Costa Rica

Interdisciplinary Learning Journey

GIVE Volunteers × Therapy Abroad

Costa Rica: Interdisciplinary Learning Journey

GIVE Volunteers × Therapy Abroad

June 24 – July 5, 2027 | 12 Days
San José • Gandoca • Puerto Viejo • Pacuare River

Experience the heart of Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast through an immersive 12-day journey combining cultural exchange, community engagement, inclusive education, and global health learning.

Building on GIVE Volunteers’ established relationships in Gandoca and the surrounding region, this specialized program invites students interested in speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and related health sciences to explore how communication, movement, accessibility, and community environments influence everyday well-being.

Along the way, experience Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity, vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture, tropical rainforests, and world-famous whitewater adventures.

 Costa Rica Itinerary

 Trip Length: 12 Days – Puerto Viejo • Gandoca • Pacuare

Note: This itinerary may be adjusted based on local partnerships, school schedules, community priorities, and participant needs.

Day 1 of 12

Welcome to Costa Rica!

Touch down in San José, where your GIVE guides will welcome you to the land of Pura Vida! Settle into the EMACA Center, meet your fellow travelers, and enjoy your first evening in Costa Rica.
We’ll begin our journey with an introduction to Costa Rican culture and GIVE’s long-standing community partnerships. Together, we’ll explore what it means to approach international service with curiosity, cultural humility, and respect for the communities hosting us.

Field Learning Lens

Global Health & Cultural Foundations: Explore the connections between culture, community, education, and wellbeing. Establish a foundation for ethical engagement, cross-cultural communication, and collaborative learning.

Day 2 of 12

Rainforest Adventures & Caribbean Connections

Our Costa Rican adventure begins as we travel toward the lush Caribbean Coast! Experience the thrill of soaring through the rainforest canopy on zip lines and cooling off beneath beautiful tropical waterfalls.
Along the way, we’ll begin discovering the region’s incredible biodiversity and cultural heritage. After arriving at our jungle farm accommodations, we’ll meet our local hosts, learn about the surrounding environment, and settle into the rhythms of rural Costa Rican life.

Field Learning Lens

Environmental Health & Community Wellbeing: Explore the relationship between natural environments, recreation, physical wellbeing, and community livelihoods. Consider how geography and access to resources shape opportunities for healthy living.

Day 3 of 12

Community Connections & Understanding Local Needs

Today, we’ll begin building meaningful connections with the Gandoca community and our local hosts.
Through guided conversations, cultural exchange, and introductions to local community initiatives, we’ll explore the experiences, strengths, and priorities of families living in Costa Rica’s Caribbean region.
Where local partnerships and schedules allow, we’ll connect with educators or community stakeholders to learn about educational opportunities, childhood development, and the ways families and communities support learning and well-being.
Our afternoon will provide opportunities to participate in existing GIVE community or farm projects, connecting our conversations to the region’s broader social and environmental landscape.

Field Learning Lens

Community Engagement & Social Determinants of Health: Practice respectful listening, community asset mapping, and culturally responsive observation. Explore how education, language, family networks, transportation, and local resources influence participation and opportunity.

Day 4 of 12

Inclusive Education & Communication in Action

Building on yesterday’s community introductions, we’ll explore how communication, movement, and learning intersect in everyday educational settings.
Working alongside local educators or community partners, participants may help facilitate interactive educational activities designed to encourage communication, creativity, and participation. Potential activities include storytelling, language games, collaborative art, movement-based learning, and accessible recreational activities.
We’ll also spend time learning about the ways educators and families support children with different learning styles and developmental needs.
The afternoon offers a chance to experience more of Gandoca’s culture through locally led activities, followed by a group reflection on the relationships we’re beginning to build.

Field Learning Lens

Communication, Child Development & Inclusive Learning: Explore foundational concepts from speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and education. Consider how activities can be adapted to support diverse abilities without imposing outside assumptions about community needs.

Day 5 of 12

Wildlife Conservation & Puerto Viejo Culture

Today, we’ll step away from our community learning activities to experience another incredible side of Costa Rica!
We’ll visit a wildlife rescue center to learn about the conservation and rehabilitation of the region’s extraordinary wildlife, from sloths and tropical birds to other native species.
Afterward, we’ll make our way to the colorful Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo. Enjoy time exploring its beaches, local culture, and relaxed coastal atmosphere before returning to our accommodations in Gandoca.

