About Service Learning Programs

Service Learning programs offer Academic + Volunteer experiences in Costa Rica and Peru. These culturally enriching programs expose students to the challenges facing the local community and allow them to make a positive impact while gaining valuable international experience and service hours. Students are immersed in the foreign language and culture through their activities, excursions and completion of a group community service project. Projects in Heredia, Costa Rica may include physical work such as reconstructing a school or building a playground, and also social work such as youth outreach and education. In Tarapoto, Peru students will learn about eco-tourism and Amazon rainforest sustainability efforts. Projects aim to help the local community and therefore are subject to change depending on the specific needs at that time.

Costa Rica and Peru also offer volunteer-only program options. In Heredia, students arrive and participate in a weekend excursion and then join the Service Learning group at Phase Two. In Peru, students will fly into Lima where they will join the Service Learning group before heading to Tarapoto.