Our semester courses offer you the opportunity to learn outside of a traditional classroom, using the rainforest, rivers and reefs of Central America to foster leadership development and personal growth.
Each course will help you discover your capabilities and passion for the great outdoors, but which one is right for you?
Outdoor Leader Semester
Outdoor Leader Semester (OLS) is the perfect fit if you looking to feed your love for the outdoors or gain the necessary skills to jumpstart your career in the outdoor industry. Earn seven internationally-recognized certifications and complete an in-depth study of the Outward Bound Costa Rica’s educational model to make you a desirable instructor or guide for various organizations around the world. From learning to set up belay systems and guiding rafts down whitewater rapids, to providing wilderness medical care, this course has you covered!
OLS Alum, Bailey, first came to us on a Girl Scout Destinations course when she was a teenager. This experience fueled her passion for adventure and set her on the path to pursuing a future in outdoor education. Bailey chose to enroll in the Outdoor Leader Semester course with us and, with numerous certifications under her belt, Bailey is now a full-time instructor with OBCR—leading groups across Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua.
“For me, my OLS course was really a turning point in my life when I discovered just how much I enjoyed the outdoors and it was the first time I realized that having a career in the outdoor industry was an option. I didn’t know it at the time, but those 65 days led to me working in my dream job teaching other young people about themselves—using nature as my tools.
As well as gaining certifications, I discovered a newfound sense of confidence and independence. Before the courses, I didn’t know who I was or where I wanted to go in life, and I was not enjoying the experience of learning in a classroom. By the time I left the course, I had a deep respect for nature, a passion for the outdoors, and love for myself. I came into the course terrified to speak in front of people, but through OLS, I learned to effectively communicate and now I am able to stand in front of a groups of students and teach Wilderness Advanced First Aid courses.”
Coast to Coast Expedition
Coast to Coast Expedition (C2C) is the best choice if you want a life-changing experience that will immerse you in a different culture, challenge you physically, and allow you to learn and grow as a leader. From trekking through the rainforests of Costa Rica, earning your NAUI scuba certification in Panama, and volunteering on community service projects in Nicaragua, this course is for explorers looking for the ultimate cultural and outdoor adventure.
C2C Alum, Ian, completed a Coast to Coast Expedition semester course with us in the Fall of 2017 before heading to university to study Business Entrepreneurship. After his incredible experience on course, and as one of our exceptional OBCR Alum, Ian returned to us as an Instructor Intern in the Summer of 2019.
“Completing the Coast to Coast Expedition with OBCR allowed me to grow as a person, a leader, and as an adult. The 85 days I spent in Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua was a profoundly unique experience to take time away from a traditional classroom and immerse myself in a thrilling challenge in the outdoors, giving me space to focus on my personal growth and reflect on where I wanted to go in life.
I am thankful that the course also offered me the opportunity to gain certifications because returning to OBCR as an Instructor Intern this past summer was another opportunity to grow as a leader all while having a blast doing so. If you’re looking for a life changing adventure, a semester course with OBCR is hard to beat!”
30-65 Day Residential Gap Semester
A new program for 2021, our Residential Gap Semester is a little different from our other study abroad programs!
Students dive into STEAM topics through a series of modules, including marine ecology, climate action, social justice, Spanish language, and many more. Each module topic is complemented by a combination of research studies, theory teachings, guest lectures, and excursions to enhance understanding, including trips to volcanoes, hot springs, cloud forests, turtle nesting sites, and important political and historical locations in Costa Rica.
This program strikes a balance between adventure and the comforts of a typical residential semester. For example, students spend their nights in our furnished dormitory accommodation, have access to electronics, and have free time to explore the local community and rainforest reserve surrounding our base. With flexible date options, you can tailor your perfect residential gap semester to last from 30 to 65 days.
We have created this program for young adults who aren’t just interested in outdoor exploration, but are eager to immerse themselves in the culture, history and natural world of Costa Rica.
Ready to choose your semester course or need more help deciding?
Submit an inquiry and we will be in touch about the next steps for planning your adventure with us.
Already know which course is right for you?