Costa Rica Medical Volunteer Program for Students
Learn what it takes to run a mobile clinic in the Guanacaste Region of Costa Rica on this medical Career Experience program for high school students. Under the guidance of MEDLIFE doctors and other medical professionals, you will help provide free healthcare to the community of Tamarindo, a beautiful and diverse coastal town. This combination Community Service/Career Experience summer program in Costa Rica is led by our amazing staff, who are there to support, guide and provide reflection on the impact of the work we do throughout the program and promote the value of empathy and cultural sensitivity. Teens will walk away with hands-on medical support experience and a greater understanding of the complexities and challenges of public health in remote communities. In addition to your volunteer service, this teen program includes amazing adventures like learning to surf, zip-lining over the forest canopy, enjoying a catamaran snorkel cruise and more! It won’t be long until you will fall in love with all things Costa Rican and the Pura Vida lifestyle.
About This Program
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What It's Like
The perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cultural immersion and unforgettable adventures.
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Cultural Sensitivity
This program requires an open mind to experience a different culture, new foods and new surroundings.
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35 Service Hours
A certificate of completion detailing the program's service hours and projects will be issued after the trip.
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Recognition
Your service hours are eligible toward the President's Volunteer Service Award.
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Local Guide
A professional guide accompanies the group to assist, educate and immerse the students into the local culture.
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Transportation
Chartered, air conditioned motor coach with a professional driver.
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Accommodations
Basic hotels.
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Meals
Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
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Activities
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
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Group Size
Up to 24 participants.
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Dietary Options
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
Program Highlights
- • Help set up and run a medical mobile clinic.
- • Rotate work stations (medical, public health, pharmacy, etc.).
- • Learn about the health challenges facing rural communities.
- • Zip-line over a lush forest canopy.
- • Learn to surf with professional instructors.
- • Take part in a MEDLIFE development project.
- • Enjoy the refreshing waters of Tamarindo beach.
- • Sail the coast aboard a catamaran snorkel cruise.
Service Projects
Activities
Accommodations
Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica
Your group will stay at one of the following hotels near Tamarindo Beach: Mar Rey Hotel or Wyndham Tamarindo. Facilities include a pool, air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, and recreation space.
More Details
Frequently Asked Questions
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What if I need to contact my teen during the program?
Participants may bring their cell phones so parents may call and message their kids directly. You may also contact our Communication Centers which serve as the official link between programs on the road and parents. We are staffed every day during the summer and have somebody on call for after hours emergencies ready to assist you 24/7.
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Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
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How are roommates assigned?
Giving everyone a chance to make new friends creates a cohesive group and the warmest and most welcoming social environments in our industry!
On our Active Teen Tours, Global Adventures and Community Service programs, rooming rotation is as follows:
To promote this we’ve found the best system is for the Program Director to assign the rooms for the first and second stops. For the first stop, independent travelers room with other independent travelers and any friends who enrolled can room together. All participants will be assigned a different roommate for the second stop. After the first two stops, choice of roommates is always up to you!On our Pre-College Enrichment programs & Career Experiences, rooming is as follows:
We assign independent travelers with another independent traveler for the duration of your stay. Any friends who enrolled together can room together.Important notes:
- Depending on the hotel bedding configuration, all friends traveling together may not be able to room together for the first stop.
- Roommates are assigned based on gender identity. We welcome all genders, inclusive of those anywhere on the gender spectrum.
- On a few programs where we spend an extended period of time at the first stop, participants have the opportunity to rotate after the first two nights.