Gap Year Costa Rica

Explore Costa Rican culture and build your skills with this unique opportunity to study, volunteer, teach, and surf as all or part of your gap year! Living in Costa Rica for 3 or 6 months will give you the opportunity to experience a different way of life that often values less stress, a slower pace, and a deep appreciation of nature.   

Are you ready to explore the true meaning of pura vida? If you check off any of the below, Costa Rica might be the next stamp on your passport:

• You prefer to go with the flow – schedules are flexible and you roll with whatever changes come your way
• You have a commitment to speaking and learning Spanish – even if you’re a complete beginner (all levels welcome)
• Internet might be spotty but you’re okay with less screen time. Bring on the IRL interactions!
• You are hard-working and ready to step out of your comfort zone
• You have an adventurous spirt and are interested in volunteer service, working with youth, teaching English, environmental conversation, surfing, or all of the above!

 

Traditionally, gap years have been accepted as a rite of passage for recent high school graduates. Today, we find that recent high school graduates, current university students, recent university graduates, and even young adults looking to step away from the corporate world are taking gap years!  

Aside from a passion for taking on new adventures, gap year travelers interested in Costa Rica should also be:

• At least 17 years of age
• From the United States or Canada
• In great mental* and physical health
• Willing to complete a background check (for those volunteering/teaching with children)
• Dedicated to learning and speaking Spanish

*What does it mean to be in good mental health?

Moving to a new culture and staying in unfamiliar surroundings without your normal support structure can be very stressful, even to a well-adjusted traveler. Sending a traveler with pre-existing conditions on a long-term program could exacerbate whatever challenges the traveler was previously facing. In order to ensure the safety of our participants, we must be rigorous in our pre-screening of all applicants.

Therefore, we may not be able to accept travelers who have struggled with any kind of mental illness, specifically within the last 2 years and/or are reliant on medication to address their existing mental health condition. Each traveler will be addressed on a case by case basis and ultimately it is Greenheart Travel’s in-country partner who holds the right to accept or decline a traveler based on their individual policy.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Eating disorders
• Chronic debilitating migraines
• Bipolar Disorder

All travelers who currently experience one or more of these conditions will be required to submit an addendum to the terms and conditions as well as a letter of support from their current mental health specialist. If the traveler’s mental health issue has been managed (post-medication) for over 2 years, we will still require a note from his/her relevant practitioner (psychologist, therapist, psychiatrist, etc) as part of the application process. We encourage you to discuss your specific situation with us directly, before securing these documents.

Please note that travelers who have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD will not be guaranteed any academic accommodations plans by the host school abroad.

Program dates will vary based on the individual. In general, travelers are welcome to start their program on Mondays throughout the year.

Note that gap year travelers should plan to turn in their applications and complete their interviews at least 2-3 months before their intended program start date. 

Email a Greenheart Travel Program Manager at travelapplications@greenheart.org to discuss the timeline that works best for you!

2024 Program Fees

• 3 Month Program: TBD
• 6 Month Program: TBD

Included in Program Cost:

• Host family accommodation and 2 meals (breakfast and dinner) per day
• Airport pickup upon arrival
• Arrival orientation in San Jose and walking tour
• Spanish Language Classes (2-4 hours per weekday)
• Community service project (3-4 hours per weekday)
• Comprehensive medical/accident insurance
• Language level placement test & Spanish books and materials
• Certificate of completion at the end of the program
• Surf lessons or Scuba Certification (depending on selected program options)
• Access to the Greenheart Atlas Program to help make the most of your experience abroad
• Membership to the Greenheart Club, an exclusive online community of civic innovators and volunteers

Our Support and Services:

• Extensive pre-departure advice and support from your US-based program coordinator! We will be with you from your first inquiry, all the way through preparing to leave and your arrival in Costa Rica.
• Online pre-departure cultural and logistical orientation before you depart for your program.
• Support services from in-country staff upon arrival to Costa Rica.
• 24-hour in-country and emergency support for the duration of the program including 24-hour emergency phone numbers to reach a program manager at any time.

