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Click Here for a Packing List for the Costa Rica Trip
The Costa Rica trip offers students a truly unique and hands-on learning experience. Although only about the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica has 12 distinct ecosystems and more biodiversity than North America or Europe!
Students (and their families!) explore rainforests, dry forests, mangroves, cloud forests, volcanoes and coastal beaches in a matter of days and learn how organisms adapt to their corresponding habitats. This program includes exciting adventures and a chance to experience a new culture: integrating fun and social studies with science to create an unforgettable learning experience.
Day 1: Fly to San Jose
Day 2: San Jose | Tortuguero
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Transfer to Tortuguero via INBioparque |
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Boat Ride to Tortuguero via Siquirres |
Day 3: Tortuguero
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Hike through Tortuguero National Park |
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Boat Ride through Tortuguero Canals |
Day 4: Sarapiqui | Arenal
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Transfer to Arenal via Whitewater Rafting Excursion in Sarapiqui |
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Visit the Hot Springs |
Day 5: Arenal
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Canopy Tour |
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Visit La Fortuna Waterfall |
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Visit a Local School |
Day 6: Central Pacific Coast
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Transfer to the Central Pacific Coast via Crocodile Safari Tour |
Day 7: Central Pacific Coast
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Excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park |
Day 8: San Jose
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Return to San Jose via Cafe Britt Coffee Plantation |
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Costa Rican Folklore Evening |
Day 9: Depart for Home
Check out: www.eftours.com/CTT_PDF/16/SOCC_ScotOschman.pdf for a detailed sample itinerary.
As is always the case for me, safety is the number one priority, followed by fun and learning. To that end, we travel with Education First (EF), a company which has exceeded my high expectations for safety, quality educational experiences, and value. EF has been around for over 40 years, and is one of the largest student travel companies in the world, with over 200,000 students a year traveling to one of their many international destinations.
Costa Rica is called the 'Switzerland of Central America'- they have no standing army and an economy focused on Eco-Tourism. The World Health Organization ranks Costa Rica's health care system above that of the United States, and the United Nations 7th annual Survey on Crime showed Costa Rica has a lower overall incidence of crime than Japan and the U.S. I have traveled to Costa Rica since 2000, both with family and with student travel groups, and have found the country to be one of the safest, most captivating places on Earth.
Over the years, I've taken close to 1,000 students with me on various adventures (I also do a trip to Florida with 6th graders, along with other destinations such as the Galapagos), and I know what a wonderful experience it can be for them. I also have three little ones of my own, so I know how important the issue of safety is for you, and I take it very seriously. The reason I've chosen Costa Rica as the destination for this trip is the combination of its safety and the limitless opportunities it provides for unforgettable hands-on science experiences in an environment like no other on the planet!
Spring Break, 2016 (Nine days, eight nights)- Exact dates TBD when the PV School District releases their 2015-2016 Calendar
The trip is open to students in grades 7 and up. Parents and siblings are welcome to sign up also, provided there is enough space available. Younger siblings, ages 6 and up, are welcome to join us if a parent will be coming along. I have had many families who have made this a family trip (including my own, who will be coming for their 3rd time in 2016!), and have had a spectacular time!
Students from schools other than Ridgecrest are also welcome to sign up for the trip, so if you have a friend (or friends) at another school you'd love to travel with, let them know!
The price for the trip is currently approximately $2,457 for students (up to age 20). The price includes all airfare, transportation, hotels, meals, activities, etc., etc. The only money you would need to bring is for souvenirs! All-inclusive insurance can be added for an additional fee (see http://www.eftours.com/student-tours/educational-travel/ef-advantages/travel-insurance.aspx for details).
Parents are welcome to come along on this trip as well, the cost for adults is currently approximately $300 more than the student cost.
ENROLLMENT ON OUR 2016 TRIP WILL BE LIMITED TO THE FIRST 45 PEOPLE TO REGISTER (one bus load). Our 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 trips all had well over that number of travelers sign up, so please register early to guarantee your spot!
There are three easy ways to register for the trip. When registering, be sure to reference TOUR NUMBER: 1595001ZD
(remember, parents can sign up too!)
Online: go to http://www.eftours.com/1595001ZD (FASTEST & EASIEST WAY TO REGISTER!!)
By Phone: Call EF Tours at 1-800-665-5364
By Mail: Fill out and mail in your registration form (which you can get from Dr. Oschman)
We travel to Costa Rica with EF (Education First), a company which has exceeded my high expectations for safety, quality and value. EF has been around for over 40 years, and is one of the largest student travel companies in the world, with over 200,000 students a year traveling to one of their many destinations. Learn more about the company at: http://www.eftours.com/aboutus/theworldofef/
More Information about the trip: Check out: www.eftours.com/CTT_PDF/16/SOCC_ScotOschman.pdf for a detailed sample itinerary.
You can also contact Dr. Oschman at scotoschman@gmail.com with any questions you might have about the trip.