Course Description
This family-friendly study abroad program combines adventure and learning in Costa Rica’s vibrant ecosystems. Designed for homeschool families with participants from elementary to high school and optional college credit for dual enrollment or undergraduate students. The course explores rainforests, cloud forests, wetlands, and coastal zones through hands-on activities. It emphasizes scientific inquiry, species identification, and appreciation of biodiversity, while fostering stewardship.
Immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s breathtaking and world-renowned biodiverse ecosystems from mist-covered cloud forests and volcanic peaks to pristine white-sand beaches, lush tropical rainforests, wildlife-rich wetlands, and Pacific coastal zones. Home to over 100 mammal species, 400 birds, 2,500 plant varieties including more than 420 orchids, this program integrates field-based ecological research, hands-on conservation practice, and authentic cultural engagement into a comprehensive, academically grounded immersive learning experience.
Subjects Studied: Tropical Field Biology, Conservation & Restoration Ecology, Regenerative Agriculture, Community-Based Conservation.
Program Format: Family
All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. One adult is required for up to two children.
Age Requirement: 6 years and up
Program Size: Small group 20 max
Activity Level and Terrain:
This program includes light physical activity such as hiking and horseback riding. Various modes of travel such as boat travel, and long shuttle rides through various parts of the jungle are included in the tours. This program is designed for families in mind and activities are age appropriate.
Program Activities:
- Hands-on farm-to-table cooking class to learn regenerative farming techniques with a community lunch with local Monteverde families
- Café Monteverde coffee experience and sustainable farming insights
- Tree-planting reforestation project with the Monteverde Institute
- Naturalist-guided night walk in the glowing cloud forest
- Canyon canopy adventure: ziplines, hanging bridges, river tubing, and horseback riding
- Río Negro thermal hot springs and volcanic mud baths
- Guided volcanic hikes and horseback exploration in Rincón de la Vieja National Park
- Palo Verde National Park boat safari tour through monkey and bird-filled wetlands
Includes:
- Pre-travel and post travel study program with lesson plans
- Arrival transfer
- All transport between destinations and to and from included activities
- Nature school program includes lodging within the jungle with meals as well as cooking class within the village
- Transportation by private vehicle, boat, horse, walking
- Expert local guides; naturalists
Not Included:
- Please plan for about $300 for meals and souvenirs not included in the program.
- Airfare is not included.
- Travel insurance (you are required to purchase this to participate).
Learning Outcomes:
Field Science & Stewardship
Led by expert naturalists, you’ll practice real field biology day and night with species surveys, data collection, and illustrated field journaling while discovering the ecological role of coffee, and reforestation in Costa Rica’s story.
- Actively contribute to a community-led native tree-planting project and understand tropical restoration techniques
- Compare sustainable vs. conventional farming practices and their impacts on biodiversity and soil health
- Trace coffee from seed to cup and prepare traditional Costa Rican dishes using farm-fresh ingredients
- Describe how local communities blend cultural traditions with modern conservation and embody the “Pura Vida” approach to stewardship and well-being
Limited spots are available on the following dates:
July 26-August 3, 2026
Tuition: Child Age 6-11 $3179 | Adult 12+ $3379
Step Up for Students Tuition: Age 6-11 $2479 | Students Age 12+ $2679
Required payment outside of SUFS: $700 per student for travel, meals and lodging costs in Costa Rica for in person international study portion. Step Up scholarship funds cannot be used for international travel, transportation, lodging, and meals.
Age requirement: 6 years and up. All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. One adult is required for up to two children.
Dual Enrollment Option: Introduction to Biological Diversity and Lab
Cancellation Policy: We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we will always do our best to work with you! However, once payments are booked and committed to our location partners, we cannot recover them after certain dates. This is why travel insurance is required to cover any unexpected events, and we’ll strive to transfer funds to other trips whenever possible. Deposit is not refundable.
PARTICIPANT CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS:
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing to info@northwindsinstitute.com
Cancellations received within 14 days of booking:
100% refund, less deposit.
6 months or less more to departure: 100% forfeiture of all deposits and
payments, regardless of booking date.
No-show or early departure: No refunds or credits; considered a cancellation on the day of departure.
Exceptions: Cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies) may be reviewed case-by-case with documentation; travel insurance is required to cover such risks.
Deposit Amount: $350 per person (non-refundable)
Final Payment Due: 60 days prior to departure on 05/26/2026
Required Passenger Details
- Full name as it appears on passport
- Gender
- Date of Birth
- Nationality
Study Abroad Itinerary
Day 1 San José
Welcome to San José! We will be meeting in the evening for our welcome party and an overview of our trip! You will be picked up from the airport when you arrive.
Day 2 Monteverde
Into the jungle we go up to the cloud forest deep in the rain forest. Our first jungle expedition will take a few hours to arrive in Monteverde where we will immerse ourselves deep into the rural culture through agriculture experiences, cooking classes and biodiversity programs.
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Day 3 Monteverde
We will learn about the research of the forest canopy and reforestation efforts at the Monteverde Institute. Researchers will give us a presentation on new bird and insect species discovered in the tropical regions. We will assist the effort while participating in the plant nurseries. We will spend time on the hanging bridges and hiking.
Day 4 Monteverde & Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park
Today we venture to the land of volcanos, thermal hot springs and bubbling mud pots at Rincón de la Vieja National Park a few hours deep within the rainforest. We will have an opportunity to zip line through the trees over the canyon, rappelling natural rock and hanging bridges under the forest canopy.
Day 5 Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park
Morning guided hike with a naturalist into the volcanic park to study the flora and fauna. We will be observing spider monkeys, tropical birds and iguanas during our hike. We will have a chance to cool off with a swim beneath the waterfall, then horseback ride back to the lodge. Experience thermal hot springs and mud baths.
Day 6 Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park/Playa Potrero Area
We will head out in the afternoon to the restful beach town of Playa Potrero along the Gold Coast along the Pacific Ocean.
Day 7 Playa Potrero
We will explore the beach area and local town community. Chose between restful exploration or adventurous activities in the area.
Day 8 Playa Potrero/San José
A real jungle cruise! Embark on a jungle boat excursion through the Cipanci Reserve, part of the Tempisque River Conservation Area. Learn about the park and the creatures that call this region home from our local guide on board.The reserve is a wildlife-lover’s paradise: crocodiles glide beneath the water’s surface, monkeys swing through the surrounding treetops, and numerous winged wonders wade and fly at the river’s edge including ospreys, wood storks, and roseate spoonbills. We will have a farewell feast summarizing our adventure.
Day 9 San José
Depart at any time.