Additional Expenses to Budget for (Estimated):

• Flights to/from Costa Rica
• Spending money for souvenirs, personal items, and snacks while in Costa Rica

Payment Details:

• $300 Application Fee due at the time of application
• $300 Commitment Payment due after acceptance within 14 days to save your spot on a certain start date
• Remaining balance is due 8 weeks before departure to Costa Rica

Worried about the program fee?
Our goal is to help make travel accessible to everyone and we are here to help when you are deciding if this experience is financially doable. Each year we offer scholarships for first-time travelers. We also have a guide to fundraising your program fee, and many travelers fundraise in their hometowns ahead of their program.
Please inquire here

[link contact form here]

if you have questions about the program fee, scholarships, or fundraising for your program.

The increased popularity of the gap year can be attributed to many things! Lots of research credits gap years to tangible work and academic growth such as learning a new language or international work experience, but there is also much to be said about the personal benefits that a gap year program can supply. Gap years allow for students to re-evaluate their goals, obtain a new perspective of the world, learn about new cultures, make friends from diverse backgrounds, and learn more about themselves.  

A list of gap year benefits is listed below—though it isn’t exhaustive! 

Academic & Work Benefits 

• Learn additional languages 
• Gain international work experience 
• Develop problem-solving skills 
• Identify interests to better select university studies/career industries   
• Increase employability  
• Inspire insightful topics for college admissions essays 
• Establish cross-cultural communication skills  
• Decrease chances of academic burnout  

Personal Benefits 

• Boost self-confidence  
• Gain life experience 
• Evaluate personal values 
• Explore comfort zones and challenges 
• Make new friends 
• Develop a sense of independence and self-reliance  
• Increase flexibility and tolerance for ambiguity  
• Gain a new perspective on world cultures   

While choosing a gap year program, try asking yourself these questions: 

• How long would I like to travel abroad (i.e. 1 month, 12 months, etc.)? 
• What destination(s) would I like to visit? 
• What would I like to take from this experience (i.e.: resume building, language skills, teaching experience, independence, self-discovery, etc.)? 
• Do I prefer a program with more structure or flexibility?  
• How much do I want to travel during the program? 
• Am I more interested in meeting peers from around the world or making local connections? 
• Would I prefer an academic setting or “field” experience?  
• Am I hoping to learn another language? 
• Would I like to add teaching English as a new language to my resume? 

Teach in a Homestay 

This is a language exchange program in which tutors teach 15 hours of English per week (around 3 hours per night Monday through Friday) in exchange for accommodation and 2-3 meals per day. Outside of tutoring hours, gap travelers are free to learn the host family’s language, enroll in a TEFL course, travel, take intensive language courses at a language school, etc. 

Is this program a match?  This program is a likely match if you aren’t able to devote a full year to travel, have a desire to learn a new language, aspire to have teaching experience, want to live like a local, and prefer your weekends free to explore.  

Program Length: 1, 2, or 3 months.  

Work Abroad

Work Abroad programs allow gap year travelers to explore job interests while meeting a community of backpackers, actively engaging with a new culture, and funding their own travels. These programs essentially allow travelers to create a new life abroad as they work with our in-country team to choose a job, secure accommodation and travel the country.  

Is this program a match? The work abroad programs are likely a match if you are looking to befriend a community of travelers, desire flexibility to travel, want to be able to put “work abroad” experience on your resume, have an adventurous side, enjoy the outdoors, and have a strong work ethic.  

Program length: 3-12 months  

Language Camps

Language Camps provide an opportunity for students to actively practice the host country’s national language in both a classroom and social environment. Language students will take 15-20 hours of intensive courses at a language academy learning from native speaking instructors. While they aren’t in school, students will live with a local host family and put their language skills to practical use. Programs also include cultural activities during the afternoons and some weekend excursions.  

Is this program a match? Our language camp will be a good fit if you are seeking a full language immersion experience, have limited time to devote to study abroad, want to brush up on your language skills before going back to school, desire structured programming, thrive in a classroom setting, and want to meet students from all over the world. 

Program length: 1 week (select destinations), 2-6 weeks  

High School Abroad (College Track)

High School Abroad (College Track) is a well-rounded study abroad experience.  As a student studying abroad, you’ll live with a host family and attend a local high school in the host country’s language. You also have the autonomy to join after school clubs, sports, and get involved with the community. Worried about classes being a boring review? Think again! Trust us – the academics in our destination countries are rigorous and considered to be similar to AP and entry-level college courses.  

