Day 1 - Arrival: Arrival in San Jose. Orientation meeting.

Day 2 - Intro to Costa Rica: Experience life as a local in the capital city, including lunch at the Central Market. Learn about modern Costa Rica, its history, and the ongoing struggle to balance economic development with environmental sustainability goals. Spend the evening getting to know the family that will be hosting you for the first few days.

Day 3 - Costa Rican Economy: Visit Cafe los Volcanes, a family-run coffee farm in the mountains. Explore the farm, see how coffee is harvested and processed. Gain a first-hand understanding of the important role coffee has played in Costa Rica's development, economy, environment, and culture. Return to host families for dinner.

Day 4 - Costa Rican Environment, Coastal Wetlands: After an early breakfast, head to Tortuguero. On the way, visit coffee, banana, and pineapple plantations. Arrive mid-afternoon to the coast in time to learn about the wetland ecosystem, and discuss rural vs. traditional tourism.

Day 5 - Cultural Diversity and Social Justice in the Caribbean: Leave rural Tortuguero and head to Limon, the provincial capital of this region known for its rich AfroCaribbean and indigenous cultures. Discuss historical marginalization and poverty of the region in contrast to its richness in natural resources. Explore the developing city in the afternoon and enjoy a AfroCaribbean cultural activity and dinner in the evening.

Day 6 - The Costa Rican Indigenous Experience: Visit ACOMUITA. Meet indigenous leaders who will share their worldview, and explain the struggle to preserve their cultural heritage in a developing economy. Have lunch at the community. Visit a sustainable cacao cooperative.

Day 7 - Industrial Impacts on Coral Reefs: Visit Cahuita National Park, learn about coral reefs and the effects industry and agriculture have on this ecosystem. Enjoy a free afternoon swimming, hiking the park, and monkey-watching.

Day 8: Return to San Jose: Free morning, and midday drive back to San Jose. Final dinner and reflection at retreat center.

Day 9: Depart Costa Rica

Program Fee: $3700

Program Fee Includes:

• Round trip airfare
• All hotels and accommodation
• All meals
• All in-country transportation
• All projects, activities, workshops, etc.
• Transport to and from airport
• Basic travel insurance

Not Included:

• Passport
• Additional meals (meals not included in the program itinerary)
• Miscellaneous expenses (such as souvenirs, etc.)
• Trip interruption and cancellation insurance

Payment #1: $500 due ASAP

Payment #2: $1,100 due November 11th

Payment #3: $1,100 due December 9th

Payment #4: $1,000 for SPARK students, $450 for non-SPARK students due January 27th

This program includes all housing costs, which range from host families, hostels, and local community shelters/centers with shared rooms.

This program will run for again during Spring Break 2025.