Academic Credit
Talk to your study abroad or academic advisor to approve earning 12 course credits through an independent study or via transfer from Western State Colorado University.
Coast to Coast Expedition
Overview
Dates & Cost
Itinerary
Location
Reviews
Overview
85 days | Costa Rica & Panama | Ages 17+ | from $12,965
Coast to Coast Expedition is the perfect choice if you want a life-changing experience that will immerse you in a brand new culture, challenge you physically, and allow you to learn and grow as a leader through the rainforest, rivers and reefs of Costa Rica and Panama. On this 85-day adventure you will grow your Spanish skills, whitewater raft, hike, scuba dive, surf, and more—all while gaining valuable life skills, expanding your self confidence, and discovering the beauty of Latin America. You may earn 12 academic credits and earn up to 5 internationally-recognized certifications.
During part of your course, embark on a 26-day cross-country expedition that will give you a new cultural awareness and push you to expand your boundaries. Trek through rainforest valleys and dense cloud forests as you learn the local traditions of Costa Rica. Spend your evenings camping under the stars, living on host family’s farms, and learning to cook using local ingredients—all while learning more about yourself, your passions and capabilities.
Venture into Panama to become NAUI scuba certified, understand more about the fragile ecosystem of the ocean in the archipelago and test your skills at wakeboarding. Learn how to guide whitewater rafts down world-class rivers. Volunteer on rainforest reforestation and conservation projects and participate in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure: a Wilderness Solo in the rainforest!
Dates & Cost
Dates: Sept. 10 – Dec. 4, 2024 (Fall 2024)
Feb. 4 – April 30, 2025 (Spring 2025)
Sept. 9 – Dec. 3, 2025 (Fall 2025)
Cost: $12,965 USD (Fall 2024)
$12,965 USD (Spring 2025)
$13,225 USD (Fall 2025)
Tuition includes all room and board, technical gear, course activities, and in-country transportation. Airfare to/from Costa Rica is not included in the listed tuition cost
Itinerary
PLEASE NOTE: Details and layout of course activities are subject to change.
Orientation, Wilderness Training, & Rappelling Phase: 14 days
Fly to Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) where you will be greeted by our staff and be driven to our remote and isolated rainforest base in Tres Ríos, Cartago. Meet your coursemates and newfound friends, instructors, and participate in a program orientation. Get to know our rainforest base grounds, staff, and what you will be accomplishing during your semester course. During this time, you will enjoy our vast tropical rainforest environment while earning your Wilderness First Aid and Recreational Rappel Operator certifications. Nights in furnished dorms.
River Phase: 13-14 Days
Travel to the Pacuare, Sarapiquí, Pejibaye and/or General Rivers to begin navigating the famous whitewater rapids of Costa Rica. On this course you will learn the rules of swift water rescue, how to self-rescue, hydrology and river dynamics, equipment, and rope rescue skills. You will also learn how to steer a single inflatable kayak and a multi-passenger inflatable raft down class II-III rapids. Overnights in a private thatched roof home along the river. At the end of this phase you will return back to our San Ramón de Tres Ríos rainforest base to clean gear, relax, repack and prepare for the next phase of course.
Scuba Diving Phase: 10-11 Days
Depart to cross the Panama border and arrive via boat to your island home. Begin earning your Scuba Diver or Advanced Scuba Diver certification through the Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro. Learn how to dive and discover spectacular tropical coral reefs up close and personal. If you are already certified, earn your advanced certification by participating in special dives including a compass navigation dive and a deep dive. Take your practical and written exam toward earning your scuba diving certification. Enjoy a celebratory night dive—wave your hands and glide through the waters as thousands of magical bioluminescent lights illuminate your path. Between instructional lessons, enjoy white sandy tropical beaches and learn how to wakeboard through the turquoise enclaves. Overnights tent camping under a traditional thatched-roof lodge suspended over the Caribbean waters on Isla Solarte.
Surf Phase: 12-13 Days
Depart to the Pacific Coast and setup camp at the beautiful and secluded beach site. Participate in beach school, where you will learn the basics of board selection, beach safety, paddling techniques and standing upright on your board. Wake up each morning to the sound of crashing waves! Instructors will teach beginner to advanced surf lessons and you’ll practice your new skills in the water. Your days will also consist of theory sessions or hands-on training to earn your Lifeguarding with Waterfront Module certification. Overnights at beach campsite. At the end of this phase you will return back to our San Ramón de Tres Ríos rainforest base to clean gear, relax, repack and prepare for the next phase of course.
Hiking Phase: 23-25 Days
Start your cross-country hiking expedition on the pristine Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and make your way through mountains, valleys, towns, and dense tropical rainforest to the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. These world famous and biodiverse landscapes will become your campgrounds as you spot colorful butterflies, tiny tree frogs, exotic birds, and hear howler monkeys in the distance as you trek. This challenge also includes 2-3 days of a solo reflective experience, where you will take inventory of where your life is, where you want it to be, and to experience pure solitude without distractions and without your group in a controlled environment. This experience is adventurous, rewarding and a world away from the norm! At the end of the hiking phase, you will return back to our San Ramón de Tres Ríos rainforest base to clean gear, relax, repack and prepare for the next phase of course.
Spanish Language & Service: 4-7 Days
Throughout your course experience you will participate in service projects cultural immersion activities. Grow your confidence in speaking to locals and interacting with local school children. Then, give back to nature on much needed environmental and community projects. These projects will be dependent on the needs of communities at the time, but may include trail and greenhouse maintenance planting new trees, or renovating community buildings.
Course Wrap-Up: 2 Days
Spend your last evening on base with a course reflection, final traditional dinner, and program celebration. Overnight in furnished dorms. Transfer to the Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) for departure. Say hasta luego to your friends and coursemates. Nos vemos pronto en Costa Rica!
Location
Reviews
“You are capable of a lot more than you think. I’ve noticed that I’ve grown as a person, a leader, and as an adult. This experience is fun, exciting, thrilling, tough, a great learning experience, and something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.”
“This experience was the challenge and thrill of a lifetime. It’s such a unique opportunity to authentically experience such a beautiful country. I learned that I am capable of so much more than I imagined and my love for outdoor education grew even more.”
“I learned to be more self-reliant. I don’t want to have to lean on people my whole life, and OBCR definitely helped me to become more independent.”
"I’ve learned a lot from doing this course. I’ve learned a lot about awareness and living in the moment. I’ve also learned to be more grateful, and how lucky I am to have had this experience. My favorite phase of this course has been scuba. It is such an awesome skill to have, and one that I will definitely us in the future. We also had time to hang out and enjoy the beautiful place we were in."
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