Field Learning Lens

Conservation, Wellbeing & Community Sustainability: Explore the connections between environmental conservation, responsible tourism, community livelihoods, and wellbeing. Reflect on the importance of sustainable partnerships and locally led initiatives.

Day 6 of 12

Community Outreach & Child Development

Today, we’ll return to our community engagement activities with a deeper understanding of the relationships between education, communication, and childhood development.
In collaboration with local partners, participants will explore how children learn through play, movement, social interaction, and creative expression.
Depending on community interests and partner availability, we may facilitate small-group educational activities, observe locally led learning environments, or engage in conversations with educators and families about their experiences supporting children.
We’ll use the afternoon to reflect on our observations and begin developing ideas for a two-day community learning camp later in the week.

Field Learning Lens

Development, Communication & Family-Centered Practice: Consider how language, sensory experiences, motor development, and social interaction contribute to participation in everyday activities. Explore the importance of family knowledge and culturally responsive educational approaches.

Day 7 of 12

Inclusive Play and Adaptive Learning in Gandoca

Today, we’ll explore the role of play and recreation in supporting communication, participation, and wellbeing.
Working alongside local educators and community partners, participants will engage in inclusive educational activities that encourage cooperation, movement, creative expression, and problem-solving.
Potential activities include cooperative games, storytelling circles, music and rhythm, obstacle courses, and hands-on learning stations. Participants will consider how these activities can be adapted to different ages, abilities, and interests.
In the afternoon, we’ll begin preparing materials and activity plans for our upcoming community learning camp, incorporating feedback and priorities shared by our local partners.

Field Learning Lens

Interprofessional Collaboration & Adaptive Recreation: Explore how principles from communication sciences, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and education can inform inclusive, participation-focused activities. Practice collaborative planning and accessible activity design.

Day 8 of 12

Community Learning Camp and Inclusive Activities

Today, we’ll put our learning into action!
After spending the morning preparing activities alongside GIVE’s local team and community partners, we’ll welcome participating children and families for the first day of our proposed community learning camp.
Through interactive games, storytelling, art, movement, and educational play, we’ll help create an engaging and welcoming environment that celebrates different ways of communicating and learning.
Participants will work in small teams to support activities designed with local educators, ensuring that the experience remains fun, inclusive, and responsive to the interests of those attending.

Field Learning Lens

Inclusive Education & Community-Based Practice: Apply principles of communication development, adaptive recreation, collaborative learning, and participation-focused education. Reflect on the importance of flexibility, local leadership, and creating welcoming environments for diverse learners.

Day 9 of 12

Final Day of Community Learning Camp and Celebration

Building on yesterday’s experience, we’ll spend the morning reviewing feedback, adjusting activities, and preparing for our final community learning camp.
In the afternoon, we’ll welcome children and families back for another round of interactive learning, cooperative games, creative expression, and movement-based activities.
As our time in Gandoca draws to a close, we’ll celebrate the relationships we’ve built and the lessons we’ve learned from our community partners.
We’ll also reflect on how the educational resources, games, or activity ideas developed throughout the week might support future community-led initiatives, where useful and requested.

Field Learning Lens

Sustainable Engagement & Responsive Program Design: Explore collaborative problem-solving, activity adaptation, and the importance of continuity in community partnerships. Consider how locally owned educational resources and knowledge sharing can support lasting engagement.

Day 10 of 12

Whitewater Adventure and Riverside Glamping

After a meaningful week of community engagement, it’s time for an unforgettable Costa Rican adventure!
We’ll say goodbye to our Gandoca family and travel toward the spectacular Pacuare River, one of Costa Rica’s most celebrated whitewater destinations.
Navigate exhilarating rapids surrounded by towering rainforest, lush canyons, and breathtaking tropical scenery. After an incredible day on the river, we’ll settle into our riverside glamping accommodations and enjoy an evening immersed in nature.

Field Learning Lens

Teamwork, Resilience & Personal Wellbeing: Reflect on communication, collaboration, adaptability, and trust in unfamiliar environments. Explore the role of recreation, environmental connection, and shared experiences in supporting personal and group wellbeing.

Day 11 of 12

Whitewater Adventure and Farewell Costa Rica

Wake up surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest and prepare for another incredible day on the Pacuare River!
We’ll continue our whitewater adventure before making our way back toward San José, where we’ll settle into the EMACA Center for our final evening together.
Tonight, we’ll gather for a farewell celebration, sharing our favorite memories and reflecting on the people, places, and experiences that have shaped our journey.

