Costa Rica

Program Details

DATES

12DAYS

SERVICE HOURS

80

TUITION

$4999* (Plus Airfare)

*SEE DETAILS

AVAILABILITY

Alongside our partners, Rancho Quemado and Reserva Cloudbridge, you will learn about wildlife conservation, reforestation, and climate change alongside local community members while exploring two unique locations: the tropical rainforest of the Osa Peninsula and the cloud forest of the Talamanca mountains.

Program Overview

Your program will begin on the remote Osa Peninsula, known as “the most biologically intense place on earth.” As you delve into life at Rancho Quemado, you’ll actively partake in the daily routines of dedicated residents-turned-conservationists. You will support the work of the Biological Monitoring Committee as they strive to protect the local wildlife and support another organization working to protect sea turtles. In addition, you will teach environmental education classes to local children and have the chance to immerse yourself in the Spanish language.

After a week in Rancho Quemado, you will embark on a scenic drive from sea level to Cloudbridge Reserve, a hidden gem nestled over a mile high (5500 ft) in the majestic cloud forest. This private nature reserve is dedicated to the conservation and reforestation of the cloud forest. During your time here, you will learn about wildlife conservation, sustainable tourism practices, and the far-reaching impact of climate change.

*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 Costa Rica, from the cloud forest of the Talamanca mountains to the tropical rainforest of the Osa Peninsula.

Deepen your understanding of wildlife conservation, ecotourism, and the far-reaching impact of climate change.

Course Elements

1 is the least rigorous, 5 is the most rigorous

5

LEARNING SERVICE

You will join local leaders in their day to day activities, participate in wildlife monitoring expeditions, and support reforestation efforts 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.

3

TREKKING

While in Rancho Quemado, you will participate in a number of day hikes (2-3 miles). In Cloudbridge, you will do a number of hikes (2-3 miles) in hilly terrain.

3

LIVING CONDITIONS

While at Rancho Quemado, you will stay in rural cabins operated by a local family. In Cloudbridge, you will be staying in a locally run hostel.

3

ON THE MOVE

After arriving in San Jose, you will drive to Rancho Quemado. While in Rancho Quemado, you will do a day trip by bus to Drakes Bay. After your time in Rancho Quemado, you will drive by bus (5 hours) to Cloubridge before returning to San Jose at the end of your program by bus (2 hours).

3

REMOTENESS

You will spend your time in Rancho Quemado, a small town located on the Osa Peninsula. Cloudbridge is located in the area of San Gerardo de Rivas a small town in the Talamanca Mountains.

Itinerary

1

Depart from gateway city, begin group orientation in San Jose. Evening in San Jose.

2

Drive from San Jose to Rancho Quemado—introduction to the project. Evening in Rancho Quemado.

3

Learn about the sustainable production of organic cacao and participate in a community rally. Finish the evening with Soccer (or volleyball/basketball) with community members. Evening in Rancho Quemado.

4

Participate in a biological monitoring expedition. Learn how to cook a traditional Costa Rican meal. Finish the evening with Soccer (or volleyball/basketball) with community members. Evening in Rancho Quemado.

5

Participate in a biological monitoring expedition in the morning and teach environmental education classes to children in the afternoon. Finish the evening with Soccer (or volleyball/basketball) with community members. Evening in Rancho Quemado.

6

Travel by bus (1 hour) to Drakes Bay, where you will support the work of a local nonprofit organization focused on protecting sea turtles. In the evening you will hear from local community members about how they work together to preserve their natural resources. Evening in Drakes Bay.

7

Travel by bus (1 hour) back to Rancho Quemado. Tour a traditional sugar cane mill and meet with local entrepreneurs balancing conservation and economic prosperity. Finish the evening with Soccer (or volleyball/basketball) under the lights with community members. Evening in Rancho Quemado.

8

Learn about the environmental impact of gold mining while touring a former gold mine. Participate in a wildlife tracking expedition to learn about local plants and animals in the forest. Finish the evening with Soccer (or volleyball/basketball) with community members. Evening in Rancho Quemado.

9

Drive from Rancho Quemado to Cloudbridge. Introduction to Cloudbridge and night hike in the cloud forest. Evening in San Gerardo de Rivas.

10

Introductory hike in the reserve. Listen to a presentation about research methods, biodiversity, and camera traps. Tree planting or maintenance / set up butterfly traps. Evening in San Gerardo de Rivas.

11

Climate change discussion and final reflection. Begin the journey back to San Jose (3 hours) by van. Evening in San Jose.

12

Depart San Jose for Miami.

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.

Important Details

TUITION*

Tuition (students from partner schools): $4799
Tuition (students from non-partner schools): $4999

*Students attending a partner school receive a tuition discount. Click HERE to see partner schools. Please note that tuition does not include airfare.

AIRFARE*

Estimated Flight Cost: $850

*All students travel to their program destination on a group flight booked by Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder. Participants are responsible for any increase in airfares imposed by the airlines. All participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the departure city. SStS will confirm airfare and connecting travel information approximately 60 days before travel.

FINANCIAL AID

SStS is in search of curious, compassionate, globally-minded students from all backgrounds. We will do all that we can financially to support students who require assistance. If you would like to be considered for financial assistance, please indicate this on the application. Resources are limited and tend to be less than 50% of tuition.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

For a full description of our Terms and Conditions please CLICK HERE.