International Service Learning (ISL): Alajuela - Service Learning in Costa Rica

Costa Rica (“rich coast” in Spanish) is a Central American country bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, Nicaragua and Panama. Costa Rica has become one of the most stable, democratic, prosperous, and progressive nations in Latin America. It permanently abolished its army in 1949, becoming the first of a few sovereign nations without a standing army. While Costa Rica is known for its coffee and tropical fruit exports, tourism is now the largest industry. 25% of the country’s land area is protected—one of the largest percentages in the world. From tropical Cloud Forests to Volcanoes to Beaches, Costa Rica is truly rich in geographical and bio diversity. Costa Rica has a social security system that unfortunately is oversaturated and only covers public and private sector employees and self-employed people that contribute to the system. The unemployment rate is very high and we have a large population of poverty stricken immigrants, mostly Nicaraguans. These are the communities where ISL volunteers serve.

We currently offer a variety of Medical, Enrichment, and Adventure programs to Costa Rica.

Continuing Education credits are also available for LPNs and RNs if previously requested. Please visit the Nursing Continuing Education page on our website for details.