Costa Rica: Service Learning & Culture | 51³Ô¹Ï Community College

Costa Rica: Service Learning & Culture

 

Smiling student sits at a table outdoors with plates of traditional Costa Rican food, including rice, beans, salad, and vegetables, representing cultural immersion during study abroad.

Costa Rica: Service Learning & Culture

May 2026 - Completed Program

 



Discover Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast through this faculty-led service-learning experience that combines cultural immersion and environmental engagement. Students will work alongside local communities in Cahuita, exploring conservation, sustainability, and cultural identity through hands-on projects and real-world collaboration.

* Scholarships available — see "Payment Schedule" for details.

 

 

Service Learning | Environmental Preservation | Cultural Immersion

Students will engage directly with local organizations and communities to support projects focused on sustainability, education, and cultural understanding. The program is organized in partnership with the Study Abroad Association (SAA), known for its commitment to affordable, high-quality, and safe international experiences.

 

Explore Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast while contributing to local environmental and community projects. This immersive program connects classroom learning to real-world sustainability and cultural engagement.

  • Support environmental preservation projects in Cahuita National Park

  • Collaborate with local guides on trail maintenance, recycling, and turtle conservation

  • Learn from the Bribri Indigenous community about traditional medicine and chocolate-making

  • Take part in Afro-Caribbean cooking lessons and Calypso dance classes

  • Visit Manzanillo and Gandoca National Parks and explore tropical beaches

  • Snorkel along Costa Rica’s largest coral reef

  • Join community mural and art projects with local students

  • Experience a Caribbean farewell celebration with food, music, and dance

* Throughout this nine-day program, students integrate cultural discovery and service learning to build global awareness and practical experience.

  • Trip Dates: May 18-26, 2026

  • Price: $2,800–$3,300 per person, airfare included (based on group size)

  • Travel Protection: Details to be provided through Study Abroad Association (SAA) prior to registration.

    • Coverage and refund policies determined by SAA and 51³Ô¹Ï Community College.

    • Insurance premiums are nonrefundable once purchased.

  • Age requirements:  Ages 18 and older. This trip is intended for: 51³Ô¹Ï Community College students, staff, faculty, and community members.

  • Associated course:  HUM 220 – Cultural Studies or the concurrent continuing education course. The class will run online during the second eight weeks of the spring semester of 2026. 

* Itinerary and air reservations are subject to change.

Included:

  • International airfare
  • 7 nights of shared accommodations (2–4 students per room)

  • All breakfasts and meals listed in itinerary

  • Full-time, on-site program director and 24/7 emergency support

  • All ground transportation within Costa Rica

  • Entrance fees, cultural activities, and guided tours

  • SAA’s $5 million liability insurance

  • Comprehensive traveler’s health insurance

Not Included:

  • Trip Cancellation insurance is optional but strongly recommended.
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary

  • Passport and visa fees (if applicable)

  • Personal expenses or optional excursions

Price: $2,800–$3,300 per person, airfare included (based on group size)

  1. $700 deposit (per traveler) due 150 days prior to departure (Friday, December 5, 2025)

  2. Second payment of 50% of the remaining balance due 90 days prior to departure (Thursday, February 5, 2026)

  3. Final payment of the remaining balance due 60 days prior to departure (Thursday, March 5, 2026)

  4. Participants are welcome to pay more than the scheduled amounts at any time.

 
Scholarship Info:

  • Gilman Scholarship
    All Pell recipients can apply for a  for study abroad. The scholarship application opens in January, and the deadline is March 5, 2026 
  • 51³Ô¹Ï Scholarships
    Study abroad participants who have completed at least 12 credit hours at 51³Ô¹Ï Community College and are currently enrolled at 51³Ô¹Ï may apply for partial scholarships. The priority deadline to apply for the scholarship is January 23, 2026. 


* Program dates and itinerary are subject to change.
* Passports required and must be valid six months beyond return date.

  • Trip Cancellation insurance is optional but strongly recommended.

  • A valid passport is required and must not expire before December 2026.

  • Participants must attend all required pre-departure orientations.

  • Health and travel insurance coverage is provided through the Study Abroad Association (SAA).

  • Students should review vaccination, health, and travel advisories before departure.

  • Additional visa documentation is not required for U.S. citizens traveling to Costa Rica for less than 90 days.

* Program dates and itinerary are subject to change.

For program information, registration details, or future Study Abroad opportunities, contact Glenda Pope, Study Abroad Program Coordinator.

Glenda Pope
(910) 695-3901
popeg@sandhills.edu