Costa Rica – Pura Vida – F22

Status

Closed

Trip Destination

San Jose, Costa Rica

Approximate Price

$1050* (BWR grant applied)

Trip Date

10/22/2022

TO

10/29/2022

Application Deadline

08/01/2022

APPLY NOW

Cost Information

Cost for Domestic Students: $500-$1000 (includes IFS + BWR Course)
Cost for International Students: $1000 (includes IFS + BWR Course)
Cost for Students Not Willing to Take the BWR Course: ~$5000 (Full amount of IFS)

Above costs are for International Field Studies, for other programs please see the approximate cost listed above.

Program Information

This opportunity is available to all Niagara College students. Please note that part-time students are not eligible for the Be World Ready Grant.

 

Physical Intensity

Accommodations

Meals

Steps to Apply

Costa Rica – Pura Vida – F22

Join Be World Ready this fall to experience the beauty, excitement, and “Pura Vida” of Costa Rica!  Pura Vida is not just a saying, it is a way of life which directly translates to “Pure Life” and this tiny, but mighty country surely lives up to its motto. From its vast biodiversity, dedication to the environment, amazing scenery, and the enchanting and happy people that occupy it, the Costa Rican Pura Vida way of life will leave you forever wanting more!

We arrive in San Jose and prepare for the inspiring week ahead as we will visit some of the most iconic areas of Costa Rica! Our visits to San Jose, the Poas Volcano National Park, and Punta Leona Forest will educate us about Costa Rica’s dedication to our planet by way of the use and development of sustainable initiatives. Allow yourself to become captivated by the beauty of Costa Rica and feel empowered by their ability to evoke environmental change, and your ability to contribute towards a positive change that will create a greener future for all to enjoy!

They say that seeing is believing and what better way to learn the way of “Pura Vida” other than to sign up today and put travel and enhanced education on your calendar for this Fall.  Costa Rica is waiting for you!

Travel Visa + Immigration Documentation:

Students are responsible for researching and applying for any required visa(s) on their own; Be World Ready is not able to apply for any travel visa(s) on your behalf. Be World Ready will provide you with supporting documentation as needed to apply for a Visa once the deadline to register has passed. All international students will need to ensure that their Study Permits and Student Visas are not expired before the date of return from the international experience, to ensure that there are no challenges upon reentry to Canada. Travel restrictions and requirements for entry to Canada may change at any time. All travellers are responsible for remaining up to date with any restrictions and requirements for travel and re-entry to Canada leading up to and throughout their International Field Study. Niagara College Canada will assume no responsibility for any changes to governing body travel restrictions, required documentation for travel or any refused entry as a result of change. Travellers are encouraged to review the Government of Canada Website for the latest restrictions and requirements for entry to Canada, as well as to check entry requirements to their destination country as a Canadian citizen.

DAY 1: October 22, 2022

Ready, set, go! Join your Niagara College peers at Toronto Pearson International Airport to board your Air Canada flight to San Jose and prepare yourself for the trip of a lifetime! This week, you will learn all about the Pura Vida way of life and the steps that we can all take to live a greener life and protect the Earth’s environmental future.

Upon arrival in San Jose, board your private transportation to be taken to your hotel and rest up for the exciting week ahead!

DAY 2: October 23, 2022

Buenos dias! Wake up and enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast at your hotel. You will want to ensure your batteries are fully charged for the spectacular day ahead! Travel by private transportation to Paos Volcano National Park where you will enjoy a group lunch and a visit to Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center – the first rescue center in Costa Rica to be accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries with a mission to protect and restore the country’s biodiversity through wildlife rehabilitation, endangered species breeding, habitat preservation and the provision of lifetime care for non-releasable animals.

Find yourself feeling amazed and captivated by some of the success stories that the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center will share regarding the protection of some of the most beautiful endangered species in Costa Rica. These include The Scarlet Macaw, Great Curassow, and the Spider Monkey as they all became extinct in the Nicoya Peninsula. A reintroduction project of the Scarlet Macaw will release a total of 300 Scarlet Macaws into the wild over the next 15 years.  Through the Endangered Animal Reproduction Center, more than 500 Great Curassows have been bred and thanks to the efforts of the foundation, the Spider Monkey, Costa Rica’s most endangered primate, can now be seen again today in the wild.

Return to the hotel to enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure.

  • Paos Volcano National Park
  • Visit Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center

(B, L)

DAY 3: October 24, 2022

Fuel up on a delicious breakfast in your hotel then grab your sneakers as you set out on a walking tour of San Jose this morning! Join your tour guide at the National Park in San Jose to begin your walking tour, taking in the stories of Costa Rica’s history while passing by some notable sights along the way – Culture Plaza, National Museum, National Theater, and Democracy Plaza!

