GLA Costa Rica: Animals & Environmental Conservation Programs
- Costa Rica
About Program
There is perhaps no place on earth that is better suited to learning about animals, wildlife and environmental conservation than Costa Rica! As an incredibly biodiverse country known for its dedication to protecting precious ecosystems (flora and fauna alike!), this Central American gem is a one-of-a-kind location for learning and lending a hand on initiatives that benefit sea life, unique biomes and even domestic creatures. Stay for 10 days or three weeks. Give back, gain a global perspective and get up close and personal with Costa Rica's best!
Video and Photos
Program Highlights
- Work to protect sea turtles through habitat conservation night patrols
- Go rafting on one of Costa Rica's most adventurous rivers and sail through the jungle on a zipline course
- Spot exotic wildlife like sloths, parrots and monkeys on a mangrove boat tour
- Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture and practice your Spanish with native speakers
- Hear from experts on topics of conservation and the challenges that wildlife in Costa Rica currently faces
Popular Programs
Provide critical support to sea turtles through volunteer efforts at a remote nesting beach on the Caribbean. Live and work at a nonprofit that is dedicated to increasing sea turtle populations through beach maintenance, community outreach, anti-poaching measures and other means. If you're very lucky, you may even be rewarded with turtle and egg-hatching sightings!
Dreaming of being a veterinarian one day? Then this is definitely the program for you! Shadow vets at a clinic in Costa Rica, where you'll assist on surgeries and intake of cats and dogs. We'll also explore the wilder side of animal life: spot sloths and colorful birds at Manuel Antonio National Park, a hotspot for unique and colorful fauna.
Costa Rica is home to a plethora of nature reserves and national parks: explore them! Spend time in coastal communities along the Pacific and lend a hand on conservation projects that address the effects of climate change on Costa Rica's delicate ecosystems. We'll spend time in a sea turtle hatchery and work to ensure endangered species' survival.
This program is all about the ocean! Live and work on the Pacific to protect this invaluable resource. Work alongside a local organization that supports wildlife and habitat preservation while exploring the natural beauty of Costa Rica through snorkeling, boating, hiking, and days on the beach.
Earn college credit and bring your understanding of environmental issues to the next level on this three-week internship. Collaborate with an internship supervisor alongside seasoned biologists and expert field staff as you live and work in a field station in central Costa Rica tracking, observing and protecting wildlife.
Questions & Answers
Location
A pioneer of ecotourism, Costa Rica draws many tourists to its extensive series of national parks and other protected areas. Costa Rica began reversing deforestation in the 1990s, and they are moving towards using only renewable energy. Head to the cloud forest, relax on the beautiful beaches, or visit a coffee farm.
