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Costa Rica: Alternative break

This is not your average college course. Make your education an adventure.

Complete the below form to register for the GIVE x Boise State University Alternative Break program in Costa Rica from May 23 – 30, 2026. After you submit the form, we’ll email you next steps. We can’t wait for you to join us in Costa Rica!

Program Details

GIVE and Boise State Alternative Breaks are partnering to offer a meaningful travel experience in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Students will support local sustainability and education efforts in the coastal village of Gandoca while exploring Costa Rica’s forests, rivers, and culture. This program blends service learning, environmental education, and cultural immersion—building leadership, global perspective, and real-world experience along the way.

  • Dates: May 23 – 30, 2026
  • Academic Credit:
    • LEAD 225: 1 credit – Pass/Fail Hybrid summer course.
    • Pre-trip class sessions: Thursday, May 14 and May 21, 1:05-2:45 p.m. 
  • Deposit: $395
    • Paid to confirm your spot in your GIVE Profile.
    • Applied toward your total trip cost (not an extra fee).
    • The deposit is nonrefundable, but it’s good for life and transferable if plans change. Learn more about GIVE’s Worry-Free Booking Policy.
  • Your Total Program Cost: $932.25 (if you complete the supplemental Boise State application and are accepted)
    • This includes your $395 deposit.
    • The full GIVE program cost you will see in your GIVE Profile is $1,695. If you complete the supplemental Boise State application and are accepted, Boise State will cover 45% of that cost + travel insurance, so your portion is only $932.25 + flights.
    • Important note: Students graduating this Spring are not eligible for the 45% Boise State funding or university-covered travel insurance. However, you are still welcome to join the trip at the full program cost of $1,695 + flights + travel insurance.
  • Flights:
    • You are responsible for booking your own roundtrip flights to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO).
    • GIVE will connect you with our partner flight agents or provide schedule guidelines if you prefer to book independently. Click here to learn more about the the flight booking process.
  • Passport & Travel Insurance:
    • You must have a valid passport by April 17, 2026.
    • Boise State will purchase your international travel insurance if you complete the supplemental Boise State application and are accepted.
  • Application Deadline:
    • Final Deadline: March 4, 2026
    • Apply early to get the best pricing on flights!
  • Application Process:
    • Complete the application form above and this supplemental Boise State application.
    • Once you submit your application and are accepted, you’ll receive an email with instructions to create a password-protected GIVE Profile.
    • From your GIVE profile, you will secure your spot with a $395 deposit.
  • Scholarship Funding:
    • Alternative Break Scholarships are intended to provide financial support to students who would otherwise not be able to participate in this program. Scholarship recipients may receive up to 75% of the total cost of the remaining trip fee (excluding any non-refundable deposit amount). Decisions are based on financial need and the amount of available scholarship funds each year.
    • The scholarship application should be submitted at the same time as applying for an Alternative Break.

 Costa Rica Alternative break Itinerary

 Trip Dates: May 23 – 30, 2026 (8 Days)

 

Days 1-2

Arrival in San Jose & Wildlife Rescue Center

Day 1: Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport, where you’ll meet your GIVE guides before checking into nearby accommodations. That evening, we’ll share our first meal together and go over the exciting journey ahead.

Day 2: After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, with a stop at an Animal Rescue Center to see sloths, monkeys, big cats, and other rescued wildlife. Enjoy a Caribbean lunch in the beach town of Puerto Viejo before continuing to the coastal community of Gandoca, your home for the next few days!

Days 3-6

Gandoca Projects & Cultural Immersion

Welcome to Gandoca, where the sound of howler monkeys and the aroma of a Caribbean breakfast greet you each morning. Once a thriving ecotourism hub with a strong sea turtle population, Gandoca’s economy has suffered due to the environmental impacts of nearby agrochemicals. We’re excited to work with the community to revitalize the local environment and livelihoods with organic farming, beach clean-ups and other ecotourism initiatives.

Gandoca residents also recognize the importance of English education for greater economic and educational opportunities. However, limited access to government services has hindered consistent programs. As a GIVE Volunteer, you’ll help to facilitate English classes for youth (ages 6-16) and adults. Outside of teaching, immerse yourself in the community through cooking classes, sports with local kids, cacao ceremonies, lagoon tours, and relaxing on the beach!

Days 7-8

Whitewater Rafting & Departure from San Jose

Day 7: Bid farewell to your new friends in Gandoca before embarking on an epic class III-IV whitewater rafting adventure down the Pacuare River, navigating stunning canyons and jungles. From there, we’ll head back to San Jose for one final night of reflection and celebration.

Day 8: All good things must come to an end, but the memories and friendships will last a lifetime. Bid farewell to your GIVE guides and fellow travelers as you begin your journey home.

What's Included

When you travel with GIVE, you won’t be surprised by hidden fees upon arrival. Dive into all that’s included in our all-in-one trip prices.

  • All accommodations
  • Transportation (not including flights)
  • 3 meals per day & clean drinking water
  • 24/7 guide support 
  • All adventures and cultural experiences
  • Funding for volunteer projects & sustainability initiatives
  • Travel insurance (covered by Boise State)
  • Pre-trip & in-transit support from GIVE’s Travel Specialists
  • Access to your personalized GIVE Profile
  • Access to GIVE’s preferred insurance & flight partners
  • Trip preparation tools, guides and checklists
  • Access to GIVE’s Ambassador Community post-trip

Simply put: we care. GIVE goes above and beyond for our travelers before, during and after your trip. See all that’s included in your GIVE trip here!

What's Not Included

Pretty much everything except your flights, insurance and travel documents, but GIVE will help you organize it all! Dive into what’s included here.

* GIVE reserves the right to change program dates
* Winter trips are slightly shorter due to school/holiday breaks

“The immersive experience can’t be replicated in a classroom. Standing knee-deep in water, clearing invasive species side-by-side with local leaders who describe the intricacies of their ancient fishponds is not something students can absorb by reading.”

– Dr. Kenneth Cohen, Ph.D FCS/Recreation and Sustainable Tourism