Lunch will be a treat today as you will be spoiled by enjoying samples of Costa Rican delicacies prepared by a local chef! Savour the ingredients that make these local dishes a very memorable and delicious part of Costa Rican culture.

Return to the hotel this afternoon to listen to a lecture from a member of the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE). CINDE is a private non-profit, non-political agency, founded in 1982 that has attracted more than 250 businesses to Costa Rica such including worldwide leaders such as Intel, Procter & Gamble, Hospira, Baxter, St. Jude Medical, Western Union and many others.

Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

  • Walking tour of San Jose
  • Sample local dishes
  • Lecture by the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE)

(B, L)

DAY 4: October 25, 2022

Today we rest our feet and enjoy multiple educational sessions that will take place within the hotel after enjoying a buffet breakfast. Today’s educational sessions are kickstarted by learning about the Costa Rican Blue Zones and why Costa Rica is ranked among the happiest countries in the world!

Next up is learning all about Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST). CST was developed by the Sustainability Programs Department of the Costa Rican Tourism Board for the tourism sector so that businesses could have a sustainable model to comply with natural, cultural, and communal reserve management.

After taking a well-deserved lunch break, we continue our educational sessions with a lecture from Esteban Echavarria on “From Sustainability to Regenerative Development”. Esteban, a chemical engineer with a master’s in chemical technology and environmental change, will share his personal journey of about 30 years of experience in multinational companies in 5 different Latin American countries as a sustainability manager.

We cap off our day with a lecture from Karla Chavez, General Director of Próxima Comunicación, who developed the most successful recycling program in Costa Rica, followed by a lecture from Norberto Arce from Ad Astra to learn about zero carbon technologies and Ad Astra’s goals of building renewable energy and hydrogen infrastructure throughout Latin America and the world.

Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

  • Discover Costa Rican Blue Zones
  • Learn about Certification for Sustainable Tourism
  • Lecture by Esteban Echavarria – From Sustainability to Regenerative Development
  • Lecture by Karla Chavez – From Próxima Comunicación
  • Lecture from Norberto Arce – From Ad Astra

(B, L)

DAY 5: October 26, 2022

This afternoon will be a shopper’s delight! Be sure to pack a few extra dollars to spend as we will kickstart the afternoon by visiting Sr. y Sra Ese, the largest manufacturer of souvenirs. Participate in a tour of the manufacturing plant, followed by a bit of shopping time with the opportunity to purchase a few souvenirs at excellent prices.

We continue our action-packed afternoon with a visit to La Carpio. La Carpio is an impoverished neighbourhood in San Jose that began approximately 30 years ago on a piece of land that was originally owned by the Costa Rican medical system and was used as a recreational area for their members. The neighbourhood formed after many Nicaraguans sought refuge due to war and is now home to over 34, 000 immigrants. Upon arrival in La Carpio, you will be greeted by Mrs. Gayle Nystrom, head of the Humanitarian Foundation, which works to improve the lives of the families who live in La Carpio. Learn how this impressive foundation continues to assist the community and spend time with local community members in their homes and hear of their journeys.

  • Visit to Mundo Rep – a circular economy industry, which recycles plastic containers from environmentally friendly companies
  • Visit Sr. y Stra Ese – largest manufacturer of souvenirs with opportunity to purchase
  • Visit La Carpio and learn about the Humanitarian Foundation

(B, L)

DAY 6: October 27, 2022

Did someone say coffee? After breakfast, we drive towards the Los Santos Valley, known for some of the most renowned coffees of the world. Save your first morning cup (or maybe your second 😊) to sample high-end gourmet coffee at a micro mill where you will learn all about coffee processes. After, hear from a former manager of Coopedota, to learn about the importance of good environmental business practices such as carbon neutrality.

This evening we enjoy a “Noche Tica”, or folkloric evening, and experience Costa Rican traditions at a hacienda farmhouse that boasts breathtaking views of the Central Valley. Listen to live marimba music, watch a folkloric dance show, dine on a traditional dinner, all with the best view in town. It will surely be an evening to remember!

