Adventure Tours & Tropical Discovery Service Learning & Cultural Immersion August 4-11, 2018
8 DAYS and 7 NIGHTS Day 1 - Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) Hotel City Express (2 nights) Day 2 - Tour Doka Estates Coffee and La Paz Waterfalls Day 3 - Crocodile River Tour and Transfer to Playa Montezuma - Hotel El Jardin(5 nights) Day 4 - (Morning) Explore National Park Cabo Blanco and Visit Wild Sun Wildlife Rescue Center Day 4 - (Afternoon) Volunteer at Cabuya Elementary School Day 5 - Volunteer at Romelia Sea Turtle Project and Release Baby Sea Turtles into the Ocean Day 6 - Enjoy a full day and Sunset Dinner at Playa Santa Teresa Day 7 - Zip-Line over a Waterfall and Jungle Canopy Day 8 - Depart out of Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
Costa Rica is a world leader in environmental sustainability through programs like Blue Flag, CST, PES and NEC. It produces most of its electricity from renewable resources and conserves over 1/4 of its national territory. Sustainability is the synthesis of three factors: society, economy, and environment. Each element may be individually sustainable yet unquestionably influence the others. If your economy grows, your culture will change. If your culture changes, your environmental practices will shift. If your environmental practices shift, your economy will transform. We want to show you how to be part of a sustainable future and have fun along the way!
Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities
Through cultural immersion, we discover that our own societal values and norms are just a tiny glimpse of the huge diversity that exists, and the way humans choose to live their lives contrasts dramatically across the globe. The benefits of taking the plunge and stepping into a new community are far reaching, from the opportunity to learn new languages and taste new foods, to uncovering the key ingredients to happiness and well-being. Pura vida, a Costa Rican phrase which literally means pure life. It's a way of life and a perspective to life that evokes a spirit that is carefree, laid back and optimistic!
Get a ride with a driver from CRLA to the hotel and Meet all your fellow travelers and trip leaders
Teach proper hand washing techniques & importance of good hygiene. Paint murals and signs to beautify school. Take part in the humbling experience of helping less fortunate children. Develop bonds with the children and teachers. Make it a unique experience by leading your own customized project. Genuinely feel how much the children appreciate what you are doing!
Wildlife Rescue Centers are non-profit organizations that give animals a second chance at life. The dedicated staff and selfless volunteers work tirelessly to help these animals heal, rehabilitate, and eventually release them into their natural habitat in the Costa Rican rainforest.
Located along the fertile slopes of the Poás Volcano, Doka Estate has been growing and roasting awardwinning coffee for three generations. This tour allows visitors to gain an intimate understanding of how coffee is grown, harvested, processed and produced in both Costa Rica and around the world.
Five waterfalls surrounded by pristine forest on 2.5 miles of hiking trails. While walking the splendid gardens, you can visit the butterfly observatory, the hummingbird gallery, the serpentarium, the bird house, and the frogs' exhibit.
On the Tarcoles River in Central Pacific of Costa Rica. Get up-close with 20ft crocodiles and observe an abundance of beautiful exotic birds! Enjoy spectacular rainforest scenery and cruise through dense mangrove forest canals. Spot jungle wildlife such as iguanas, lizards, and monkeys, and crocodile feeding show!
A picturesque location filled with waterfalls, natural pools, and local bohemian flavor make Montezuma an idyllic destination for tropical relaxation.
Montezuma Beach Montezuma is located on the very southern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. This area of the country is more remote, making Montezuma a little difficult to get to and, therefore, not overly crowded. The draws of Montezuma are its many quiet beaches, thick forest, and wildlife like monkeys, butterflies, and birds.
The nations first nature conservation area is nestled on the extreme southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula.
Exquisite flora and fauna Bird and Wildlife Watching Excellent hiking paths Frequently sighted species: Butterflies Humming Birds - Monkeys Toucans - and more!!
Complete Modern Amenities 10 minutes from SJO Airport 2 People per Room Full Breakfast Nights 1 & 2
Located in the Heart of Montezuma Beach 2 People per Room Air Conditioning - Swimming Pools Full Size Beds Nights 3 7
The Costa Rican Language Academy is a Costa Rican owned and operated Spanish school, ensuring an authentic experience, both in terms of language instruction and culture. Since 1989, they have provided Spanish programs for over 20,000 students. On our trip, CRLA will provide us with an expert liaison. This guide will be with us at all times ensuring that your experience lives up to your expectations. All lodging, dining, transportations, tours and overall experience has been meticulously chosen and planned through years of experience.
- Shared rooms (2 people per room) - Safe and Secure Facilities - Air conditioning - Swimming Pool - All Meals included Hotel City Express (2 Nights) Hotel El Jardin (5 Nights)
You will be picked up from the airport promptly after your arrival and dropped off for your departure. We have secured private transportation for our group for all tours and transfers. The transportation company is fully licensed and insured with friendly and experienced drivers.
