18 Day ISV High School Program - Coming in summer 2014!
Volunteer and travel in Costa Rica for 18 days!
High school students ages 15-18 can join ISV this summer to volunteer and travel for 18 days in Costa Rica. This is a great opportunity for you to help others while gaining international experience, developing your leadership skills and making new friends.
Volunteering abroad is a meaningful and fun way to spend your summer overseas and is a fantastic way to boost your resume for college applications and scholarship opportunities. Make a positive impact on the planet with a “hands on” conservation or community development volunteer project in the amazing country of Costa Rica.
ISV is an approved certifying organization for the President's Service Award.
On your project in Costa Rica you will volunteer for approximately 70 hours with sea turtle conservation, education or with community development initiatives. All ISV volunteers are eligible to use their service hours for the President's Service Award and receive recognition from President Barack Obama.
Projects
ISV will be offering 3 incredible projects for highs school students to support. You can read more about these projects on our volunteer tab to the left.
- Sea Turtle Conservation: Protect endangered sea turtles through beach patrols, turtle egg and nesting data collection, and hatching programs.
- Children’s Education: Use creative arts, crafts and recreation activities to teach children about social, language and environmental issues. A fun and interactive project that inspires Costa Rica’s youth.
- Sustainable Development: Support rural farming communities in their efforts to be ecologically sustainable through meaningful eco-activities and environmentally friendly agriculture.
High School Program Itinerary ›
After the completion of your volunteer project, you will also have the opportunity to experience ISV's educational adventure tour and explore the natural wonders of your host country with activities like white water rafting, soaking in hot springs, canopy zip-lining, rappelling, and a cultural presentation! The itinerary below gives a day by day breakdown of your activities.
Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica and Welcome Orientation Meeting in Heredia, a vibrant town about 30 minutes from San Jose.
Day 2: Today you depart to your Project and begin the training and orientation sessions. Meet your host family* and learn about the history of the volunteer project and the amazing work you will be undertaking.
Day 3-13: For the next 12 days you will contribute to a range of tasks on your volunteer project. Each day will feature new goals and challenges and you will also be part of evening cultural activities to experience true local culture. You’ll also have a free day in which to explore the local area with your team.
Day 14: Say goodbye to your newfound Costa Rican friends and return to Heredia for your Tour Orientation Meeting. Rest up as tomorrow is a big day of adventure.
Day 15: The tour starts with an amazing overnight white water rafting trip on the world-class Pacuare River. You will stay overnight in a jungle eco-lodge powered by waterfalls. At night your guides prepare traditional meals as you take in the sounds of the forest and the river.
Day 16: Today you will continue rafting, passing spectacular waterfalls and canyons on the way. After a hearty lunch, travel to La Fortuna located at the base of Arenal Volcano. At night you'll soak in the Baldi hot springs, fuelled by geothermal waters from the nearby volcano. Enjoy exploring over 30 hot springs and get the adrenaline pumping on awesome waterslides.
Day 17: Challenge yourself on an action packed adventure day in the cloud forest. Rappel down a 200 ft waterfall, fly through the jungle canopy on 11 different zip-lines and learn about the indigenous Maleku culture through a visit to their mystical village. Try your hand at horseback riding.
Day 18: Say goodbye to Costa Rica as you head back to the airport and begin your trip home. Don’t forget to buy some local souvenirs and take plenty of pictures to make your friends jealous.
*Some volunteer projects involve staying (minimum in pairs) with experienced and carefully selected host families; a unique and enriching cultural experience.
Date & Price ›
Date and price information forthcoming in fall 2013.
Safety & Supervision ›
A professionally trained and first-aid certified ISV Leader will lead the High School group and provide 24/7 supervision.
- ISV has an office in Costa Rica with year-round staff who oversee the program in country. Our U.S. and Costa Rica offices are in constant communication during the program.
- A 24/7 emergency phone number is provided.
How do I Join ISV's 18 Day High School Program? ›
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