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- GLA Costa Rica - Volunteer Programs for Teens
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...
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...
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.
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Quick Details
- Arenal, Costa Rica
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- Summer
- Alternative Spring Break
- Community Service & Volunteering
- Experiential Learning
- Language Immersion
- Animal Welfare
- Building & Construction Projects
- Community Development See more
- American
- European
- Canadian
- Australian
- South African
Awards







Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Life Changing!
November 05, 2025by: Daniella Knapp - United StatesProgram: GLA Costa Rica - Volunteer Programs for TeensGLA 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 TeensMy 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 TeensI 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
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- Summer
Age Requirement
14-17
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Solo, Group
Cost per week
Program Cost Includes
- Tuition & Fees
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- Medical / Accident Insurance
Accommodation Options
- Group living
Qualifications & Experience
- Some high school, no diploma
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Physical Exam/Health Records
- Online Application
- Essay
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff

Brittany Randles
Participated in 2014
Brittany is a Global Leadership Ambassador. She went on the Protecting the Pacific trip in Costa Rica during the summer of 2014.

Brittany Randles
Participated in 2014
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!

Lindsay Goddard
Participated in 2016
Lindsay is a junior at Homestead High School in Sunnyvale, California and she works in childcare at Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church on the weekends. In ...

Lindsay Goddard
Participated in 2016
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.
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...

Global Leadership Adventures

Global Leadership Adventures
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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