- Home
- Providers
- Back
- Global Leadership Adventures
- GLA Costa Rica - Volunteer Programs for Teens
Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you are passionate about! Choose from program themes ranging from Public Health and Medicine to Animal and Wildlife Conservation to Language Immersion and everything in between. GLA's offerings include: - Animal Rescue & Veterinary Project - Beachside Service Adventure - Marine Conservation & Sea Turtle Expedition™ - The Ultimate Advent...
Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you are passionate about! Choose from program themes ranging from Public Health and Medicine to Animal and Wildlife Conservation to Language Immersion and everything in between. GLA's offerings include: - Animal Rescue & Veterinary Project - Beachside Service Adventure - Marine Conservation & Sea Turtle Expedition™ - The Ultimate Adventure - Medicine & Healthcare Discovery - Middle School Service Adventure - Ocean & Wildlife Conservation Adventure™ - Sea Turtle Initiative™ - Spanish Service Adventure - Surf, Sports & Sustainability ™ - The Initiative for Children ™ - Spring Break Service Adventure - Costa Rica Internship: Career Exploration In Environmental Stewardship Costa Rica is known for its serene tropical surroundings an...
Program Highlights
Explore Costa Rica and discover where the Atlantic and Pacific ecosystems meet.
Carry out volunteering activities alongside experts or people from local communities.
Engage in exhilarating activities, from ziplining through lush valleys to whitewater rafting!
Spend time on Costa Rica's relaxing beaches.
Learn more about Tico culture through dance or cooking classes, arts workshops, and from our dedicated local staff.
Media Gallery
Quick Details
- Arenal, Costa Rica
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- Summer
- Alternative Spring Break
- Community Service & Volunteering
- Experiential Learning
- Language Immersion
- Animal Welfare
- Building & Construction Projects
- Community Development See more
- American
- European
- Canadian
- Australian
- South African
Awards
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
I had a wonderful time
September 03, 2025by: jacob nelson - United StatesProgram: GLA Costa Rica - Volunteer Programs for TeensI had a great time in cost rica with GLA. It was truly eye opening for me experiencing the culture and helping out with the sea turtles nests. It was an experience i will never forget and i would recommend it to all.
I had a great time
September 03, 2025by: jacob nelson - United StatesProgram: GLA Costa Rica - Volunteer Programs for TeensI had a great time in cost rica with GLA. It was truly eye opening for me experiencing the culture and helping out with the sea turtles nests. It was an experience i will never forget and i would recommend it to all.
A nice balance of service and fun for teens
August 29, 2025by: Joanna Nelson - Northern Mariana Islands (USA)Program: GLA Costa Rica - Volunteer Programs for TeensWe sent our 16 year old to Costa Rica for the 10 day Beachside service project. Prior to signing up, parameters were clearly explained. Pre-travel arrangements were easy to follow and GLA representative answered any and all questions that we had. Each day GLA shared a camp service blog which included pictures of my son and others. We asked him if he would go again and he said definitely. YES! The trip was a a nice balance of service learning in a foreign country and fun at a beachside camp. We also appreciated that parameters were put the place around screen/phone time for participants . All, in all, 5 stars with a balance of service, fun and adventure.
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Arenal, Costa Rica
Types and Subjects
- Focus Areas
- Community Service & Volunteering
- Experiential Learning
- Language Immersion
Availability
Years Offered: 2025, 2026
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- Summer
Age Requirement
14-17
Guidelines
- American
- European
- Canadian
- Australian
Cost per week
Program Cost Includes
- Tuition & Fees
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- Medical / Accident Insurance
Accommodation Options
- Group living
Qualifications & Experience
- Some high school, no diploma
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Physical Exam/Health Records
- Online Application
- Essay
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff
Brittany Randles
Participated in 2014
Brittany is a Global Leadership Ambassador. She went on the Protecting the Pacific trip in Costa Rica during the summer of 2014.
Brittany Randles
Participated in 2014
I love to travel but have never been out of the U.S. until I decided to go abroad with Global Leadership Adventures. I wanted to volunteer more than just locally. I wanted to learn what this world has to offer!
Lindsay Goddard
Participated in 2016
Lindsay is a junior at Homestead High School in Sunnyvale, California and she works in childcare at Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church on the weekends. In ...
Lindsay Goddard
Participated in 2016
Travel has been a big part of my life since I was young, and volunteering is a passion of mine, so when my best friend showed me her GLA catalog, I knew I had to try it out.
Ready to Learn More?
Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you are passionate about! Choose from program themes ranging from Public Health and Medicine to Animal and Wildlife Conservation to Language Immersion and everything in between. GLA's offerings include: - Animal Rescue & Veterinary Project - Beachside Service Adventure - Marine Conservation & Sea Turtle Expedition™ - The Ultimate Adventure - Medicine & Healthcare Discovery - Middle School Service Adventure - Ocean & Wildlife Conservation Adventure™ - Sea Turtle Initiative™ - Spanish Service Adventure - Surf, Sports & Sustainability ™ - The Initiative for Children ™ - Spring Break Service Adventure - Costa Rica Internship: Career Exploration In Environmental Stewardship Costa Rica is known for its serene tropical surroundings an...
Global Leadership Adventures
Global Leadership Adventures
Ready to Learn More?
Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you are passionate about! Choose from program themes ranging from Public Health and Medicine to Animal and Wildlife Conservation to Language Immersion and everything in between. GLA's offerings include: - Animal Rescue & Veterinary Project - Beachside Service Adventure - Marine Conservation & Sea Turtle Expedition™ - The Ultimate Adventure - Medicine & Healthcare Discovery - Middle School Service Adventure - Ocean & Wildlife Conservation Adventure™ - Sea Turtle Initiative™ - Spanish Service Adventure - Surf, Sports & Sustainability ™ - The Initiative for Children ™ - Spring Break Service Adventure - Costa Rica Internship: Career Exploration In Environmental Stewardship Costa Rica is known for its serene tropical surroundings an...
Related Programs
Browse programs you might like