Costa Rica
Conservation & Ecology
About the Program
Explore Costa Rica’s natural wonders through immersive experiences at a cloud forest research station, where students work side by side with biological researchers. Visit a wildlife refuge to support local conservation efforts and learn about the protection of native species. For an unforgettable adventure, students will also soar through the rainforest canopy on a thrilling zip-line excursion, offering a unique perspective on Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and commitment to sustainability.
Itinerary
Discover the exciting adventures and impactful moments that await each day on this itinerary!
- Group flight arrival to San Jose (SJO). Go through customs, pick up luggage, and meet Global Works trip leader
- Transfer via private bus to hotel
- Arrival to hotel, safety briefing and snacks. Settle into rooms
- Depart for San Carlos region. and have orientation to Costa Rica
- Tour of Finca Cespedes, the family home and farm of Global Works Director, Crisley Cespedes. Learn about the farm’s origins and sustainable practices, and try your hand at cheese making!
- Typical Costa Rican lunch
- Bus transfer to nature lodge. Settle into cabinas and pool time.
- Service project discussion and preparation
- Dinner at hotel
- Transfer to a renowned, locally-run wildlife rehabilitation center and begin volunteer projects that may include preparing food, feeding animals, or creating and building toys for the animals to engage with.
- Return to hotel, rest time, take a swim, or a break in a hammock!
- Dinner back at lodge
- Transfer via private bus to a biological research station
- Settle into a comfortable ecolodge within one of Costa Rica’s most alluring and biodiverse cloud forests
- Environmental projects include trail maintenance, bridge repair, and reforestation efforts
- Learn about La Bandera Azúl Ecológica with park rangers and understand Costa Rica’s global role in conservation, biodiversity, ecotourism, and sustainable development
- Spot monkeys, anteaters, parrots, coatimundis, and dart frogs on a hike to a local waterfall!
- Bus transfer from the cloud forest to Arenal Volcano National Park; incredible zip-line tour with Sky Trek Adventures
- Lunch and souvenir shopping in the town of La Fortuna
- Board bus for travel back to San Jose
- Closing ceremony and final dinner out
- Have breakfast at the hotel and head to the airport according to your flight schedule. Although it is hard to part from this marvelous place, the memories of Costa Rica will last a lifetime!
- Note: This itinerary is subject to availability at the Cloud Forest Research Station!
Educational Focus & Highlights
Harvest & Hands-On Learning
Experience sustainable farming firsthand at an family-run Finca, where students learn about organic practices and engage in the rewarding process of cheese-making.
Conservation in Action
Join environmental projects at a biological research station, participating in trail restoration and reforestation efforts while gaining a deeper understanding of Costa Rica’s conservation leadership.
Care for Costa Rica’s Creatures
Volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation center, assisting with feeding and creating enrichment activities for native animals, while gaining valuable insights into local conservation efforts.
Soar Through the Canopy
Experience the excitement of a zip-line tour through the treetops of Arenal Volcano National Park. Students enjoy stunning views of the forest while engaging in a thrilling adventure.
Gallery
Lodging
Participants
Participants stay in comfortable, dorm-style rooms that typically accommodate 4-6 students per room. These accommodations are carefully selected and often include locally run hotels or eco-lodges that reflect the culture of the area. Each location is selected to have private meeting spaces for group activities, ensuring both a supportive and appropriate environment for our programs.
Chaperones
Chaperones can expect to stay in private rooms, unless otherwise noted by the Global Works operations team. These rooms are located in the same facility as the student accommodations, allowing for a peaceful environment to relax and recharge without compromising proximity to the group. During homestays, chaperones typically have a choice to either stay with a homestay family or in a nearby hotel (location dependent).
Bring Your Classroom to the World
Collaborate with Global Works on an impactful service-learning travel program for your students.
