Costa Rica Learning Service: Transformative Student Adventure

Your trip to Costa Rica

Programme type: Learning Service

Duration: 14 days

Accommodation type: Lodge, Hotel, Apartment

Transport type: Minibus

Sustainable Development Goals: 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities, 13. Climate Action, 14. Life Below Water, 15. Life on Land

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Highlights

Help protect sea turtles and contribute to reforestation, and trail maintenance while encountering wildlife such as sea turtle hatchlings, sloths, howler monkeys, and more.
Learn about permaculture, recycling, and sustainable farming techniques and their applications to local and global environmental challenges.
Journey through guided tours of Cahuita National Park, Gandoca Lagoon, and the Sloth Sanctuary.
Explore ancient practices such as chocolate-making, weaving, and bow crafting in Bribri Village, savour Costa Rican dishes, and participate in hands-on cooking lessons and salsa classes.
Visit Irazú Volcano National Park and head to the summit of Costa Rica's highest volcano, at 3,432m (11,000ft).

What to expect

Costa Rica offers a unique blend of biodiversity, culture, and meaningful conservation work. Explore lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and pristine beaches while supporting hands-on projects that protect endangered wildlife, restore habitats, and promote sustainable living.

The journey begins in Cartago, where cultural immersion activities and Spanish lessons prepare you for your travels. Work on important projects to protect wildlife and their important habitats - from turtle conservation camps to permaculture farms. Led by expert conservation researchers, you’ll play an active role in sea turtle monitoring, wildlife surveys, and habitat restoration

Spend time in indigenous villages, gaining first-hand insight into local traditions and environmental stewardship. Learn from local people as you deepen your understanding of Costa Rica’s heritage and community values through cooking, crafting and cultural exchanges.

Along the way, you’ll also summit Irazú Volcano, Costa Rica’s highest peak. Standing at 3,432 metres, the views from the top reveal vast volcanic landscapes and sweeping panoramas that make this one of the country’s most iconic natural highlights.

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Why choose Costa Rica for your Learning Service programme

Costa Rica stands out as a global leader in sustainability and conservation, making it an ideal destination for experiential learning. The programme offers rare opportunities to work directly with local initiatives - from turtle hatchery monitoring to rainforest biodiversity surveys - while also exploring how indigenous practices and modern approaches intersect to protect ecosystems.

This Learning Service programme provides rich links to geography, environmental science, and global citizenship, giving students tangible ways to connect classroom learning with real-world impact. The itinerary balances structured service with exploration and cultural immersion, creating a transformative experience that fosters leadership, resilience, and a deeper respect for the natural world.

What's included?

We handle all the essentials, so you can focus on the experience.

Included:

Accommodation - Clean, safe and welcoming accommodation. A home away from home with comfortable amenities.
Meals and drinking water - All breakfast lunch and dinners, and always fresh drinking water.
Transportation - To and from the airport, plus everything in between.
24/7 Support - Round-the-clock support on the ground and 24/7 back-up from our global teams.
Free teacher places - One free staff place for every nine students that travel
Activities - All excursions, cultural activities, and social events.
Project training and materials - All programme activities and equipment, including training and workshops from experienced professionals.
Projects Abroad T-shirt - A free t-shirt for every traveller.
Dedicated pre-departure support - Your group’s own contact to support with everything from application to departure.
Presentations for students, parents, and teachers - Online or in-person presentations to answer all questions and help prepare travellers for their programme.
Fundraising advice - Support and resources to aid students’ fundraising journeys.

Upon request:

Flights - We can arrange group flights for you, to keep your booking simple.
Travel and medical insurance - Provided by our trusted insurance partners.
Reflective journals - Custom-made journals to support student reflections and learning outcomes.
International Volunteering Diploma (16 UCAS Points) - Bolster your programme's educational value with an online Level 3 diploma developed specifically for Projects Abroad participants by the Centre for Global Citizenship Studies.