Central America

Costa Rica, Panama, Belize

$16,000

Tuition

*SCUBA E-Learning and airfare for international and in-country flights are additional

70 Days

Trip duration

12+

Grades

70 Days

Spring 2025: Closed

Fall: Sep 1 – Nov 9, 2025

Miami, FL (MIA)

Arrival

Belize City, Belize (BZE)

Departure

$16,000

Tuition

70 Days

Trip duration

Spring 2025: Closed

Fall: Sep 1 – Nov 9, 2025

12+

Grades

*SCUBA E-Learning and airfare for international and in-country flights are additional

Overview

Venture to some of the world’s most exotic and intriguing regions, ranging from the turquoise waters of Panama to the lush jungles of Costa Rica to the white-sand beaches of Belize. Shadow doctors in the Bocas del Toro islands off the coast of Panama and learn more about the barriers to medical access for remote indigenous communities. Participate in a cultural exchange program with Panamanian youth, a great chance to work on your Spanish and to help the kids practice their English. Visit the lush forests surrounding the Arenal Volcano and speak to local Costa Ricans about the importance of sustainability within this unique ecosystem. Explore the underwater life of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and gain insights into a world rarely witnessed, while doing a small part to protect the reef through a lionfish eradication project. After experiencing three of the world’s most fascinating and beautiful nations, return to the U.S. with broader perspectives and a newfound passion to learn.

Program Highlights

Settle Into a Homestay During a Week-Long Spanish Immersion School
Partner with a Non-Profit Bringing Healthcare to the Indigenous People of the Remote Bocas del Toro Islands
Visit the Arenal Volcano and Contribute to Grassroots Sustainability Efforts in the Region
Work alongside Conservationists Protecting the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Fall Only) and the American Crocodile
Surf the Waves on Costa Rica’s Stunning Pacific Coast and Raft the Exhilarating Pacuare River
Complete your SCUBA Certification and Participate in Lionfish Eradication along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
Visit the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins and Engage in Mayan Cultural Workshops
Participate in Cultural Exchange in the Highlands of Costa Rica

Get the itinerary

Want to learn more about traveling with ARCC or have more questions about this program?

Schedule a Call with Emily Rosser

Language School and Homestay by the Beach

Split your time between Spanish study and ocean exploration. Sharpen your Spanish skills by taking classes taught by native speakers and practicing what you learn with your homestay family. Outside the classroom, you may participate in various activities, such as yoga, surfing, Zumba, or local cooking classes.

Culture

Surfing

Pop Up Clinic in Bocas del Toro

In the Bocas del Toro archipelago, partner with a local grassroots organization and receive a thorough orientation around providing health care to remote communities. Set up a remote pop-up clinic site where you will assist with patient intake, in the pharmacy, and with the veterinarians. In between tasks, interview the traveling doctors and gain a deeper understanding of public health in rural communities. In between workdays, enjoy refreshing dips in the ocean and a glimpse into rural Panamanian island life through community engagement over meals.

Healthcare

SCUBA Certification and Invasive Species Research & Eradication

On a small island located in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, jump into learning about ocean conservation through SCUBA. Once diving classes are completed, dive into the reef and spear-fish the invasive lionfish, dissecting and fileting them alongside researchers. Taking data points on the lionfish, contribute to ongoing research about their impact on the Caribbean. In moments of downtime on the island, enjoy opportunities to relax in hammocks, play a round of beach volleyball, or snorkel.