FAQs

What activities will we do on this program?

The first portion of the trip takes us into the rainforest to participate in adventure activities including whitewater rafting, hiking, horseback riding and zip lining. While we are with the Sea Turtle Conservancy in Tortuguero, we attend lectures on sea turtle ecology and conservation, go through volunteer training and do service work in the local community during the day. At night, students rotate in shifts for turtle tagging and data collection on the beach. In Drake Bay we head out on blue water safari in search of marine mammals, snorkel, hear lectures on dolphin ecology and hike in Corcovado National Park. Because Sea Turtle Studies is a program for school credit, you can expect to spend a significant amount of time participating in a variety of academic components.

What will the academics be like?

Because Sea Turtle Studies is accredited by Lesley University as a college course, you can expect to participate in academic activities such as lectures, naturalist hikes as well as assisting with ongoing research projects. This program requires completion of exams, data collection and synthesis, short essays, a journal and service work. The academic work is designed to include both experiential and traditional learning, so while you will spend some mornings in a classroom participating in a lecture and discussion, you will also spend a significant amount of time on hands-on projects such as turtle tagging and data collection. Students should be prepared to fully participate in the academics, regardless of whether or not they want to receive academic credit. All academic assignments are part of the Academic Treks course requirements.

What community service will we do on this program?

In Tortuguero we will assist the Sea Turtle Conservancy researchers with their ongoing projects including nightly turtle tagging and data collection. While service work can vary depending on local needs, it may also include beach maintenance, teaching English and community outreach programs. You can expect to earn about 25 hours of community service credit.

Do I have to speak Spanish to do this program?

While Spanish is helpful and will enhance your experience, it is not necessary. We are accompanied by local guides who speak English, and your trip leaders will be proficient in Spanish to serve as a translator when necessary. This trip will provide many chances to learn or improve your Spanish by talking to locals and guides.

Where do we sleep?

Our first portion of the trip takes us into the rainforest where we sleep in comfortable three-person tents on platforms. At the biological station, we stay in “island style” dormitories in a tropical rainforest setting. In Drake Bay, we live in beachside cabanas that are rustic yet comfortable.

What do we eat?

Expect traditional Caribbean fare including tortillas, rice, beans, chicken, fresh fruits and vegetables. Breakfast can include cereal, bread, fruit and eggs. Lunches can be picnic style with sandwiches and fresh fruit. Dinners are usually hot and many are prepared by local cooks!

How will we get around the country?

We use several modes of transportation including bus, boats and hiking on our own two feet. To get to the Pacific coast we take a flight from San Jose and then board a boat to Drake Bay.

Can I call home from this program?

Students will periodically have the opportunity to call home during program. Please read your Travel Packet for the most up-to-date information regarding recommended calling cards.

What's the weather like?

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

How am I evaluated on this course?

Evaluations are based upon multiple criteria: exams, data collection and synthesis, short essays, journals, presentations and roundtable discussions.

How many credits do I receive on this course?

3 college Natural Science credits through Lesley University

Can I earn credit for school or college?

Our academic programs offer high school students the chance to earn high school and/or college credit as well as community service credit, while also participating in a hands-on adventure. After the course, you will receive a transcript, as well as a letter detailing the course curriculum for your high school administrator. Most schools accept the credit after reviewing this course packet. Each academic institution has its own requirements, however, so we can't guarantee your school will accept the credit. We recommend asking for approval from your school administrator prior to program. You can also earn college credit for some courses through Lesley University for an additional fee. To learn more about the school credit options, call us at 888-833-1907.

How do I get high school or college credit for this program?

In the fall after program, Broadreach will provide you with a transcript, as well as a letter detailing the course curriculum for your high school administrator. Most schools accept the credit after reviewing this course packet. Each academic institution has its own requirements, however, so we can't guarantee your school will accept the credit. We recommend asking for approval from your school administrator prior to program. You can also earn college credit for this course through Lesley University for an additional fee. To learn more about the school credit options, call us at 888-833-1907.

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.

Enroll Now

What are my next steps?

Share This Trip

Tweet

Contact Broadreach

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

• Our Address
• Broadreach
• 806 McCulloch Street, Suite 102
• Raleigh, NC 27603
• USA

• Phone Numbers
• main: 919-256-8200
• toll free: 888-833-1907
• fax: 919-833-2129

• Find Us on Facebook