Join us in 2021, let active engagement shape your future.

Creativity and confidence thrive when we are open to new people, new outlooks and new challenges. Slow down this summer, take in the breeze and follow toucans in the trees.  While toasting tortillas make new friends, laugh, and feel at ease exploring yourself in a holistic place of waterfalls, horses, honey and cheese.

​​The Costa Rica Youth Exchange. Since 1998, Central America's historic high school summer exchange has inspired Spanish students from the U.S. and Canada to go beyond tourism and experience the heart-warming connection of real people and community.

Hold My Spot

   We take care of everything

• 3  to 6 week, Enriching "Youth Lab" immersion.​
• 100% Local - hosted by our friendly schools.​
• Onsite U.S. Director/ individual assistance.
• Fully Supervised / high school appropriate.
• Lodging and Meals / Bottled water to laundry.
• Minor Medical and Overseas health insurance.

    Step into our comfort zone

• Youth Lab - Arts, Music, Dance. Sports.
• Embrace leadership cultivated on relationships.
• Ecology, school farms, rural service projects
• Healthy, engaging, village life experience.
• Beginning to advance Spanish support.
• All home-stays have children in the schools.
• Family friendly, safe, walk-able home town.​
• Outdoor nearby adventures on our "hammock highway".

"I'm coming back again,
​maybe for forever" Andy T. 

"Before, I was scared to speak -now it just feels natural" Emily K.

between two oceans - the green hills of Tilaran

Center for Rural Community Engagement.

On-going Projects:

• Art in civic engagement
• Sustainable wildlife corridors
• Outdoor classrooms and gardens
• Trail-making between villages
• Youth Lab for creative engagement
• Farms that benefit plant diversity.
  
• Water trails and Monkey habitat
  

"So, I actually helped to re-route rural
tourism by understanding eco-corridors and how they link to small villages"

learn more.

"it's an awesome place with a real sense of community"
​- student, Anna C.

One community, one unforgettable summer.

Host Families have Kids

Relax, be yourself.

Youth mentorship

Your Second Home

Action based Leadership

healthy & cozy - Costa Rica

True wellness fosters healthy relationships.

Experience Costa Rica like the locals do!

Learn more!

dates/costs