Costa Rica

Course Details

DATES

February 28-March 4, 2024

10DAYS

Departure City

Charlotte (CLT)

TUITION

$3099* (Plus Airfare)

*SEE DETAILS

AVAILABILITY

Application Open

Alongside our partner, Rancho Quemado, you will learn about sustainable rural tourism and balancing human prosperity and the protection of natural resources.

Program Overview

This program will take you deep into the heart of the Osa Peninsula, home to 2.5% of the entire biodiversity of the planet.

While in Rancho Quemado you will support a community development project, run workshops for children in the community, participate in a wildlife monitoring expedition, and meet with local leaders to learn how they are balancing economic development and conservation of this biodiversity-rich area. You will also have the opportunity to be immersed in the Spanish language, experience cultural traditions, meet with resident entrepreneurs, and explore all the Osa has to offer.

*Please note that programs are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

Program Highlights

Practice speaking Spanish while staying in rural cabins owned and operated by a local family

Experience the rich biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula

Support a community development project and run workshops for local children

Course Elements

1 is the least rigorous, 5 is the most rigorous

5

LEARNING SERVICE

You will support a community development project, run workshops for children, and participate in wildlife monitoring expeditions while learning about balancing economic development and conservation.

5

CURRICULUM

Prior to your travels, you will complete an online curriculum to gain background knowledge for your experience. While traveling, you will learn through engaging articles, cultural experiences, and group reflections.

2

TREKKING

You will be based in Rancho Quemado and have the opportunity to explore various sites around the area on a couple of long day hikes.

3

LIVING CONDITIONS

While at the project site, you will live in rural cabins owned and operated by a local family. While in San Jose, you will stay in a hostel.

2

ON THE MOVE

After arriving in San Jose, you will take a van to Rancho Quemado where you will be based for the duration of the program. While in Rancho Quemado there be a few short day trips by van.

3

REMOTENESS

You will spend the majority of your time in Rancho Quemado, a small town located on the Osa Peninsula in Southern Costa Rica.

Itinerary

1

Depart from Charlotte (CLT), and begin group orientation in San Jose.

2

Travel to Rancho Quemado.

3

Learn about the sustainable production of food on an organic farm tour. Support a community development project.

4

Learn about the impact of gold mining on the environment. Learn about local conservation efforts on a rainforest hike.

5

Visit Corcovado National Park (considered one of the world's most biodiverse regions). Local guest speaker on sustainable development and conservation.

6

Participate in a biological monitoring expedition. Support a community development proeject

7

Organic farm tour. Closing reflection and goodbye ceremony.

8

Depart for Uvita. Explore Marino Ballena, National Park.

9

Morning presentation on sustainable tourism. Drive to San Jose and spend the evening in San Jose.

10

Depart San Jose Costa Rica. Arrive in Charlotte (CLT) at 9 PM.

NOTE

Itineraries are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

Costa Rica : In Three Phases

1

PRE-COURSE CURRICULUM

Prior to your departure, you will be guided by your course instructors through a series of interactive, online lessons designed to help you engage with other members of your group while gaining important context for your experience.

2

FIELD STUDY

The majority of the days at each site are spent learning from our local partners and serving alongside them shoulder-to-shoulder. You will learn through service and experiences designed to help you understand the local context, culture, and history.

3

LIFELONG NETWORK

Ethical leadership is a lifelong journey. After your experience, you will become a part of the Shoulder-to-Shoulder network. This network of past alumni and partners is designed to inspire and support your journey in ethical leadership.

Travel Journal

During the travel phase of each SStS course, you will spend time reflecting on and processing your experience.

Not All That Different

I felt more connected to the community of Rancho Quemado today, more than ever before. We started the day by laughing out loud when the itinerary stated that WE would be teaching local kids soccer, but of course it would end up being the opposite. The kids were so accepting of our questionable socce...

Sweating With a Purpose

In today’s blog I, Athziry, will be talking about the wonderful hard working people in this rancho. Everyone is dedicated to their own roles of helping the community and maintaining this biodiverse ecosystem. The first person that comes to mind is a kind elder Felix. We have probably spoken about Fe...

Important Details

TUITION*

Tuition: $3099

*Please note that tuition does not include airfare.

Estimated AIRFARE*

$1000

*The final cost of airfare will be determined when the group ticket is secured. All participants must fly on the group flight.

REGISTRATION

To register your interest for this program please the link below.

Register

group flight

Coming Soon

WHAT TO PACK

DOWNLOAD PACKING LIST

Immunizations

Download Suggested Immunizations

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please refer to your CampSite account for the Terms & Conditions of this custom program.