Explorica Summer Academy - Costa Rica Sea Turtle Rescue & Conservation

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose
• North Western Region: 
Arenal,  Samara
• Central Pacific Coast: 
Jaco,  Manuel Antonio,  Osa Peninsula
• Monteverde: 
Monteverde

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: Get out there and make a difference. Spend your summer doing conservation field work with Costa Ricas sea turtles, threatened with extinction from habitat destruction and hunting. Get a thorough grounding in Costa Ricas environment, culture, and history as you explore the rainforest, participate in traditional crafts workshops, and meet the country's indigenous populations. Through it all you'll be amazed by the tiny country's astounding diversity and beauty.

Highlights:
Volunteer at Tempisque Conservation Area
In the early 80s, Costa Rica's leatherback sea turtle population started facing serious threats to its survival. Increased development along the coast brought more people in contact with nesting turtles, which can disturb the turtles' breeding cycle, and the lights from nearby cities and towns can confuse hatchlings and make them move away from the water rather than toward it. Human foot traffic can also unwittingly crush eggs or destroy nests. Most dangerously, poachers snatch eggs for the black market. Work with a non-profit conservation group to help decrease poaching, track the turtles, relocate any nests that are in danger from humans or erosion.

Night hike Heliconia trail
Let the darkness sharpen your senses as you venture into the nocturnal forest. Use your ears to detect the rustle of tapirs in the leaves, or your nose to pick out night-blooming flowers

Corcovado National Park full day excursion
Comprising over 40,000 hectares of primary forest, Corcovado National Park encompasses beaches, rivers, mangroves, swamps, and dense forest, with all the diversity of animals and plants such varied settings bring. Scientists often compare this rainforest with the Amazon basin due to its imposing height and density. Hike into its depths with a knowledgeable guide, then reward yourself by diving beneath one of the forest's beautiful waterfalls.

Indian reserve visit
The Guaymi Indians are perhaps the least acculturated indigenous group in Costa Rica, rarely speaking Spanish and sticking mainly to their own isolated communities. See their colorful dress, accented with much beaded jewelry and handmade bags. You'll also get an introduction to the medicinal properties of the rainforest as the Guaymi explain their traditional medicine. Finally you'll visit with the children at the local school.

Cost in US$: Starting at $3824

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Explorica Summer Academy's Mission Statement: Explorica Summer Academy stemmed from the idea that students should have opportunities for in-depth cultural exploration outside the classroom. So with a management team that boasts 150 years of combined industry experience, Explorica offers high-quality, road-tested tours for adventurous students and teachers. Our three-week programs let high-school students from across the country, ages 14 to 18 years old, combine international travel, study, and adventure as they learn about the world from teachers and from each other. And each three-week tour presents unique learning opportunities with accredited institutions, from French schools on the Cote d' Azur to conservation organizations in Costa Rica or South Africa.