Costa Rica | Cultural Immersion and Service Learning in Rural Communities

Upon arrival in Liberia, you will be met and transferred to the Community of San Lázaro de Nicoya, where you will meet with community members and receive a program orientation as well as a general introduction to Costa Rica. Discuss the program objectives, including living in a rural community, learning about community values, cultural exchange, contributing to service projects, and experiencing the nature of Costa Rica. Take a walking tour around the community for an introduction to the nature and culture of the rural town. Then head to your homestay accommodations and get to know your host family over dinner.

After a typical "tico" breakfast this morning, begin with a Spanish basics and cultural integration discussion, and then spend time with the community, playing games with the local children. After lunch, start a service project based on the needs of the community. The current project list includes developing a playground, upcycling used tires, establishing recycling points, and a variety of other projects at the local school. Spend the afternoon working on the project. This evening, take a walk with a local naturalist to observe some of the nocturnal frogs and insects inhabiting the area.

This morning after breakfast, continue your community service project. After lunch, visit Nicoya, one of the country's oldest colonial cities. During a walking tour, visit the colonial church and local market, where you'll get a feel for the unique traditions of the Guanacaste province. After dinner, take part in a tropical dance workshop with local children.

Begin the day with early morning bird watching. After breakfast, spend the remainder of the morning working on your service projects. This afternoon, hike to explore the nearby tropical dry forest, and then enjoy a soccer game with the community. In the evening, you will have time to chat with your host families about the activities of the day.

After breakfast with your homestay family, set off on a visit to explore two natural treasures in Guanacaste: the Cipancí National Wildlife Refuge and Palo Verde National Park. Take a boat safari to discover wildlife like monkeys, iguanas, herons, and other bird species. After a boxed lunch, continue to Guatil, an artisan community. Here, culture is expressed through traditional pottery, the heritage of the Chorotegas, the original inhabitants of Guanacaste. Before returning to San Lázaro de Nicoya, visit Santa Cruz, a folkloric village. After dinner this evening, continue to enjoy the company of your host families.

This morning, finish up your community service projects. After lunch, gather for a group discussion to share what you have learned and reflect upon the impact of your hard work. This afternoon, have some free time to interact with your new friends before an evening farewell party with the community.

This morning, travel to the airport in Liberia for your flight back to the U.S.