A Summer Travel Program In Costa Rica

Experiential Pre-Med Learning For High School Students!

Be inspired and inspire others. On this service trip for teens, contribute to the efforts of improving public health through clean water projects and educational outreach. Learn from physicians and healthcare professionals and gain practical field experience in beautiful Costa Rica. Get your adrenaline pumping with a zipline canopy tour and connect with the Costa Rican people.

Itinerary

DAYS 1-3: ORIENTATION & RAFTING

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. 

DAYS 4-7: WILDERNESS FIRST AID AND ZIP-LINE CANOPY TOUR

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.

DAY 8: WORKSHOPS IN MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID AND HANDS-ON CLINICAL SKILLS

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.

DAYS 9-12: HEALTH PROJECTS AND CLINICAL ACTIVITIES WITH OUR NON-PROFIT PARTNER

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.

DAYS 13-15: PACIFIC COAST ALTERNATIVE HEALTH & SURFING

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.

DAYS 16-17: FINAL PROGRAM CLOSURE AND DEPARTURE

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.

Please note that this itinerary is subject to change.

Tech Free Programs:

Global Works does not allow phones/internet-capable devices on our summer programs. We believe this enhances group cohesion and allows students to be fully present to their experience.

 

Community Service Projects

Public Education

Planning and implementation of public health and safe drinking water campaigns

Health Initiatives

Work with local health care non profit on various projects in support of their mission to provide health care access to immigrant families

Clinic and Physician Support

Meet and assist medical professionals

Adventure & Cultural Activities

Engage in education projects with school children

Zip-line through the rainforest canopy

Become familiar with medicinal plants and alternative health practices

Engage in Wilderness First Aid Course

Gallery

Accommodations

SAN JOSE

Global Works Costa Rica participants spend the first, middle, and final days of the program in a small, comfortable lodge located in the mountains surrounding the capital of San Jose. The lodge is locally owned and specializes in hosting student groups. It is dorm style with 4 to 6 students sleeping in bunk beds; each room has a private bathroom with hot water showers. Large group spaces located on the property are ideal for group orientation, dance lessons, and ice-breaker activities.

WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE

In the La Fortuna area, we stay in a comfortable lodge located in a mountain valley. The lodge is locally owned and specializes in hosting teens and student groups. Rooms are for 2 to 4 students; each room has a private bathroom with hot water showers. Large group spaces located on the property are ideal for group activities.

PACIFIC COAST ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE & SURF-CAMP

Participants stay at an ecolodge in southern Costa Rica located just steps from the beaches of Marino Ballena National Park. Accommodations are traditional hotel-style rooms shared by two to four students. The lodge is styled with an onsite swimming pool, hammocks, and common areas.

Reviews & Testimonials

The trip was so incredible that I can’t describe it in words. I loved every bit of it, and never got homesick because I was enjoying myself so much.

- Jasmine, Pre-Med & Public Health Participant

This trip was truly the highlight of my life… I never thought that, as a high school student, I would be allowed to shadow a doctor, nurse, secretary or even become a pharmacist!

- Emma, Pre-Med & Public Health Participant