The second week you have to prove to be the best ones in several adventure sports as white water rafting, waterfall rappelling, kayaking, bungee jumping, mountain biking, and the sports rally.

The third week you are going to have to survive in the jungle, your group will be alone in the jungle, only with your strengths, abilities and basic things to survive (food, drinkable water, tent, sleeping bags, flashlights, etc)

The final week is going to put under proof your volunteering skills, you will help other people to improve their lifestyle… building, repairing, cleaning, teaching, etc.

And the best part… you can win some prices!
* $ 500 each of the members of the team
* One week in a nice beautiful hotel (all included)
* Scholarship for Spanish lessons (according to our requirements)
* Extra adventure activities (depending on the season)
SPECIAL CONDITION FOR THIS PROGRAM

In this program we only accept groups of four (2 men and 2 women), if there is not another team to compete with, the group should get a certain amount of points to win.
Alliance 4 Volunteers Escapes program provides participants with many opportunities to explore the cultural and tourist attractions of Costa Rica. Keep in mind; this is not a luxurious travel plan. In all cases, we offer local food, public transportation like buses and trains, and rooms - staying in guesthouse, with a host family, or in an economy hostel. A4VCR does not offer exotic food (or food of personal choice), taxis or other luxurious transportation, and expensive hotel rooms during this travel period.

Week 1: Your program begins with a program orientation and a 1 week long Spanish language course at our Institute in the rich cultural city of Heredia. Spanish language courses will also be combined with cultural lessons. Students will be able to learn about Costa Rica´s dramatic past, strong heritage, lifestyle through seminars and activities that include dancing, cooking and other fun filled activities.
Week 2: Community service work is the focus of the 2nd week of escapes. You will depart from Heredia to find a warm welcome in your new community, experiencing the quiet rewards of rural Costa Rican life. You will work on a community project and interact with it’s members. This project which allows you to assist in renovating the village school through the support from the Damien Gilbert Foundation engages you in painting and repairing the school building, leveling the playground, fixing fences and cleaning the grounds. Take advantage of your surrounding and engage in a little game of soccer with the local youths or joining a Spanish theatre play. In the afternoons you will have the opportunity to enjoy invigorating hikes in nearby areas. All during this time you have the chance to practice your Spanish language skills with your host family and neighbors.
Week 3: This week you will move on to live with another loving host family in a different rural village. During this time you will have the opportunity to share your love and talents with disadvantaged children in the area at a local school. Your work may include teaching English, distributing lunches, cleaning the school kitchen, playing games, singing songs and crafting with the children. You will play a meaningful role in raising the hopes of these children and their community for a better future.
Week 4: Here your experience turns into a real adventure. In Costa Rica there is something for everyone. Explore exotic locales boasting unsurpassed beauty, bask lazily on pristine beaches, journey through virgin rainforest and everywhere you go be greeted warmly by hospitable people. This is your time to check out the sights, relax and just take it all in.
Please ask for the Special Explore Costa Rica (6 days) Program, depending on the Season.

Sample Program outlines
Day 1: Volunteers will arrive in Heredia. Introductions will be held with the host families and, depending on the day, with the Program Staff. Volunteers spend the rest of the day with their families.
Day 2: First Day orientation. It covers host family or anticipated living conditions, safety issues, climate expectations, volunteer projects, and related topics. Immediately following the orientation, our leaders will take you for a visit of the local community of Heredia.
Day 3- 10: Depending on your project, you will be working with children or helping the community in other aspects. Share your love, skill, and creativity with the local people and kids. Volunteers will have time to explore the surrounding areas. Heredia offers many beautiful features that represent the wonder of Costa Rica. Explore the nature, culture, and life of the community and its surroundings in your free time. Our local field staff will give you any assistance that you may need.

Discover Costa Rica (4 Days)
A4V prepared a special 4 days trip for you, please ask what´s available for the season you are going to come!

Program Outlines
First two weeks: Students along with the chaperon will take part in a Spanish language course. Classes run for four hours a day, five days a week. Outside of the classroom students will be able to learn more about different aspects of Costa Rican culture through lessons such as Latin dancing and Costa Rican cuisine. During this time participants will have the opportunity to live in homestays with Costa Rican families furthering their Spanish language and cultural immersion.
Second two weeks: The students along with their chaperon will volunteer in a National park located only two hours away from San Jose and fifteen minutes away from one of the most visited beaches in Costa Rica, Jaco Beach.
During their time at the National Park, volunteers will assist in repairing trails, cleaning, picking up garbage, giving tours to visitors, etc. Participants will be living in the Rangers’ house and the interaction with the National Park staff will allow them to learn more about Costa Rica’s natural environment.

Arrival (Day 1): Airport pick up and meeting the host families.
Day 2: (Monday)
8:00 a.m. Introducing volunteers to school students and staff.
9:00 a.m. Start working at school.
11:00 a.m. Help to serve lunch. Play games with the children during the break.
12:00 a.m. Go to lunch.
1:00 p.m. Go back to school to start school’s renovation.

Day 3: (Tuesday)
8:00 a.m. Go to work at school’s renovation project.
12:00 m.d. Canopy tour.
Day 4: (Wednesday)
9:00 a.m. Start working at school.
11:00 a.m. Help to serve lunch. Play games with the children during the break.
12:00 a.m. Go to lunch.
1:00 p.m. Go back to school to start school’s renovation.
Day 5: (Thursday)
8:00 a.m. Go to work at school’s renovation project.
12:00 m.d. Waterfalls’ Rappelling tour.
Bring your cameras for this one as the photo opportunities are marvelous.
Day 6: (Friday)
9:00 a.m. Start working at school.
11:00 a.m. Help to serve lunch. Play games with the children during the break.
12:00 a.m. Go to lunch.
1:00 p.m. Go back to school to start school’s renovation.
6:00 p.m. Go out as a group to eat dinner and dance.
Day 8: (Saturday)
Good Bye Ceremony and Participation Diploma at school with students and families.

Alliance 4 Volunteers Escapes program provides participants with many opportunities to explore the cultural and tourist attractions of Costa Rica. Keep in mind; this is not a luxurious travel plan. In all cases, we offer local food, public transportation like buses and trains, and rooms - staying in guesthouse, with a host family, or in an economy hostel. A4VCR does not offer exotic food (or food of personal choice), taxis or other luxurious transportation, and expensive hotel rooms during this travel period.