  • Travel to Los Santos Valley
  • Tour an micro coffee mill
  • Experience Noche Tica

(B, L, D)

DAY 7: October 28, 2022

No trip to Costa Rica would be complete without a little time spent at the beach. This morning, we grab our sunscreen, sunglasses, and maybe a floppy hat as we set out on a day cruise with Isla Tortuga as our destination. An island with scenery so beautiful, you will feel like you are in a dream. Isla Tortuga, known as Tolinga by local indigenous citizens, proudly bears the Bandera Azul Ecologica certification, which has been awarded for more than 5 years now. To earn this prestigious distinction, Costa Rican beaches must have their waters free of pollution, making them beautiful in colour and primed for a relaxing day to enjoy a swim and time in the sun and sand.

  • Isla Tortuga Day Cruise
  • Beach time

(B, L)

 

DAY 8: October 29, 2022

What an incredible week it has been, but it is time to say our farewells to Costa Rica and all the wonderful people we have met. Take a Little free time to make one last visit to the beautiful white Sands before heading back to San Jose to fly to Toronto. Hasta la próxima, Costa Rica.

 

Disclaimers: Be World Ready does their best to execute the itinerary as outlined above, however all elements are subject to change based on availability or requirement to adapt due to circumstances outside of our control. Cost of the overall experience may fluctuate up to a maximum of $200.00 +/- CAD due to volume of participants and local exchange rate. Students will be informed in writing as early as possible if it is foreseen that the cost will increase. Students are also reminded that it is their responsibility to research the entry requirements to the destination countries visited per their nationality and vaccination status.

* Price per student is in Canadian Dollars and reflects the Be World Ready (BWR) grant which has been applied to the total trip cost to heavily subsidize the rate per person for our Fall 2022 International Field Studies (IFS). Our future IFS BWR grants will not remain this high. To qualify for the full value of the BWR grant applied to this IFS, mandatory training and tasks are required to be completed, training and task expectations will be clearly communicated by BWR staff upon registration. Failure to complete the requirements as outlined by BWR staff will result in the value of the grant being billed back to the applicable student account, up to a maximum of $2500. Securing your seat on this trip will occur on a first come, first serve basis based on registration date, and meeting payment timelines.

INCLUDED:

  • Round-trip airfare, including 1 checked bag (maximum weight is 23kg/50lb and maximum size is 158cm/62 linear inches)
  • Accommodations
  • Breakfast daily
  • Remainder of meals as described in itinerary
  • In country transportation
  • Admissions and tours as mentioned in itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
  • Be World Ready Swag
  • Rate per student is inclusive of taxes and fees

NOT INCLUDED:

    • Visa Fees (if necessary)
    • Passport (or any associated costs)
    • Transportation to/from Toronto
    • Meals not outlined in the itinerary
    • Souvenirs
    • Items of a personal nature
    • Departure taxes (otherwise known as an Exit Tax) or additional fees for items not noted as included, if applicable. Example of additional fees could be overweight baggage. IMPORTANT – Costa Rica has a $29USD exit tax payable per person at airport when returning to Canada

 

The Be World Ready program at Niagara College prepares you for global success through education, exchange, and international experience. This program offers you the opportunity to experience culturally diverse learning environments, understand different perspectives and connect practical skills with a global mindset to help you launch your career.
An international field study is a 7 – 10 day experience that incorporates both vocational and cultural elements, while visiting some of the world’s most famous sights! Many of our international field studies are customized for specific Schools and programs at Niagara College, allowing students to apply the skills learned in the classroom in a real-world setting. All international field studies depart during the Niagara College break weeks to ensure that students do not miss any classes.
All international field studies will include roundtrip airfare (where applicable), accommodations, travel insurance, entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary, and some meals as outlined in the itinerary. A detailed list of inclusions and exclusions will be viewable on the posted webpage for any international field study on our website. Participants can expect to purchase some meals on their own and will need to bring spending money for any souvenirs, extra excursions, incidentals or items of a personal nature.

No. All aspects noted as included in the overall cost of the selected international field study are mandatory with no exceptions made. Our international field studies are built using group pricing and it is important that we do not deviate from the inclusions as it could negatively impact our ability to offer fair pricing to all participants.

In addition to affecting group pricing, these are our Niagara College International Field Study policies, and we cannot deviate from them, as they are part of our risk mitigation and management.

No. Students are not able to book their own flight in any way or alter the flights confirmed by Be World Ready. The round-trip flights as confirmed by Be World Ready are part of the package pricing, and the group is to travel to and from the destination country together.

These are our Niagara College International Field Study policies, and we cannot deviate from them, as they are part of our risk mitigation and management.

Each international field study destination has different accommodation providers or themes. Accommodation types that are used may include a combination of dorm-style rooms, homestays, tourist class hotels, or occasionally hostels. We strive to ensure we use centrally located accommodation when in city centres, allowing our participants to explore their surroundings more easily. Private accommodation is not guaranteed.

