Your child’s teacher and a WorldStrides Account Manager will determine the specific itinerary, and details will be provided to your child's teacher prior to departure. Depending on the group size, your child’s teacher will be supported by other chaperones as needed.

During your child’s educational travel program, the group will be led by a bilingual Course Leader. The Course Leader provides details about what students are seeing and engages them in critical thinking, encouraging them to process what they are learning in ways that are exciting and memorable. At the hotels or lodges, your child will have time to hang out with friends, receive instructions from his/her teacher, and call home.

Your child’s days are full of fun activities and learning. Students will explore Costa Rica’s geology, geography, biodiversity, and culture. They’ll see both dormant and active volcanoes, as well as tropical rainforests and cloud forests, and learn about both endemic and indigenous species. Professional field biologists will accompany your child’s group as they catch bats and birds in nets, and study these creatures before releasing them into their natural habitat. In addition, students see one of the world’s most active volcanoes and use professional equipment to measure its constant activity. Your child will never forget the adventurous rafting trip down the Sarapiquí River or the exhilarating canopy tour through the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where they soar through the treetops and experience a bird’s perspective of the forest.
Click here to see a sample itinerary.

During the trip a chaperone will be present at each site visited by your child’s group. At selected sites, students may be allowed the freedom to explore on their own. To make the trip safer and more enjoyable for everyone, it is important for each student to exhibit responsible behavior at all times. This conduct is in accordance with the Behavior Contract he or she has signed prior to departure and in addition to the rules established by his or her teacher.

2. Will my child be safe? What happens should an emergency arise?

At WorldStrides, your child’s Safety is our highest priority . From start to finish, our staff is dedicated to your child’s safety and making your investment count. WorldStrides employs over 350 professionals who make sure each program is safe, worry-free, and enjoyable. However, should an emergency arise, participants can reach a representative in Costa Rica 24-hours a day using a toll free number. Should your child become sick or need treatment during this educational travel program, WorldStrides provides accident and illness coverage free of charge. Click here for more details on accident and illness coverage.

3. Where will my child be staying?

All of our hotels and lodges in Costa Rica are safe and comfortable properties. At each hotel throughout their stay, your child will have his or her own bed. Each hotel has been carefully chosen for its cleanliness, hospitality, and safety features.

4. What kinds of meals are provided for the students?

The food in Costa Rica is simple and mild and students are sure to find their favorite American foods. Students enjoy full breakfast buffets at the hotels and lodges. WorldStrides provides lunch and dinner as well. Depending on the location and activity each day, students have either a packed or sit down lunch, and dinner at a local restaurant or at the hotel.

5. What kind of clothes should my child wear/what should he/she pack?

Comfortable clothes and comfortable walking shoes are a must. Your child should bring rain gear and dress in layers in case the temperature changes throughout the day. Check our suggested packing list for more details.

6. What is the weather like in Costa Rica?

There are only two seasons in Costa Rica, a dry and rainy season. The dry season lasts from January to April and the rainy (green) season extends from May to December. The rainy season is characterized by afternoon showers, during which all activities are still available. Due to its unique geographic features, temperatures throughout Costa Rica vary depending on altitude and location. The average annual temperatures range from 31.7°C (89°F) on the coast to 16.7°C (62°F) inland.

7. How do I register my child for his/her program?

You can register three easy ways:
(1) register on-line
(2) complete and return your registration form (attached to the letter given by the teacher/educator leading your child’s trip,)
(3) or contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-468-5899.

8. What is the payment plan for this program?

You can learn about the payment plan for WorldStrides educational travel programs in the Financial Information section of Parent Place. Click here to reach Financial Information online.

9. Can I participate in the trip along with my child?

Your child’s Program Leader makes the decision as to whether or not parents can participate in the program. There is an additional cost for adults depending on the number of program participants per room:

5% of Base Program Price* for each adult in a quad room (four participants per room)
15% of Base Program Price for each adult in a double or triple room (two or three participants per room)
30% of Base Program Price for each adult in a single room (one participant per room)

All adults are automatically assigned to a double room. To ensure a quality educational experience for the students, some tour sites have strict student-to-adult ratios. Please ask your Program Leader for specific details.
*Base Program Price = Initial price as stated in the registration letter, or as revised per Program Leader and Account Manager.
For more answers to your frequently asked questions about WorldStrides, the registration process, payment questions, cancellation policy and protection, and general trip information, click here.