot springs. Surf and Service – Take in breathtaking sunsets and the blue waters during a week of surf, service, and community support. Spring Break Surf and Service – The Spring Break version of our popular Surf and Service program! Young Explorers – The perfect intro for young adventurers! Journey from the mountains to the beaches and participate in impactful service projects.

Global Works specializes in teen service trips and educational experiences to Costa Rica for high school and middle school students. These student travel programs have been our most popular over the years for good reason. Incredible biodiversity and a welcoming culture make Costa Rica an awesome choice for a summer adventure. Global Works offers volunteer programs in different focus areas. We offer opportunities for community service, Spanish immersion, cultural exchange, pre-med and public health, wildlife, adventure travel, and a middle school-focused program to this special corner of the globe. Program Options: * Costa Rica: Service & Sand (15 days) * Costa Rica: Wildlife Adventure (17 days) * Costa Rica: Intro to Pre-Med & Public Health (17 days) * Costa Rica: Middle School Service Adventure (10 days)

Travel to Costa Rica this summer for a teen community service program you won’t forget! Work alongside some of our long-standing service partners on projects such as building infrastructure in the Central Valley. The trip uses a service-learning framework tailored for high school students, wherein our staff provides guidance and reflection on the impact of our work and promotes the value of empathy and cultural sensitivity. When not volunteering, participants go off on exciting adventures like learning to surf, zip-lining over the forest canopy, enjoying whitewater rafting, and more! Fall in love with the Pura Vida lifestyle and all things Costa Rican in this 10-day program.

Live and volunteer in a rural Costa Rican community on this immersive high school service program. Begin at a rainforest ecolodge near Lake Arenal, where you learn about sustainability, explore jungle trails, and prepare for your project work. Settle into your host community to partner with local residents on meaningful construction and agricultural initiatives, practicing Spanish as you cook meals, play fútbol, and join local events. Cap your journey on the Pacific coast, where you celebrate your accomplishments while rafting, hiking, snorkeling, or surfing in warm tropical waters.

The Costa Rica: Cloud Forest Community Initiative program offers the perfect mix of adventure and service. Whitewater raft through the lush rainforest of the Pacuare River, spotting wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and toucans along the way. Live in a remote cloud forest village, contributing to important infrastructure projects. Learn to surf the calm waves of Costa Rica’s Pacific Ocean, while enjoying the country’s stunning palm-fringed beaches. Discover the process of coffee production in the lush green mountains where it’s grown, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of rainforests, pristine coastlines, and hidden waterfalls, all while connecting with and supporting local communities.

Experience an unforgettable summer camp in the heart of Costa Rica's beautiful tropical forests, where adventure meets conservation. Engage in wildlife research while exploring the jungle, hiking, ziplining, and immersing yourself in the local culture. Gain insights from experienced researchers on how environmental NGOs and national governments utilize data collection, entry, and analysis to protect and conserve the natural environment. This program is designed for teenagers aged 15 to 18 and offers eco-friendly accommodations, hands-on projects, and exciting activities such as whitewater rafting and beach visits. It is the perfect balance of learning, adventure, and impact.

Learn the language. Live the culture. Be the change. Join our summer camp for ages 13 - 17! Ready for a meaningful immersion experience? Take part in our Teen Summer Camp for a more encompassing adventure than the usual camp routine. Our new language program also empowers you to become an agent for positive change. Teens all over the world are getting involved and making their voices heard, and we want to offer you some skills to do the same. What better place than Costa Rica, a country recently named by the UN as a Champion of the Earth, where over 95% of the energy produced is renewable and the natural world is highly valued, where the people live long and are considered some of the happiest on the planet? Learn about sustainable agriculture, indigenous cultures, and interconnected ecosystems while practicing mindfulness and empathetic communication. Find where you fit into this dynamically changing world we live in. Please inquire about camp dates and all other details!

Travel to Costa Rica with GoBeyond to help improve the harsh conditions of the local community and its people. GoBeyond students participate in variety of humanitarian projects led by Gail Nystrom, head of the Costa Rica Humanitarian Foundation. As an ex-Peace Corps worker, Gail has established herself and her organization in communities all around Costa Rica. Through her partnership, GoBeyond students will work to empower impoverished communities through cultural immersion and meaningful service, all while experiencing the "Pura Vida" lifestyle that Costa Rica is known for! Adventure, service, and cultural immersion blend seamlessly in this three week excursion from coast to coast.

Enjoy a summer Spanish learning vacation in a typical "Tico" town on the outskirts of the capital, San Jose. Heredia is a small town located about seven miles from San Jose and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy capital. Surrounded by hills and coffee plantations, this summer vacation offers participants the chance to live with a local family. San Jose is on your doorstep and many of the activities will offer you the chance to visit the many museums and colorful markets, and enjoy the city, enjoying life away from the hectic city. Located in a beautiful, prestigious private campus with spacious grounds surrounded by coffee plantations and open fields, the campus has excellent study facilities, many social areas, several soccer fields, large outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and multipurpose sports area, including volleyball and basketball courts.

Explore Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes, vibrant communities, and unwavering commitment to preserving its natural treasures. Deepen your awareness and learn from local communities to take climate action back to your home community. Embark on an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica, where nature, culture, and sustainability come together. Begin in San José, exploring museums, bustling markets, and engaging in discussions on climate justice. Travel from the Los Santos Region to the remote Osa Peninsula, hiking through lush national parks, discovering breathtaking landscapes, and connecting with local communities. Immerse yourself in Costa Rican life during a 10-night homestay, participating in meaningful community projects and forging lasting connections. Experience thrilling adventures from the rainforest canopy to the Pacific Coast, and explore eco-initiatives, including sustainable farms, an active wind farm, and sea turtle nesting sites. The Biodiversity, Climate & the Environment program blends cultural immersion, conservation, and adventure in one unforgettable expedition.

Join us from June 21st to August 1st, 2025, for a 6-week Summer Camp for Teen Girls between 14 and 17 years old. Based in Costa Rica, the program includes therapeutic support. Imagine a summer camp with water gun fights, paint battles, and never-ending slumber parties with karaoke nights and poolside fun. Now, picture all this excitement set against the stunning landscapes. Add cultural immersion, meaningful volunteering, dynamic internships, and thrilling adventures. Top it off with a therapist acting as a camp counselor, offering in-the-moment coaching, wellness lessons, and personal development support. This unique component ensures you receive constant guidance that fosters resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. Welcome to the most fun, silly, and unforgettable summer camp for teen girls! Our unique program brings a small group of 10 girls together in a beautiful villa, where they learn essential life skills, become amazing roommates, and form lifelong friendships. This is not just a summer camp—it’s an incredible adventure that builds confidence, fosters independence, and enhances mental well-being. Join us in Costa Rica for the summer of a lifetime!

Join us in Costa Rica as we experience life off the beaten path in the shadow of the Turrialba Volcano. Our 14-day teen community service and Spanish immersion program takes us through the beautiful country as we visit mountains, rainforests, and beaches. Improve your Spanish as we immerse ourselves in a rural community within the Turrialba Valley to repair family homes and work on local community projects – making time to surf, sea kayak, zip-line, and whitewater raft as well! Program Includes: Community Service, Cultural Immersion, Explore, Spanish Language Exposure, Rainforest Hike, Surf, Teach English, Whitewater Rafting Expedition, Zip Line Service Hours 24-36 Sessions Multiple session dates - Check out our website for dates and full trip details!