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GLA Costa Rica - Volunteer Programs for Teens

by: Global Leadership Adventures

Top Rated Program High School Abroad in Costa Rica 2025
9.79 (62)Verified

Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you are passionate about! Choose from program themes ranging from Public Health and Medicine to Animal and Wildlife Conservation to Language Immersion and everything in between. GLA's offerings include: - Animal Rescue & Veterinary Project - Beachside Service Adventure - Marine Conservation & Sea Turtle Expedition™ - The Ultimate Advent...

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Program Highlights

Explore Costa Rica and discover where the Atlantic and Pacific ecosystems meet.

Carry out volunteering activities alongside experts or people from local communities.

Engage in exhilarating activities, from ziplining through lush valleys to whitewater rafting!

Spend time on Costa Rica's relaxing beaches.

Learn more about Tico culture through dance or cooking classes, arts workshops, and from our dedicated local staff.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Arenal, Costa Rica
Availability
Year(s) Offered2025, 2026Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
Age Requirement:14-17
Types & Subjects
Focus Areas:
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Experiential Learning
  • Language Immersion
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Building & Construction Projects
  • Community Development
  • See more
Guidelines:
  • American
  • European
  • Canadian
  • Australian
  • South African
See all program details

Awards

2025 Finalist - Innovation in Alumni Engagement2025 Finalist - Innovative Intern Abroad Program2025 Winner - Innovative Intern Abroad ProgramGoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - High School AbroadGoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist -	Volunteer Abroad ProgramInnovative Volunteer Abroad Program 2023 FinalistInnovative New Program – Intern Abroad Finalist 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.79

Total Reviews

62

Life Changing!

November 05, 2025by: Daniella Knapp - United StatesProgram: GLA Costa Rica - Volunteer Programs for Teens
10

GLA Beachside Service Adventure is the perfect trip. It's an amazing mix of meaningful service in a turtle hatchery and adventures. Through my time on the program I learned so much about myself and different cultures. You come home feeling like an entirely new person after a trip like this. GLA staff also plays a large role in enjoyment. I was lucky to have the best staff who made the entire experience 100 times better! I was taught to take risks, make a difference, and most importantly BE THE CHANGE!

Amazing experience of growth and maturation for my 14 year old son

November 04, 2025by: Rebecca Dillavou - United StatesProgram: GLA Costa Rica - Volunteer Programs for Teens
10

My son was open to the experience when we signed up, but wasn't particularly excited about it. However, he came back transformed. The maturity he gained while in Costa Rica was noticeable and he grew so much as a person while he was gone. We are a family that travels internationally regularly, and he has traveled with peers and his school a few times as well--however, upon arriving home, he said without a doubt that was the best trip he's ever been on! The group of teens really bonded from what I can tell, despite the range of ages and kids coming from many different places. He still keeps in touch with many of the kids from the trip. The counselors were incredible as well. If you are thinking of this trip for your teen, go for it!!

I had a wonderful time

September 03, 2025by: jacob nelson - United StatesProgram: GLA Costa Rica - Volunteer Programs for Teens
9

I had a great time in cost rica with GLA. It was truly eye opening for me experiencing the culture and helping out with the sea turtles nests. It was an experience i will never forget and i would recommend it to all.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Arenal, Costa Rica

Types and Subjects

  • Focus Areas
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Experiential Learning
  • Language Immersion

Availability

Years Offered: 2025, 2026

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • Summer

Age Requirement

14-17

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • Medical / Accident Insurance

Accommodation Options

  • Group living

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Some high school, no diploma
    • High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)

    Application Procedures

    • Physical Exam/Health Records
    • Online Application
    • Essay

    Interviews

    Read interviews from alumni or staff

    Brittany Randles

    Participated in 2014

    Alumni

    I love to travel but have never been out of the U.S. until I decided to go abroad with Global Leadership Adventures. I wanted to volunteer more than just locally. I wanted to learn what this world has to offer!

    Show Full Interview

    Lindsay Goddard

    Participated in 2016

    Alumni

    Travel has been a big part of my life since I was young, and volunteering is a passion of mine, so when my best friend showed me her GLA catalog, I knew I had to try it out.

    Show Full Interview
    Global Leadership Adventures

    Global Leadership Adventures

    9.79Verified

    Ready to Learn More?

    Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you are passionate about! Choose from program themes ranging from Public Health and Medicine to Animal and Wildlife Conservation to Language Immersion and everything in between. GLA's offerings include: - Animal Rescue & Veterinary Project - Beachside Service Adventure - Marine Conservation & Sea Turtle Expedition™ - The Ultimate Adventure - Medicine & Healthcare Discovery - Middle School Service Adventure - Ocean & Wildlife Conservation Adventure™ - Sea Turtle Initiative™ - Spanish Service Adventure - Surf, Sports & Sustainability ™ - The Initiative for Children ™ - Spring Break Service Adventure - Costa Rica Internship: Career Exploration In Environmental Stewardship Costa Rica is known for its serene tropical surroundings an...

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