Eligibility
Overview
Visa and Travel Documents
Eligibility
To be eligible you must:
- Be between the ages of 15 years, 0 months, and 18 years, 0 months, at the time of departure
- Have a passing GPA
- Be in good physical, mental, and emotional health in accordance with the AFS Medical Evaluation Policy
- Have an open mind, willingness to be flexible, and the ability to adapt to new a culture and environment
Overview
After your arrival in San Jose, you and the group will travel together to the province of Cartago (about an hour away) for a day-long arrival orientation where you will be given a primer on Costa Rican culture and the Spanish language as well as safety tips.
Your first week of service will take place in the city of Liberia. You will stay with a host family while working on a school improvement project.
The second week will be spent working to preserve and maintain Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful and diverse areas. During this week, you and the group will be staying on-site in rustic cabins so you will have easy access to your work.
Next, you will travel to Perez Zeledon in southern Costa Rica for another week-long homestay (with a second family) and community service project, likely another school improvement project.
Your 4th and final community service project will take place at La Flor de Paraiso agroecological farm and cultural center. This is your opportunity to learn the concepts of sustainable development first hand as you work on reforestation projects and on the farm.
After 4 weeks of hard work, you’ve earned a rest. The last 2 days of your trip will be spent at the Punta Leona resort where you will have free-time to relax on the beach.
Finally, before your flight back home, you will given a tour of San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city.
Transportation between sites will be provided by AFS.
Meals and lodging will be provided by AFS or your host family. Keep in mind that the basic diet in Costa Rica includes rice, beans, and meat. Fruit and vegetables are eaten in small amounts.
All activities are carefully structured and supervised by 2 program leaders, one assigned by AFS Costa Rica, the other by AFS USA. They will be with the group throughout the program and will work with you on all the projects.
Additional information, including a suggested packing list (you will need a large backpack), will be provided to participants prior to departure.
Visa and Travel Documents
A student visa is not required for participation in this program. However, you must have a valid United States passport in order to travel internationally. Make sure that your passport is valid for 6 months beyond the end of the program.
