Explore our past programs
Our custom faculty-led programs are built from the ground up around your academic goals, course content, and students’ interests. Rather than choosing from a set itinerary, faculty work directly with us to create a program that is truly their own.
Green Criminology in Costa Rica
This faculty-led program explores green criminology in the Costa Rican context, examining environmental crime, environmental law, conservation, sustainability, and environmental justice. Through expert lectures, community visits, conservation projects, and immersive field experiences, students connect academic theory with real-world environmental challenges. From wildlife refuges and protected areas to fishing communities and sustainability-focused schools, the program offers a firsthand look at the complex relationship between environmental protection, communities, and the law.
Migration & Human Trafficking in Costa Rica
This faculty-led program explores migration, human trafficking, and human rights in Costa Rica and Central America. Students combine classroom learning with visits to international organizations, NGOs, legal and human rights organizations, and community initiatives supporting migrants and vulnerable populations. Through expert lectures, service-learning, and immersive field experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of the challenges surrounding migration and trafficking and the policies, organizations, and communities working to address them.
Public Health in Costa Rica
This faculty-led program examines Costa Rica’s public health system, healthcare access, and community health practices through expert lectures, visits to clinics and hospitals, and engagement with local health and educational institutions. Students explore topics including healthcare delivery, pandemic response, health equity, and the social and environmental factors that influence community well-being. Cultural and environmental field experiences throughout Costa Rica provide a broader perspective on the relationship between health, community, and environment.
Criminology in Costa Rica
This faculty-led program explores criminology, criminal justice, law, and human rights in Costa Rica through visits to legal institutions, universities, justice organizations, and historical sites. Students examine topics such as incarceration, mediation, access to justice, and human rights while engaging directly with professionals and organizations working in the field. Service-learning and cultural experiences throughout Costa Rica complement the academic program, providing students with an international perspective on crime, justice, law, and society.
Ecotourism in Costa Rica
This faculty-led program explores ecotourism, conservation, and sustainable development in Costa Rica, examining how tourism can support communities while protecting the country’s extraordinary natural and cultural resources. Through expert lectures, visits to national parks and biological reserves, sustainable tourism businesses, Indigenous communities, farms, and conservation initiatives, students gain firsthand insight into Costa Rica’s approach to responsible tourism. The program connects classroom learning with immersive experiences focused on biodiversity, sustainability, community development, cultural preservation, and the future of tourism.
Costa Rica Graduation Adventure & Service Learning
This high school graduation trip combines service-learning, adventure, culture, and exploration for an unforgettable Costa Rican experience. Students begin by giving back to the local community through a service-learning project at Escuela La Joya before traveling through La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. Along the way, they encounter Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife and landscapes through hanging bridges, rainforest experiences, chocolate tours, night hikes, canopy adventures, and a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park. The program offers the perfect balance of meaningful community engagement, exciting adventures, cultural immersion, and celebration as students mark this important milestone together.
Why choose The Traveling Monkey?
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Thoughtfully designed. Locally connected. Seamlessly coordinated.
Personalized and Fully Customized Programs
You’re not just another group on a spreadsheet.Your program should reflect your goals, not fit into a template. We tailor every detail to your group’s academic objectives, interests, budget, and travel style.
Meaningful Academic Experiences
We connect students with local experts, communities, organizations, and real-world experiences that bring classroom learning to life.
Costa Rica Expertise
Our deep local knowledge and years of experience mean we know how to create programs that are both authentic and logistically seamless.
A Complete Picture
We strive to create a comprehensive learning experience by encouraging diverse perspectives and critical thinking. That’s why we include shadow reporting in our programs—giving students the opportunity to explore different viewpoints, question what they see and hear, and develop a deeper, more well-rounded understanding of the topics they came to study.
Health & Safety First
The well-being of the students and faculty is our priority. We build health, safety, risk management, and emergency support into every program from the start.
In-Country Support
From transportation and accommodations to activities and unexpected challenges, our local team is there every step of the way—giving faculty peace of mind throughout the program.