Rooms will vary in style on each trip; however, they are commonly twin share (2 people to a room with separate beds where possible). Single rooms may be available for an additional room fee provided adequate notice is given to Be World Ready staff. We strive to ensure you have comfortable, affordable accommodations anywhere you travel.

Students will be given the opportunity to meet their fellow travellers before the deadline to submit their roommate requests. Be World Ready does their best to accommodate rooming requests, but please note that final rooming arrangements are subject to room occupancy requirements and availability. A rooming list will be created by Be World Ready staff and shared with our accommodation providers before your departure. All participants will be emailed and will have the opportunity to identify their preferred roommate(s). While we will make every effort to ensure all preferences are met, we cannot guarantee it.

As long as they are current full-time Niagara College students and meet the program eligibility requirements. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept any persons to participate in any of our international field studies that are not current full-time students at Niagara College.

In addition to regular communications shared with participants leading up to the departure of their international field study of choice, Be World Ready requires students to attend the Be World Ready course, which includes but is not limited to, online trainings and pre-departure training sessions. During the pre-departure training sessions, students will be presented with the overall expectations of the trip as well as in-depth details concerning their itinerary.

During their time abroad, students will be able to communicate with their trip leads directly, 24/7, with any questions or concerns.

All participants are required to hold a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond any expected date of return to participate in any opportunity involving outbound travel.

You are responsible for researching and applying for any required visa(s) on your own. Be World Ready is unable to tell you what visa you require and how to apply. Be World Ready will provide you with supporting documentation as needed to apply for a Visa. While Be World Ready is not able to advise or guide you in a heightened level of detail through any particular visa process, you may consider hiring a travel visa service to assist you with the visa application process, such as CIBT visas. Please note that Be World Ready and Niagara College do not endorse any third-party vendors, nor have any influence or control over any outcomes or services rendered. We cannot apply for a visa on behalf of any participant.

All international students will need to ensure that their Study Permits and Student Visas are not expired before the date of return from the international experience, to ensure that there are no challenges with reentry to Canada.

Yes, while it is great to have a Nexus card, all participants must hold a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond any expected date of return in order to participate in any opportunity outside of Canada.
Depending on your destination country, we encourage you to book an appointment with a travel health professional regarding any additional vaccinations and medications you may need. It is strongly encouraged that you book an appointment with the Campus Nurse to go over this information. To do so, please visit the medical office to book an appointment at your respective campus.
Be World Ready takes the safety of our staff and students very seriously and has a rigorous risk management assessment when creating all opportunities. Be World Ready staff monitor destination country risk levels as communicated by the Government of Canada. Your safety is the most important aspect of this trip. Be World Ready and Niagara College take all possible precautions to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable experience while travelling abroad.
Students who sign up during the active promotional period for the international field study will be presented with a payment schedule to follow. At time of registration, students will be only required to pay the full non-refundable deposit that is disclosed at time of registration. Students who are permitted to sign up late will be expected to catch up on any payments missed according to the payment schedule advertised. In some instances, there may only be one payment due date.
Complete the eligibility quiz linked on the webpage of the International Field Study you’re interested in to find out if you meet eligibility requirements.
No. Students will not directly receive grant money as the full value of the grant has already been applied to the final payment to offset the total cost of the learning experience abroad. For students who do not complete all grant requirements by established deadlines (including the time of submission), the full grant amount may be charged directly to their student account. Details on grant requirements will be shared with you as part of the mandatory Be World Ready (SOCL 1128 or IDPL 9103) course, which all students participating in a Be World Ready International Field Study must enroll in and successfully complete to receive funding.
Students are only permitted to travel on an IFS to their home country if the IFS is program specific. IFS’ that are open to students from all programs do not permit students to travel if the destination is their home country. The purpose of the grant funding is to help students gain global competencies that they would not otherwise be exposed to, and as such, travelling to destinations they’ve previously lived in does not support this goal.
Students have the potential to travel and receive funding through Be World Ready up to 2 times; students can travel once on either an International Field Study, Summer Institute, or Semester Exchange, and they can potentially travel again for a Work Abroad opportunity (if eligibility requirements are met – please note that if more applications are received than work abroad grants available, priority will be given to those who have never travelled on any type of Be World Ready experience before). So, if you’re wanting to travel on an International Field Study, note that participation on an IFS is permitted only for students who have not yet experienced a Be World Ready IFS, Summer Institute, or Semester Exchange since beginning their studies at Niagara College.

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Welland, Ontario
L3C 7L3, Canada

[email protected]

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