Field Learning Lens

Professional Growth & Final Reflection: Bring together lessons from community engagement, inclusive education, cultural exchange, and teamwork. Consider how these experiences may influence future studies and professional interests in allied health, education, and community development.

Day 12 of 12

Final Reflections and Departure from Costa Rica

Enjoy a final morning in Costa Rica before heading to the airport or continuing your Central American adventure!
As we say goodbye, we’ll carry with us new friendships, unforgettable memories, and a deeper appreciation for the relationships between culture, community, communication, and wellbeing.
From the lush jungles of Gandoca to the powerful waters of the Pacuare River, this journey has offered opportunities to learn, connect, and grow alongside the people who make Costa Rica so special.

Field Learning Lens

Applying the Experience: Reflect on how cultural humility, community-centered engagement, and interdisciplinary learning can inform future academic, professional, and personal experiences.

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
  • 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

Trip dates and packages

Mix & match trips, travel for 2 or more weeks, and save big when you combine trips! Secure your spot with flexible payment options that let you pay now, set up automatic installments, or Book Now, Pay Later to even pay after your trip.
*All prices are in USD
Show dates for:

GIVE × Therapy Abroad programs combine cultural immersion, hands-on global health learning, community engagement, and adventure

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Package Your Trip

Extend your journey by combining your Global Health trip with GIVE's standard program trip dates.
Flexible Payment Options

Planning your GIVE trip should be exciting—not stressful! That's why we offer payment options to make it easy. Whether you’re ready to pay now or spread payments into smaller, manageable installments, we've got you covered. Choose to secure your spot with a deposit, set up automatic recurring payments, or use Book Now, Pay Later (even after your trip)— all designed to keep budgeting simple and stress-free.

How to Book a Trip

Lock in your spot with a $450 USD trip deposit in your GIVE Profile. For add-ons or multi-trip packages, it's just $295 more per trip. Your deposit counts toward your total cost, never expires, and can be transferred if plans change.

Pay the rest on your own schedule by your payment deadline or set up a payment plan to extend payments, even after your trip! Need more time? We’ve got you. [Terms & conditions apply.]

No Hidden Fees

Your GIVE trip includes everything you need—from meals, guides, and accommodations to local transport, epic adventures, cultural experiences, and funding for the volunteer projects you’ll help bring to life. Just show up ready to make an impact—we’ll handle the rest.

Worry-Free Booking

Plans change—we get it. Your deposit is fully transferable, never expires, and lets you switch trips or dates for free. Total flexibility, zero stress. [Learn more about our worry-free booking policy.]

We Got Your Back

We’ve got your back—every step of the way. Before your trip, we’ll help you book flights, secure travel insurance, and handle passport or visa needs without the headache. On the road, our team’s on call 24/7 to help with anything that comes up.[Learn more about our 360° travel support.]

Small Groups, Big Vibes

Travel with a tight-knit crew, guided by a team of local and international GIVE guides. With an average group size of 16-20 people, a 5:1 traveler-to-guide ratio, and 24/7 support, you’ll never feel lost in the crowd.

Don’t see your preferred trip combination or dates?  Contact us.

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FAQ’s about Global Health Projects in Costa Rica:

Do I need experience to volunteer in Costa Rica?

No experience is required. Our Global Health Programs are open to anyone interested in fields such as speech-language pathology, audiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, and other such service-oriented fields.

How long are the Costa Rica service trips?

The Costa Rica Global Health trip is 12 days, with options to combine programs for a longer experience. To travel across two countries in one unforgettable experience, combine our Nicaragua and Costa Rica trips to travel for up to 3-weeks!

Are accommodations included?

Yes, all of our trips include accommodation, meals, dedicated guides, and in-country transportation, along with adventures, cultural immersion activities, and meaningful projects.

Is it safe to travel in Costa Rica?

Safety is always our top priority. You’ll have trained trip leaders, local guides, and 24/7 support throughout your trip.

Who can join these Global Health Programs?

These trips are ideal for young adults, students, gap year travelers, and anyone looking for meaningful, guided travel. Especially meaningful for those interested in fields such as speech-language pathology, audiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, and other such service-oriented fields.

Ready to make your Costa Rica trip a reality?

Apply now for an experience built around real impact, culture, and adventure. There’s no commitment until you’re ready!

Apply Now