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San Diego

Surf Therapy
see info below

Program Details

DATES
July 7-July 13, 2025

7DAYS

SERVICE HOURS
40
TUITION
$3099*

*SEE DETAILS

AVAILABILITY
Available

Alongside our partner, Groundswell Community Project, you will explore the powerful intersection of mental health, community well-being, and ocean conservation through the innovative practice of surf therapy.

Note: This program is only open to female-identifying students. No surf experience is necessary to participate in this program.

Program Overview

This program will take you to San Diego, California, the headquarters of Groundswell Community Project. While in San Diego, you will learn about surf therapy by experiencing surf therapy firsthand. Your mornings will be spent participating in surf therapy experiential training led by Groundswell. By participating in surf therapy sessions, you will learn how Groundswell’s unique research-based, trauma-informed surf therapy curriculum is used to support the healing of womxn and their communities overcoming various forms of trauma.

When you are not in the water, you will have the opportunity to meet and connect with others in the San Diego Community who have used surf therapy to tackle their fears and cultural hurdles while transforming trauma to discover their own beauty and strength as they embrace and preserve the beauty and strength of Mother Ocean and her waves.

You will have the chance to work with Syrian and Ukrainian Refugee organizations as they experience surf therapy themselves.  Throughout the program, you will be encouraged to discover your inner strength, connect with a supportive community, and embrace the healing power of the ocean. Together, we’ll explore how personal transformation can ripple out to create positive change in our communities and environment.

Program Highlights

Learn about surf therapy by experiencing surf therapy firsthand.

Meet and connect with others in the San Diego Community who have used surf therapy to tackle their fears and cultural hurdles.

Work with Syrian and Ukrainian Refugee organizations as they experience surf therapy themselves.

Discover your inner strength, connect with a supportive community, and embrace the healing power of the ocean.

Course Elements

1 is the least rigorous, 5 is the most rigorous

5
LEARNING SERVICE
You will learn about mental health, Earth health, and community health through surf-therapy.
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.
1
TREKKING
Throughout your time in San Diego you will explore various sites in the area on foot.
2
LIVING CONDITIONS
In San Diego, you will be staying at a local hostel, where you will be in a shared room with only your group members.
2
ON THE MOVE
You will visit various local sites in San Diego on foot, by trolley, and by van.
1
REMOTENESS
You will explore different sites in the San Diego metropolitan area.

Itinerary

1

Arrive to San Diego. Begin group orientation.

2

Participate in surf therapy experiential training. Support local nonprofits in San Diego (Syrian and Ukrainian Refugee organizations, Generate Hope and others).

3

Participate in surf therapy experiential training. Support local nonprofits in San Diego (Syrian and Ukrainian Refugee organizations, Generate Hope and others).

4

Participate in surf therapy experiential training. Support local nonprofits in San Diego (Syrian and Ukrainian Refugee organizations, Generate Hope and others).

5

Participate in surf therapy experiential training. Support local nonprofits in San Diego (Syrian and Ukrainian Refugee organizations, Generate Hope and others).

6

Participate in surf therapy experiential training. Support local nonprofits in San Diego (Syrian and Ukrainian Refugee organizations, Generate Hope and others).

7

Depart San Diego for home.

San Diego : 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 and processing your experience. Since this is a new program in 2025, there are no current posts.

Important Details

TUITION*

Tuition (students from partner schools): $2999
Tuition (students from non-partner schools):$3099

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

AIRFARE

Students are responsible for booking their own flights to meet the group in San Diego. Once enrolled, our admissions team will assist you in choosing the correct arrival and departure times.

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.

Questions?

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