Costa Rica: Service and Culture

Costa Rica is a magnificent nation where the national greeting “pura vida,” means pure life and is a way of expressing the joy that the local people feel in everyday life. The locals are friendly and hospitable and ready to welcome you to their beautiful home. Costa Rica is a diverse ecological landscape with gorgeous beaches, mind blowing waterfalls, rainforests, and active volcanoes. Conservation is an important part of life in Costa Rica and you will learn much from how environmental preservation is carried out. Be immersed with the local community and be an integral part of the Costa Rican community.

“One of the most memorable moments of this experience was my homestay parents telling me I was like a daughter to them.”

-Katie Smilow

“Before arriving in Costa Rica, I expected my role to be one of giving, but there turned out to be just as much receiving on my part. Overall, I found there to be a perfect balance of fun (in the waterfall rappel, daily soccer games with the community, zip lining, surf lessons, white water rafting, and group bonding in general), and growth (in the responsible risks we were encouraged to take, the adjustment required to live in such a new setting, the roles of leadership we frequently took on, and the beautiful cultural exchange that occurred)…I would highly recommend going to Costa Rica with Global Routes – I would definitely do it again if given the opportunity!”

Gain a solid grounding in the Spanish language as you help to with local projects
Live in a homestay and experience authentic Costa Rican life
Admire the breathtaking cloud forests
Go whitewater rafting and hike through the tropical rainforest
Learn to surf in the Pacific Ocean

English, Spanish