You will be transferred to Montezuma by speed boat across the Gulf of Nicoya from Jaco Beach.
8 Days and 7 Nights in Costa Rica 24/7 support services Guided tours (La Paz and Doka) American Golden Key group leaders Volunteering at Sea Turtle Hatchery and School Adventure excursions (Zipl-ine and Crocodile) Orientation packet All Breakfasts, lunches and dinners All in-country transportation and lodging Pre departure planning assistance Experience of a lifetime You are responsible for booking and paying for your own flight into SJO
Application and $300 deposit: Due IMMEDIATELY to reserve spot Separate balance payment of $1,095 due in full by: July 7, 2018 Total Trip Cost - $1,395
Separate Payments must be made in form of: Cashier s Check or Money Order ONLY $300.00 Deposit $1,095.00 Balance Mail BOTH separate payments to: 10635 Nadia Avenue Orlando, FL - 32825 *subject to a minimum $50 late fee *If full balance payment is not received by July 7, 2018, you will forfeit deposit and lose your spot. OR to participate, additional fees will be incurred based on date of full payment.
Flights San Jose International Airport, Juan Santamaria in Alajuela - SJO Arrivals may be anytime on Saturday the 4 th. Departures must be after 4pm on Saturday the 11 th. If you choose to: Arrive or Depart outside the required times and/or dates You will be responsible for additional meals, lodging and transportation costs. You must arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to departure.
Laura Lord-Blackwell Group Leader Orlando, FL engagecostarica@gmail.com www.facebook.com/engagecostarica
Lorenzo Abarca Assistant Director at CRLA Liaison/Tour Guide Jonathan Blackwell Group Leader Orlando, FL
"My experience in Costa Rica was not only amazing, but eye-opening. Many times when you hear about people going out of the country, it is usually for a vacation; but I love how Golden Key was able to make this trip about learning and embracing the culture. When you gain knowledge of how other people live, I feel like you are able to appreciate the things that you have more. In addition, I feel like I have made some good friends that I can stay in touch with. When you are able to go out of the country and meet new people, I believe you are guaranteed a good time. Not only that, you will be able to work on your social skills. Believe it or not, this was my first time going out of the country and I could not have pictured doing it any other way. It has opened opportunities for me to travel more, as well as, making new connections. If you choose to go on this learning service trip, remember to have an open mind, but most importantly, have fun. It will be totally worth it. " Samira
"I want to start off by saying what an amazing time I had on this trip. Aside from eventually having a stable career, I have always planned to have a life of travels. The first place I ever wanted to go was Costa Rica and this trip gave me an affordable opportunity to do so. Being able to help out the students and school then getting a chance to meet with a local family were both extremely enlightening. The trip itself was very organized in terms of following the itinerary, but at the same time was full of surprise stops. I met a ton of great people that I plan to keep in touch with that I would not have otherwise met. This trip was a success and as an officer for the UCF chapter I plan to recommend to all of our members and would love to be a part of this again." - Elaina S.
The opportunity to travel to Costa Rica with Golden Key was absolutely amazing. This trip taught me so much, and I had such a good time. I made new friends, and experienced lots of new things. CRLA was amazing, and the guides were unbelievable. We got to do and see things outside the normal scope of travel and for that I am so grateful. This is a great trip. Everything was taken care of and it exceeded my expectations. -Kelsey N.
This past week has been literally the best week of my life thus far. I loved meeting fellow GK members from around the US and this trip gave me completely unexpected experiences. Until I saw the sloth, I've never even realized that I wanted to hold the furry creature! Costa Rica is such an amazing place, with all its lush greenery that is just unparalleled. I realize that it's in the process of becoming more developed, but it makes me a bit sad to think of all those glorious trees that will be sacrificed. That made me appreciate its current beauty even more, and I'm really grateful to everyone who made the trip possible. If you plan a similar trip in the future, I would love to join again! - Samantha C.
The Golden Key-hosted trip to Costa Rica was the best experience of my life. It was my personal first time out of the country so I was a little weary in the beginning, but am very happy I went through with it! We were able to do so much while we were there, it was money well spent! It was a total immersion experience and I learned things about the language, culture, and population that no amount of education could provide an individual. Every detail of the trip was amazing, including the wonderful tour guides who were nothing but kind, knowledgeable, and helpful. It was so nice to have everything planned out for you so you didn t have to worry about directions in getting one place to another, the cost of each individual item, or research what things you could do for the day. Overall, it was a great trip in an amazing place with equally amazing people, and I would recommend anybody who has the option of participating in this trip to take advantage of the opportunity! -Anna W.
Golden Key International Honour Society COSTA RICAN LANGUAGE ACADEMY P.O. BOX 1966-2050, SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA Tel (506) 2280-1685, 2280-1739, 2280-5834 E-mail: crlang@racsa.co.cr www.spanishandmore.com