GAP Year: Explore Costa Rica & Nicaragua

  Costa Rica

Rural Areas

  Nicaragua

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Whole year round.

Description: We first started running expeditions to Costa Rica & Nicaragua in 2001. This is our only expedition with projects in two countries and is very popular. With the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica and the lack of infrastructure in Nicaragua, the combination presents many challenges and adventures.

Whats it really like?
Alex Jaggard, 20, wanted to take a break from studying and explore the world. This is his story:

On the community project
In Nicaragua, we arrived at the isolated farming community of Monte Frio. Our project was to create and fill in trenches to provide running water to the houses there. This was a fantastic experience, especially as we lived with the families we were providing water to, immersing ourselves in their lifestyle, helping them cook and talking to them. They were so accepting that language was not a barrier for having a laugh together. In the end, we managed to get water to seven houses to the delight of the residents and us.

On the environmental project
We were building a path going up Barva Volcano, 2900m above sea level. Because of the altitude, we were quite breathless at first but the cool, fresh climate provided a pleasant working environmental. It was great how tourists walking along the paths would say, Thank you and You are doing a great job, which was hugely motivating for us.

On the adventure challenge
On the Macho trek: starting from field base in Turrialba, 14 of us walked 250km across a variety of terrains to end up at Playa Hermosa beach. We passed through some of the most amazing scenery I have ever seen. Almost every day was a challenge in some way, but every night we ended up staying in a very friendly and hospitable community where every person we met would be so accepting.

On Raleigh
Raleigh developed me mentally, and I feel like I would be able to face challenges with a more focused and steady mind as well as appreciate and understand persons of a different background to me.

Qualifications: We encourage our volunteers to be all they can be

Our expeditions are tough, but enable you to develop key skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, perseverance and leadership, all of which are sought by universities and employers and will help set you apart from the crowd.

We advise venturers to sign up between 6 and 12 months before the expedition departs, the reason being the earlier you apply the better chance you have of getting your first expedition choice. This also gives you more time to raise funds and you'll benefit from our training workshops.

Cost in US$: 1,500 GBP - 2,995 GBP

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Raleigh 's Mission Statement: We are a youth and education charity. Since 1984 we have inspired over 30,000 people from all walks of life, nationalities and ages to get out there and rise to the challenges of life on expedition. We run programmes in Borneo, Costa Rica & Nicaragua and India. Our expeditions are a challenging, but extremely rewarding combination of sustainable community, environmental and adventure projects.

Year Founded: 1984