Is this program a match? This program is ideal for you if you’d like to prepare to attend university abroad, want a gap year experience that allows you to prepare academically for university, desire to learn a new language, and have the interest to live like a local with a host family.  

Program length: Depending on the country, high school programs range from 1-month or 2-month programs, trimesters, semesters or a full academic year. Students can begin their programs during the summer (select destinations) or during the Fall or Spring semesters.  

There are advantages of applying for this program through us: 

• 33 years of experience with cultural exchange programs 
• Friendly, responsive, and professional support from your program manager, Zoe, who has lived abroad in several countries! 

• We make our program fees as inclusive as possible. We include things like extensive medical insurance for the duration of the program, airport pickup, and extensive pre-departure and on-program support, so you’re not on your own for any part of your adventure 
• Our alumni recommend us! GoOverseas.com Reviews // GoAbroad.com Reviews 
• Exclusive access to the Greenheart Atlas, our interactive program that will guide you through your cultural immersion experience before, during, and after your program 
• Hands-on support and personal attention every step of the way 
• 24/7 emergency phone number to reach a staff member at any time 

• Pre-departure “Culture Shock and Adjustment” Webinar before you leave 
• Discounts for future Greenheart Travel programs 
• We are a non-profit, mission-based organization 
• Continued support throughout your program 

We also have some unique offerings to our Greenheart Travel participants and alumni! 

1. Greenheart Grants: Greenheart Grants are funds awarded to Greenheart Travel participants to use for community development projects in their host or home country. A Greenheart Grant is the opportunity to create, improve, or maintain an impactful, community-focused project abroad or at home. Grant funds could be applied to supporting women’s cooperatives, schools, community centers, or health clinics, for example. Grant winners will be featured on our website, social media, and blog. You can see our past winners on our blog here. 

1. Greenheart Alumni Program: We created the Greenheart Travel Alumni Program to provide resources and a community to support alumni in their advancement as global leaders, and a way to celebrate and reward our participants for being ambitious, inspiring catalysts of cultural exchange! 

1. Greenheart Global Leaders Conference: Each August Greenheart offers full-ride scholarships to over 40 alumni to attend our annual conference in Washington, DC. Participants even get a chance to advocate for cultural exchange in a presentation to the US Department of State. You can see more about what GGLC is and what you could do at the conference here. 

Read more about why people are choosing Greenheart Travel: Why Choose Greenheart Travel? 

1. Start Here. You will be put in touch with our staff and experts if you want help discussing or customizing your gap year.
2. Start An Application. You will receive a link via the email from Step 1. This first step includes things like your name, address and chosen start date and should take around 10-15 minutes to complete. You should indicate on your application whether your first chosen*** program is focused on work, teaching in a homestay, language camp, or high school abroad. Once your application is complete, you will receive a link to a digital Terms and Conditions form.
3. Sign the Terms & Conditions (Approximately 10 Minutes): These are our basic policies like cancellation policies, deferral policies, etc.
4. Submit your deposit (Approximately 5 minutes): A $300 deposit is required in order to apply for the program. This is subtracted from your total program fee. If we are unable to accept you following your interview (very unlikely!) we will refund your deposit in full.
5. Secondary Application Form (Approximately 30 Minutes): Provide more detailed information about yourself in Part 2 of the application. Links to this part will be emailed to you. In this section, you’ll tell us more information like your work history, motivations for joining the program, travel history, and emergency contacts.
6. Submitting Your Documents: Submit your required documents (below) at the link provided.
7. Video Interview (Approximately 15 Minutes):  Once you have submitted your online application and paid your application deposit, you will be asked to schedule a video interview with a Greenheart Travel representative.
8. You’re accepted! Woohoo! We are usually able to accept people within 1-2 weeks of their interviews.
9. Commitment Deposit: Once you are accepted to the program, you will need to submit a $300 commitment deposit within 14 days to confirm your spot on the program.
10. Book your flights and get ready for your adventure!

***If you plan to enroll in multiple programs to encompass a full gap year, notify us during your application process so we may streamline the application process.