Service Learning Groups: Costa Rica Community Development and Pura Vida in Costa Rica
Join our comprehensive service learning course in Quepos, Costa Rica. Contribute to sustainable long term community projects while completing supplemental educational assignments. Gain a deeper understanding of international development, global citizenship, and intercultural competency.
The Project:
Students will report daily to the project construction sites where they will work side by side local community members and our partner organizations. Specific projects will depend on the needs of the centers at the time, and could involve engagement in construction and renovation projects, as well as creative activities, basic healthcare and hygiene programs, and sports development initiatives. Participating in the multiple projects is a great way for students to practice effective team building skills in order to achieve overall goals that positively affect the greater global world.
Educational Focus:
Through lectures, discussion, research, service, and reflection, beginning two weeks prior to their departure and continuing two weeks after their return home, students in this course engage in meaningful, context-driven service-learning at home and abroad. Emphasis will be placed on relating long term project goals with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and engaging in daily reflection surrounding the experience, which will be lead by qualified group facilitators, furthering individual educational development. This course curriculum will be tailored to your students academic level and curriculum, as well as your faculty requirements.
Location:
Our projects are located in the beautiful town of Quepos, in the Puntarenas Province of Costa Rica. Quepos is about 157km south of the country’s capital city of San Jose and is known as the gateway to the world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park. Surrounded by palm plantations and rainforest, the town contains an array of wildlife with monkeys and toucans in plain sight most days. In and around the national park, the whole area is famed for its beautiful beaches and hiking trails, making this location an exceptional place to visit and be a part of the Tico way of life.
Your Group Can Expect the Following Highlights on This Program:
- Hands-on involvement with vital construction efforts in the area.
- Connect classroom knowledge with real world experiences.
- Gain an understanding of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- Acquire hard and soft skills useful for both career development and personal growth.
- Explore Quepos, Costa Rica and gain a better understanding of local culture.
If applying for this program to obtain credit from an institution, GVI can supply learning outcomes and support in the application.
Risk assessment available upon request, please contact GVI for more details.
