Course Details
DATES
14DAYS
Departure City
We partner with the Integral Development Association of Rancho Quemado to Support community development projects and run workshops for children.
Program Overview
Alongside our partner, The Integral Development Association of Rancho Quemado, you will learn about rural tourism as a means to balance human prosperity and the protection of natural resources. 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.
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
LEARN MORE About Our Partner
Course Elements
The course elements are based on a rating from 1 to 5, 1 being the least rigorous, 5 being the most rigorous.
SERVICE
CURRICULUM
TREKKING
LIVING CONDITIONS
ON THE MOVE
REMOTENESS

The Integral Development Association of Rancho Quemado adopted the rural tourism initiative to create complete economic independence for families, as well as sustainable development through more trainings and donations to strengthen family businesses.
Costa Rica
Photo Gallery

Itinerary
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Costa Rica : In Three Phases
1
THE 5 LENS CURRICULUM
2
PARTNERING WITH NGOS
3
POST TRAVEL ADVOCACY
Travel Journal
During the travel phase of each SStS course, students spend time reflecting on the learning that occurs through their immersion and service experiences. These posts capture the impact of our programs on individual students. As this is our first year running the program we do not have any travel posts. Please check back soon.
Important Details
Cost Information
Students who attend a Shoulder-to-Shoulder partner school receive a tuition discount. To see a list of partner schools, click HERE.
Tuition (students from partner schools): $4360
Tuition (students from non-partner schools): $4560
Airfare & fees: $600
Total Course Cost: $4960 (Partner)/$5160 (Non-Partner)
SStS is in search of curious, compassionate, globally-minded students and will do all that we can financially to support students who require assistance. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, please indicate this on the application. Scholarships tend to be less than 50% of tuition.
Please note, tuition does not include airfare and immunizations.
Tuition costs are all-inclusive with the exception of personal expenditures (e.g. souvenirs). Tickets and medical & security evacuation services are purchased as a group. The cost of these services is included in the tuition. Talbot Travel Agency provides travel services for SStS, working personally with us to find the least expensive group fares. As a result, it is not possible to use airline miles or credit card benefits for international flights. However, these can be used to purchase tickets to the gateway city.
Travel Expectations
Please note that we expect all participants to travel together, adhering to the identical itinerary. We will depart the United States as a group from a gateway city. Exemptions may be made for international students. Additionally, travel in the developing world inevitably includes “the unexpected” (e.g. weather disruptions, transportation strikes, etc.). SStS will adjust the itinerary accordingly, making the best of uncontrollable situations. Due to the unknown variables in international travel, participants are asked not to make travel plans or to enroll in programs that start immediately after their return. SStS is not responsible for expenses incurred due to missed flights if the group is delayed in their return.