2020 Yellow Springs Costa Rica Service Adventure
| Travel Dates: | April 8, 2020 - April 14, 2020 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$1,890 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Confirmed Airfare: | $693 |
| Deadline(s): | Enrollment deadline forthcoming |
Tuition Calculator
There are two options for payment, including an interest-free installment plan. Follow the option which works best for your family.
Program Tuition: $1,890
Pay in Full
$1,890.00
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All prices in United States Dollars.
Costa Rica Service Adventure
From white sand beaches to misty cloud forests, from towering volcanoes to beautiful rivers that cut through tropical canyons, and to hospitable, friendly communities, Costa Rica has it all. Having abolished its military over 50 years ago, this tiny democratic republic has long been known for its pacifism, commitment to environmental protection, and its status as a destination for those seeking safe yet exciting adventure travel set against breathtaking scenery. However, despite an extensive tourism industry, in many parts of Costa Rica there remains a need for help and service. Our programs offer unique access to Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets and friendliest communities. We are confident you will love the land of Pura Vida as much as we do!
Service Adventures
Service Adventures combine local homestays, adventure travel, and meaningful service projects. Students will be truly immersed in our host communities allowing them the time to reflect on their complex and important role as global citizens.
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
Immerse yourself in the local language and culture by staying with a host family
Trek to a beautiful waterfall deep in the jungle
Spend the night in charming bungalows nestled in rain forest
Take private surf lessons from some of Costa Rica's best instructors
Hike through the tropical rainforest and learn about local ecosystems
Discover the gorgeous beaches and world-class national parks on the Pacific coast
The Itinerary
We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers, but given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but if inclement weather pushes us off course or an unexpected opportunity arises which travelers are excited about, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 8 | Ohio - San José, Costa Rica | Today the group will travel from Ohio to Costa Rica, flights usually arrive in the evening. After arrival, the group will settle into their hotel for the evening and have an orientation meeting where the group will discuss the upcoming trip in detail. | Casa Cielo Grande |
| April 9 | Pura Suerte | After breakfast we will head to our host community to meet our host families. We will get oriented, learn more about our service project and community, then students will have dinner with their own individual host families this evening. | Pura Suerte |
| April 10 | Host Community | Our days in the village will consist mainly of working on our community service project. Lunch will be either be on-site or at home with families. In the afternoons and evenings, activities are flexible and will vary, but may include time with host families, excursions around the village, or activities with the local community. Throughout the program, we'll have every opportunity to interact with community members in Spanish, participate in cultural exchanges, and explore Costa Rican culture. | Host Family |
| April 11 | Host Community | Today, we will continue working on our service project and spending time with host families. Evening activities will vary. | Host Family |
| April 12 | Host Community | Today, we will put the finishing touches on our service project celebrate with a fiesta de despedida! | Host Family |
| April 13 | Host Community - Alajuela | After breakfast we head down to the beautiful beach of Uvita. Located on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, it's famous for long empty stretches of white sand, safe swimming and a big national park. The group will take a surfing lesson and have free time to explore and relax. We'll enjoy a farewell dinner from the deck of our hotel overlooking the ocean. | Hotel El Tecal |
| April 14 | San Jose - Home | After an early breakfast we head back to San Jose for our afternoon departure back home. Hasta luego! | Your own bed, eventually! |
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience for travelers, we follow strict guidelines when choosing program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with locally-operated, three-star equivalent hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean, safe and wifi-enabled.
Hotel Casa Cielo Grande
Casa Cielo Grande is a beautiful property ideally located just twenty minutes from the airport. Close to the city center yet perched high in the mountains, the views of the Central Valley are breathtaking and the new pool is a delightful respite after a hot day. Spotless rooms and friendly staff will make you feel at home the moment you drop your bags.
Finca Pura Suerte
A grouping of bamboo cabins and impressive communal spaces, this farm is nestled deep in low-land rain forest with a fantastic view of the Pacific coast. The accommodations are comfortable, the food fantastic, and the spectacular setting provides an ideal introduction to the country’s mind-blowing flora and fauna. An equally amazing place for a hike at sunrise, a dip in a the local waterfall, or time with a good book in a hammock.
Homestay
This will be the best part of your trip! Staying with a host family immerses you in the language and culture of the destination, and can lead to deep and lasting relationships with your hosts. Initially intimidating but ultimately unforgettable, there’s no better way to begin to truly understand the place you’re visiting.
Safety and Support
EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
This was our daughter’s 2nd trip with Walking Tree. In 2016, she took her school’s first trip with Walking Tree to Ecuador, and absolutely loved it. Once again, the Walking Tree representative was excellent. My daughter said Ben really made the trip, and worked hard to keep the group happy. Other positives: communication before the trip, website outline, daily blogs and trip photos. Very professional organization. We feel very secure sending our student out into the world with Walking Tree.
Andrea
Parent of Olivia, traveler on California Cultural Journey
Your Adventure Includes
Estimated Airfare
In order to give our travelers the best possible price, we break out airfare from the Program Tuition. We will still handle all booking and ticketing via our flight partner who has access to special fares not available to the general public. You will be invoiced for the flight once we are able to secure the group’s airline contract.
Program Tuition Excludes: Premiere Travel insurance, baggage fees, airline minor fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.
Need to Raise Money? We Have you Covered.
Our travelers are provided with funding opportunities that are easy to implement and fun to take part in. Our flagship fundraiser involves selling fair trade, organic, carbon-neutral coffee from a women’s collective in Peru. There is no limit to the amount you can earn, so get started now by clicking the link below!
Resource Center
Why should high school students travel abroad? What happens if a participant gets sick? How quickly do we need to enroll? We’re sure you have plenty of questions and we’ve got you covered! Visit our Resource Center to discover the answers to your most pressing questions and contact us anytime with additional questions.