Osa Institute
Why choose Osa Institute?
Established in 2013 by Lauren Markey, the Osa Institute, formerly known as Hibiscus Travels, originated from Lauren's extensive experience coordinating volunteer travel for various NGOs in Costa Rica. Recognizing the need for a dedicated organization, Lauren founded the Osa Institute to efficiently manage volunteer experiences. Over the years, the institute has evolved to provide not only volu...
Established in 2013 by Lauren Markey, the Osa Institute, formerly known as Hibiscus Travels, originated from Lauren's extensive experience coordinating volunteer travel for various NGOs in Costa Rica. Recognizing the need for a dedicated organization, Lauren founded the Osa Institute to efficiently manage volunteer experiences. Over the years, the institute has evolved to provide not only volunteer and service trips but also study abroad programs for Spanish and Biology college credits in collaboration with West Liberty University. Our comprehensive services include airport pick-up, meals, 24/7 coordinator assistance, housing, and program coordination, ensuring safe and meaningful global learning experiences for students and educators alike.
Osa Institute Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Osa Institute is the BEST!
by: Jackson Rendon - United StatesProgram: Research and Fieldwork in Costa RicaI had the best time in Costa Rica at the Osa Institute. The culture was the best and learning from everyone at the Osa Institute changed me forever in best way possible. I would back every year! Everyone at Osa Institute cares about giving back and my time has allowed me to make sure that anywhere I go to give back and help everyone. The people in Costa Rica and at the Osa Institute are the best and I will never forget them so thank you for everything! Pura Vida!
Costa Rica: Pura Vida!!
by: Riya Soni - IndiaProgram: Research and Fieldwork in Costa RicaThe Costa Rica research and fieldwork program also known as Give Back: Costa Rica has been an amazing experience and has helped expand my worldview. This has been a great opportunity for me to polish my Spanish, learn latin cooking, and also participate in some field research (with bats, whales, dolphins, and so much more). I am so grateful for my time spent here and really looking forward to integrating some of the values that I’ve learned here into my daily life as well. Would definitely recom...
Pura Vida! Love my time here in Costa Rica??
by: Alexander Salazar - United StatesProgram: Research and Fieldwork in Costa RicaBeing here in OSA has truly changed my life and I have a better viewpoint of life and really being a part of the community really helped me I really appreciate the opportunities I have here and truly I want to return back and do more with the community in terms of also helping the churches here.
Osa Institute Programs
Browse programs you might like
Conduct fieldwork at Osa Institute’s Biological Station on Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. Our field station provides: Access to diverse rainforest...
The Osa Institute is offering Elementary Spanish I and II, Intermediate Spanish I and II, and Spanish Conversion and Comp I and II for 3 or 4 cre...
Join us in this marine conservation program in Puerto Jiménez! You will get to participate in activities related to dolphin and whale data mon...
The Osa Institute is an international education and experience provider and biological research station. We offer affordable, valuable, positivel...