COSTA RICA YOUTH EXCHANGE
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Summer breeze, makes us feel fine... 

Through the inspiration of ordinary citizens, let's reconnect youth in the Americas!
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​Celebrate Summer July-August 2021

Let's slow-down Summer!

Creativity and confidence thrives 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
What about Covid? We have been given a "green-light"
to restart our exchange by the City Council, School Directors and Ministry of Health. Our rural village has experienced minor Covid impact, with the majority already vaccinated, we expect 100% by June. Regardless, we will follow protocols to keep everyone healthy and happy. Being active, adventurous and engaged will reinvigorate a sense of well-being!
Kids in Costa Rica
Toucan in town Costa rica
   We take care of everything
  • 3 Weeks / Enriching "Youth Lab" immersion.​
  • Round-trip Airfare / from major city airports
  • 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.
  • Community Supported / Youth Peer Leadership Council
    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".
High school exchange Costa Rica

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

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

Costa Rica immersion students

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.

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

Waterfalls explore Costa Rica

One community, one unforgettable summer.

Host families Costa Rica
Host Families have Kids
high school student exchange Costa Rica
Relax, be yourself.
Teens living in Costa Rica
Youth mentorship
Folklore dancing Costa Rica
Your Second Home
Youth community service and teacher led programs
Action based Leadership
mercado Tilaran Costa Rica
healthy & cozy - Costa Rica

True wellness fosters healthy relationships.

Experience Costa Rica like the locals do!

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Learn more!

dates/costs
mailing address:
​Costa Rica
​Youth Exchange
P.O. Box 4272
Chapel Hill NC 27515


Contact:
Ilba Prego - Director
1.888.674.0408
​ilba@youthcr.org
Links:
​Our Director
Ask a question
Enrollment form
​Need community service hours?
FAQ's
Do you know?
We offer flexible dates
We provide individualized Spanish tutoring
You can purchase your own airfare
We guarantee - fluency, ask us how.
Almost 2000 students have completed our exchange
  • Home
  • Program Peek
  • Dates & Details
  • Our Community
  • Our Profile
    • Staff & Support
    • Host Family info
    • Faq's
    • Partners / Schools
  • Quick ENROLL
  • For Teachers
  • Contact Us