Costa Rica: Intro to Pre-Med And Public Health

Students fly into the capital of San Jose, Costa Rica and drive via private bus to a lodge based on the outskirts of the city. We get started right away with orientation activities and excursions, including a visit to a sustainable coffee farm and an awesome one-day rafting adventure. We also hold an in-depth discussion about the  health care system in Costa Rica to contextualize our time together. 

Over the next few days we complete an instructor-led Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course. This course hones first aid and medical skills such as patient assessment, effective first aid treatment, and evacuation decision making in the outdoors. Participants receive a certificate upon completing the course. When we finish for the day we visit a nearby organic dairy farm and adventure into the cloud forest to spot a myriad of flora and fauna. We also have time for a thrilling zip-line canopy tour with Skytrek at the Arenal volcano.

Upon transferring back to San Jose, we spend the day with two local partners who offer interactive in-person workshops. The first is a Mental Health First Aid workshop, designed to equip participants with essential skills to provide immediate and effective support to people who are going through an emotional crisis, panic attack, and stress, among other affectations. Participants will receive a certificate of completion for this workshop.

Next, the group meets with a local clinician who leads a hands-on workshop on stitching and injections.

From our San Jose base camp, we volunteer with our local healthcare partner, which provides services to immigrant families in Costa Rica- they do not typically have access to the public health system. Volunteer activities include assisting with kids’ health education classes, observing doctors in the clinic, and supporting patient intake. Other opportunities include facilities improvements and discussions with physicians.

Time to hit the beach! We travel to the Pacific Coast, famous for its unique combination of rainforest and ocean. We challenge ourselves with surf lessons taught by energetic local professional instructors. The wave conditions on this beach provide the perfect opportunity for all levels to hang ten! We will also learn about yoga, plant therapy, and other alternative medicine practices.

Before saying goodbye to the beach, we have the unique opportunity to spot humpback whales as they congregate in the warm waters of the Pacific. We transfer back to San Jose for a celebratory dinner and closing reflection upon our time together in Costa Rica. We say our goodbyes as we fly home with new memories and friends!

When flights become available, please contact us for the latest airfare pricing or visit our Flight & Travel Arrangements page for more information about travel days.