About Our Programs

There are two program options. Our courses range in length. We suggest between 2 and 5 weeks in the country. There are programs for participants of all ages from middle school to college graduate school.

Open Enrollment

Offered throughout the summer
Individual students join forces with other students from all over the country to travel, work, learn and play within Costa Rica
A wonderful opportunity to not only see the country, but also make life long friends

Private Contract Courses

For teachers who are interested in bringing a group of students to Costa Rica for an educational once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Spanish, Science, History, Latin American Studies, Cultural Studies and Outdoor Education professors have found these programs provide an incredible educational opportunity.
Community Service Advisors see this program as a great alternative to the traditional way of performing this ever-important function.

General Course Overview

Within every Costa Rica Exploration program we make sure to incorporate our three key phases. In order to be completely effective, all programs must possess a gradual and informal graduation from one phase to the next. Our skilled instructors and staff ensure this through teaching techniques, group discussions and reflective moments.

Students go Whitewater Rafting in Costa Rica

Each Exploration consists of 3 phases:

Orientation Phase: Students will get acquainted with the beautiful country and culture of Costa Rica, while forming relationships with their group and guides. Students will participate in daily adventure excursions in the Turrialba area, which could include: white-water river rafting down the Pacuare River, hiking a volcano, horseback riding, touring the rainforest, swinging like a monkey through the jungle on a canopy tour and/or learning how an organic coffee farm is run.

Homestay & Service Project Phase: Students will then begin the service project and family homestay experience in a chosen community. Students will become a part of a genuine "tico" family. As "sisters and brothers," they learn to speak Spanish, eat typical Costa Rican food and work side-by-side with community members on their service projects. Students will form lifelong bonds with their "tico" families and share many special moments. The lifestyle of a typical Costa Rican family is quite simple in comparison to families in the United States and Canada. This "no frills" lifestyle can come as shock to participants; however, this is an essential part of learning about and appreciating diverse cultures. Understanding these points beforehand is a necessity for each student. This phase takes place in one of various rural villages throughout the country.

Adventure and Travel Phase: After hard work in the community, students will take a trip to the beach to celebrate, reflect and relax for a few days. They will explore the area by taking a snorkel on the reef, swimming with the dolphins or just observing the monkeys, sloths and other wildlife that exists in this exquisitely beautiful and unique country.