Costa Rica:Ecology

Course Details

DATES

I. June 17-June 30, 2023
II. July 8-July 21, 2023

14DAYS

Departure City

Miami

TUITION

$4695* (Plus Airfare)

*SEE DETAILS

AVAILABILITY

I. Available
II. Available

Alongside our partner, Rancho Quemado, you will learn about sustainable tourism on the Osa Peninsula, named by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on earth.”

This program has two sessions to choose from (Costa Rica I or Costa Rica II). The only difference is the dates.

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 gateway city, begin group orientation in San Jose.

2

Drive from San Jose to Rancho Quemado.

3

Introduction to the program. Begin planning workshops for local children.

4

Learn about the sustainable production of organic cacao and lead a workshop for local children.

5

Learn about the impact of gold mining on the environment. Explore the area and learn about conservation efforts.

6

Learn about the wild animals in the area through a tour led by a local leader. Lead a workshop for local children.

7

Support a community development project and learn about how tourism helps to support these communal projects.

8

Support a community development project and learn about how tourism helps to support these communal projects.

9

Explore Isla del Caño, an important biological reserve in the area, and learn about environmental leadership.

10

Lead a workshop for local children and learn about the importance of skills training from local business leaders.

11

Participate in a biological monitoring expedition with locals who have been trained by the Ministry of the Environment.

12

Participate in an environmental education program for local youth. Finish the day supporting a local community development project.

13

Begin the journey back to San Jose and spend the last night in San Jose.

14

Return home.

NOTE

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

Costa Rica:Ecology : 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): $4495
Tuition (students from non-partner schools): $4695

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

AIRFARE*

Flight Cost: $750

*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.