Global Learner Program Sample Information Sheet from A. Campbell-Rogers, Branksome Hall, Toronto
Branksome Hall and Canada World Youth
Global Learner Program: Costa Rica
Approximate Dates: June 21st – July 12th, 2008
Listed below are some brief points that families might find helpful.
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This trip is available for 8-15 students, 16 years of age and up primarily in the Geography, Biology and
Spanish programs
Costa Rica is a remarkably safe country. Supervision of this trip will consist of the following: our group will
be accompanied by a Canada World Youth project supervisor from Canada, a community expert from ACI
Costa Rica and 2 Branksome faculty.
Opportunities exist for those students writing extended essay topics in the area of sustainable development, sea
turtle conservation and monitoring and issues of international development. The nature of the programme
would also permit students to record CAS hours under any or all of the three domains (creativity, action,
service)
The group will have its own private mini bus for all excursions. Taxis and public buses will also be available.
Typical Costa Rican diet includes rice and beans, meat, fruit and bread. Students will eat together in group
settings throughout the trip (example: orientation camp, excursion days and at the turtle monitoring site)
Students will also share meals with their host family.
Host families are selected by Canada World Youth’s overseas partner organizations and their selection is
based on their reputation in the community and their desire to participate in the cross-cultural experience.
Participants may have their own room or share a room with another participant or host family member of the
same sex. Most host family homes are modest but clean and usually have running water and electricity.
Hospitals and private clinics are located in close proximity to selected host communities.
The schedule is three weeks in duration and an overview of the itinerary would include:
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3 days of orientation camp, acclimatization and group activities, 10 days in the host community
including: host family living, community service work, free-time with host families, cultural activities,
and excursions to nearby attractions such as coffee processing plant, and national parks.
4 days at a Sea Turtle Conservation Project
2 nights in San Jose with visits to Poas Volcano, and the National Theatre (A full itinerary will be
made available once it is finalized)
The cost per student based on 9 students and two teachers is approximately $3500.00. This cost includes:
 Airfare from Toronto and departure tax
 All Meals
 All accommodations
 All Entrance Fees
 A Canada World Youth Project Supervisor
 A Costa Rican guide and driver to accompany the group
 Emergency Medical Insurance
 Cancellation Insurance
 Overseas Support from CWY as required
 A 6 hour pre-departure session and a 2 hour debriefing session upon return
This cost does not include:
 Passport Fees
 Spending Money
 Vaccinations
 Prescription Medicines
 Transportation to and from the Toronto Airport