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 high school students earn academic credit?

Many of our high school programs offer students the chance to earn academic credit which can be transferred back to their high school. 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 many courses through Lesley University for an additional fee. To learn more about the academic credit options, call us at 919-256-8200.

Can college students earn transfer college credit?

Yes. All Broadreach College study abroad programs offer 1-3 transfer credits through Lesley University. The cost of the transfer credit is included in the price of every college program. Broadreach College works with your study abroad office to ensure a smooth course credit transfer before your final acceptance. At the completion of each course, students receive their grades from Broadreach College. Lesley University will provide course credit hour transcripts. To learn more about receiving transfer college credit, call us at 919-256-8200.

How do your programs compare with other teen educational travel programs?

Put simply, no other program can boast the same combination of small groups, diverse cultural experiences, life-long skill building, hands-on education and outdoor adventure. Unlike teen tours with set schedules and activities, Broadreach programs are flexible and involve you in all aspects of the experience. You are asked to take responsibility and few things are done for you. We have specific goals, but how the adventure unfolds depends on you and your group. We need everyone's participation, cooperation and leadership to make it happen.

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.

Can I call home while I am on a Broadreach program?

Of course! Depending on the itinerary of the program, most participants have the opportunity to call home about once a week. Most families also follow our online trip updates which are short blog entries written by program participants or staff during the trip.

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. The 5% discount will be applied to the program of lesser cost, and cannot be combined with any other discounts.

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.

Do most participants come alone or with friends?

Most participants come alone, so there is no need to be concerned if you don't know anyone else on your program. It's normal to be apprehensive about not knowing anyone, but within a day of starting your program you'll be laughing and sharing exciting adventures with new friends.

I've never done this type of trip before. Is any experience required?

Don't worry! Many of our participants are 'first-timers' who have never been scuba diving or slept in the wilderness for more than a weekend. All we ask is that you come with an open mind, a desire to try new things and be ready to have lots of fun.

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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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