Program Details
| Program Length | Approx. Start Date | Approx. End | 2009 Price | Age on Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Service | Fall Departure Aug 18-21 |
Return Jan 25-27 |
$7,900 | 18 yr 0 mos - 25 yr 0 mos |
| Community Service | Spring Departure Jan 26-29 '09 |
Return Jun 29-Jul 2 '09 |
$7,900 | 18 yr 0 mos - 25 yr 0 mos |
All programs to Costa Rica depart from Miami.
Note about travel dates: Travel date ranges are provided to help with general scheduling. Please do not reserve any domestic travel based on these dates. AFS will notify confirmed participants with specific travel details approximately 45 days prior to departure.
About Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations for AFS-USA Exchange Students, and with good reason. The country is home to proud, friendly, and peaceful citizens known as ticos (men) and ticas (women). They are usually conservative but they enjoy sharing their life and social activities with new people.
This lush country—Costa Rica means “the rich coast” in Spanish—is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and has 755 miles of coastline. More than 30 percent of the country, including its famous rainforests, is set aside as national parkland or protected areas. Costa Rica has more than 500 bird species and 8,000 plant species, majestic volcanoes, countless rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see. It also combines rural towns, forests, farmlands, and small cities to create a relaxed yet exciting ambiance. Costa Rica spends heavily on healthcare and education, enabling Costa Ricans to enjoy an unparalleled quality of life in Latin America.
Gap Program, Semester Community Service
As a community service volunteer, you might participate in social, health, or education projects; work on an organic farm; assist park rangers at a National Reserve; or help at a botanical garden. This is a responsibility and an opportunity for you to grow. AFS Costa Rica will work with you to find the best fit for your experience. Upon arrival, you’ll participate in a two-day orientation followed by 10 days of Spanish instruction; then it’s on to your host community. Specific schedules can vary from project to project, but most require that you serve five days a week. Although most participants return to their host families daily, some projects require the participants to live onsite for extended periods. You will have chances to meet with your fellow AFS Participants, like at the mid-stay orientation and the end-of-stay session. Take this opportunity to discover the beauty of Costa Rica, discover yourself, and help others as you do!
View PDF Brochure for Costa Rica Community Service Program.
All programs, prices, and travel dates are subject to change without notice.
