FAQs

What makes this trip different?

This trip is unique for many reasons. First of all, no other trip for teens offers the possibility and responsibility of choice. The design of this trip allows the group to make decisions and explore Costa Rica and Panama and make a one-of-a-kind adventure. This style of travel encourages real leadership, problem solving, and experience traveling in a foreign country instead of simply touring. A smaller group also allows the team to travel more easily and take advantage of opportunities that would be impossible for larger groups. Please give us a call and we can tell you much more about this unique trip!

What do we eat?

That is half the fun of traveling. In Costa Rica and Panama the typical type of fare includes rice, beans, chicken, and plantains and is called a “casado.” However fresh fruit and vegetables are also as readily available, as well as fish, pork, and beef. Costa Rica and Panama are also influenced by many international visitors and it is easy to find an amazing variety of restaurants including the standard pizza joints and American-style favorites.

How will we get around the country?

We will use a mix of public and private transportation. This means that sometimes we will have to work through bus timetables, while other times we will need to arrange taxis or pick-ups and drop-offs with local contacts. At other times you may travel, by raft, kayak, horse, or your feet. It depends on the choices the team makes!

Where do we stay?

We will stay in hostels, haciendas, beach cabanas, or maybe even on boats or in tents. Again, the group will choose. Costa Rica and Panama have most modern amenities and almost all facilities have flushing toilets, comfortable beds, and hot showers.

Will the program be physically challenging?

Anyone in average physical condition can participate fully and accomplish all aspects of the program. There will be a multi-day trek in which you will be carrying your own gear, however we will pack effectively and only bring what we need for 3 days, so that we can follow the pace of the group. We strongly recommend, however, that you do your best to get in shape and take on a physical fitness routine prior to the trip.

Do I have to speak Spanish to do this program?

No, you are not required to speak Spanish for this program. If you’ve had some previous Spanish study, your skills will definitely come in handy and be put into practice. Our bilingual guides are here to help break down any language barriers so that you understand every single word. Who knows, you may even pick up a bit of Spanish before you leave.

What's the weather like?

Summer is the rainy season in Central America, and you can expect showers on most days in the afternoon. It’s also hot and humid, but on the coast, we’ll have ocean breezes to keep us cool!

Proven Experience

Since 1993, we've taken thousands of young adults on adventures to countless countries. Extensive knowledge, planning and scouting go into developing each Broadreach program, and we constantly strive to refine our trips to take advantage of new opportunities while pushing our team and students to be the best.

Safety

Safety is perhaps the most important concern of families looking for a summer program for their teenagers. Rest assured that safety is our priority, from beginning to completion of each program. We believe students should experience success through accomplishment, not success through high-risk adventure. We understand no summer program can guarantee safety, but we are proud of our impressive safety record and comprehensive approach to risk management.

Academic and Professional Accreditation

All Broadreach courses focus on real achievement. Our academic programs are college-accredited, and transcripts are provided through our partnership with Lesley University. Adventures focusing on outdoor skill building and certification are accredited through internationally recognized certification agencies. For example, our dive programs are accredited by PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors). A fully accredited PADI Five Star Gold Palm facility, Broadreach is the world leader in youth dive education.

Community Service

All Broadreach programs include a community service component, which gives students unique cultural insights while they give back to the communities and ecosystems we visit. We often provide a letter for students who wish to use this experience to help fulfill a school requirement.

Course Design

Beyond adventure travel, it's how we explore and learn that drives our philosophy, reputation and success. It's our commitment to achievement and to learning as much about ourselves as the world around us. Small group size (limited to 10-14 participants) allows us to maximize learning, safety and fun catered to the dynamics, age and goals of each group. Each student becomes an integral part of the team, and we can take advantage of more opportunities, preserving the sense of adventure.

Cultural Exploration

Our students become part of the places we travel, experiencing extraordinary destinations in a way tourists cannot. While exploring the sights, sounds and smells of the countries we visit, our students interact with native people, gaining unique perspectives and respect for local customs.

Education and Skill Building

Our approach to education is unique. Reaching beyond the traditions of passive learning, our students are introduced to a wealth of educational experiences and environments that are dynamic and interactive. We start by building a foundation of knowledge, then incorporate experiential learning and service learning alongside experts. Regardless of the activity, proficiency is built sensibly through a step-by-step, learn-by-doing approach.

Family Atmosphere

We strive to have every parent and teen feel well-informed and a part of the Broadreach family. Our year-round staff is small and very experienced, so when you call our office you usually can speak directly with the individual that leads and/or designed your chosen trip.

Our Staff

With hundreds of applicants every year, we can be extremely selective in who we hire. College accredited trips are led by college professors or instructors with PhDs or master's degrees in the field of study. Leadership and certification based adventures are led by Coast Guard licensed sailing masters and PADI scuba instructors, WFR instructors and experiential education profressionals.

Our Students

They come from 50 states and 30 countries, with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, but all Broadreachers share a desire to have an exceptional summer by doing something different. Our goal for each trip is to build a diverse, motivated group. We highly encourage students to come by themselves, and 95% do.

Personal Growth

Our approach to experiential learning and global exploration promotes a strong sense of self and new insights into the world around you. Living side by side in small groups in foreign lands, Broadreachers face the timeless concepts of honesty and integrity, responsibility and dependability, commitment and respect for others. They are challenged to push beyond the familiar and discover their passions and potential.

Program Diversity

Our wide variety of exceptional programs and locations offers something for almost everyone. No matter what makes you tick, you will find an adventure that is all about you. And you can build on your passions summer after summer, from middle school to high school to college.

Do I need trip, travel or medical insurance ?

All participants on Broadreach programs are required medical insurance including coverage for international medical care. Since many personal medical policies do not cover international medical care and evacuations or have exclusions for certain sports, we have partnered with Trip Mate to offer a choice of travel insurance plans for our participants.
The minimum required policy includes coverage for medical care, emergency evacuation, lost or damaged luggage, travel delay, etc.
Most families also take advantage of our recommended tuition protection coverage , which offers 75% tuition refund FOR ANY REASON up to 72 hours before your trip departure and 100% tuition refund if you cancel for a covered reason.

Do you have any family discounts?

We do. We will give a 5% discount on the second (and any subsequent) enrollment in one summer. This offer is available to an individual student, or siblings. This 5% discount will be applied to the program of lesser cost, and cannot be combined with any other discounts.

Does your staff have emergency medical training?

At least one of the two lead instructors on each trip has completed training in either Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses. They are trained in managing emergency situations and field care and can handle most minor medical problems. In the unlikely event that your instructors can't handle your problem with their First Aid kit, they will take you to a local doctor for medical attention. We do our best to work with local medical personnel that we know and trust. However, it's important to understand that medical care can sometimes be delayed or inaccessible from our program locations. Note that the modernity of medical facilities and the number of medical services they provide will vary by country and location.

Can you give me the names of other families in my area that have done Broadreach?

Absolutely. Just call the office and we can put you in touch with past participants who have done the trips that interest you. Broadreachers past and present are part of a strong community that’s always there for one another. No need to be shy either, people will be glad to hear from you.

Where does everyone come from?

Broadreachers are a diverse group comprised of teenagers from across the country and all over the world. Very few participants know each other before the program begins, but everyone walks away with life-long friends at the end of the trip.

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Please feel free to call the Broadreach office if you have any questions or would like to discuss our adventures. We’d love to talk to you! You can also email us at questions@gobroadreach.com

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• Raleigh, NC 27603
• USA

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