Squads Abroad is a 501c3 non-profit organization under our parent company Global Brigades, a Platinum Level Guidestar member for Financial Transparency. Since 2004, our organization has collectively mobilized more than 70,000 international volunteers to help resolve global health and economic disparities around the world.
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Costa Rica

[mk_page_section bg_image=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/aerial-view-of-punta-uvita2.jpg” bg_color=”#f8f5ef” bg_position=”center bottom” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” video_color_mask=”#f8f5ef” video_opacity=”0.8″ min_height=”7″ sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”100″][mk_padding_divider size=”100″][mk_fancy_title tag_name=”h1″ color=”#403b35″ size=”80″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”60″ size_tablet=”30″ size_phone=”30″ line_height=”143″ font_weight=”bolder” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ font_family=”none” align=”center” drop_shadow=”true” shadow_distance=”4″ shadow_blur=”2″ shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.25)”]Santa Cruz, Costa Rica[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_column_text]A worldwide leader in eco-tourism, Costa Rica is recognized for its rich biodiversity while also well known for its warm and welcoming people who live by the expression ‘Pura Vida.’  In the heart of the Nicoya Peninsula, the town of Santa Cruz is a short drive from stunning beaches, rainforests, and a warm, tropical environment. However, among the palm trees and sandy shores, the community rural towns like Santa Cruz struggle with over 25,000 residents living in extreme poverty and the highest unemployment rates Costa Rica. Your work to support health and education initiatives within elementary schools in Santa Cruz help lift access to opportunity and resources for a community struggling to meet their most basic needs.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”100″][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”80″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/aerial-view-of-punta-uvita2.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” desc=”Located in Guanacaste Province in the Nicoya Penninsula” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_5514.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” desc=”Home-base in a safe rural area outside the town of Santa Cruz” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_3031.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” desc=”Explore the rich cultural and geographical diversity of the region” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section layout_structure=”half_right” bg_image=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/37898659_10160662564220710_7604169581011140608_n.jpg” bg_color=”#f8f5ef” bg_stretch=”true” video_color_mask=”rgba(248,245,239,0.6)” min_height=”600″ full_width=”true”][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”80″][mk_fancy_title color=”#893734″ size=”35″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”35″ size_tablet=”32″ size_phone=”28″ font_weight=”900″ txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]The Home-Base[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]

The Home-Base is located in a quaint and peaceful rural area that is a short walk from the bustling city of Santa Cruz.  The historic center, grocery stores, bakeries, banks, and markets are a short walk away. The renovated house has been transformed with five bedrooms accommodating four to eight volunteers in each.  It includes a hangout area with hammocks, common reading room, dining room, and kitchen.  There are gender specific bathrooms located on each end of the facility with multiple stall toilets and showers. There is also wireless internet access available in the Home-Base. Delicious meals are provided by local cooks and include typical local dishes such as gallo pinto, a breakfast combination of rice and beans and eggs.  Enjoy lots of fresh fruit and juices such as cas, passion fruit, mango, pineapple, or cantaloupe juice. The food is great for volunteers who are vegetarians.

[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=”100″][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”https://www.squads.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/iguanalivingroom.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” desc=”Your group’s home away from home!” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/costa-homebase-room.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” desc=”Gender Specific Rooms” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/costa-house.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” desc=”Spacious Common Room Areas. ” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”https://www.squads.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/iguanaoutdoors-1.jpg” image_size=”full” lightbox=”true” desc=”Private dining and meeting areas for your group” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/16195739_10211915992880077_9151857090000998819_n2.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” desc=”Authentic local cuisine served and dietary restrictions accomodated” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ccsvans.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” desc=”Private van transport and safety protocols followed” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section layout_structure=”half_left” bg_image=”https://www.squads.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/crstaff.jpg” bg_color=”#f8f5ef” bg_stretch=”true” video_color_mask=”rgba(248,245,239,0.6)” min_height=”600″ full_width=”true” full_height=”true”][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”80″][mk_fancy_title color=”#39b287″ size=”35″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”35″ size_tablet=”32″ size_phone=”28″ font_weight=”900″ txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]In-Country Staff[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]

Squads Abroad local staff designs and runs each program; the staff will make you feel at home acting like a second family during your stay and helping you better understand the culture. They help facilitate your placement and activities and are always available to handle any questions that may arise. 

Costa Rica Country Director, Franklin Torrez Ruiz has a passion for social development and founded Global Brigades Nicaragua, where he worked as a business brigade coordinator and technician before coming to CCS in 2018. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology from Zamorano University in Honduras and did a study program in Sustainable Agriculture at Minnesota University. Previous to his work with Global Brigades, he was involved as a volunteer with non-profit organizations in Ethiopia, Uganda and Ecuador. Lastly, he is a student of apologetics and loves to play chess!

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3736″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][mk_padding_divider size=”80″][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_position=”center center” bg_stretch=”true” video_opacity=”0.9″ sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_fancy_title color=”#ce534e” size=”35″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”35″ size_tablet=”32″ size_phone=”28″ font_weight=”900″ txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none” align=”center”]OUR VOLUNTEER PARTNERS[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title size=”18″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”18″ size_tablet=”16″ size_phone=”20″ font_weight=”500″ txt_transform=”none” margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none” align=”center”]We partner with many under-served schools and social service organizations in the greater Guanacaste province.  Former partners include:[/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][mk_fancy_title tag_name=”h3″ color=”#1eb287″ size=”24″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”24″ size_tablet=”24″ size_phone=”18″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none” align=”center”]Escuela Valedor Martinez[/mk_fancy_title][mk_image src=”https://www.squads.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/46329903_10217825483893659_8563762328313528320_n.jpg” image_size=”medium”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][mk_fancy_title tag_name=”h3″ color=”#f86638″ size=”24″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”24″ size_tablet=”24″ size_phone=”18″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none” align=”center”]El Búho OKHY Primary School[/mk_fancy_title][mk_image src=”https://www.squads.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/46220224_10217811289938819_8464202254793048064_n.jpg” image_size=”medium”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][mk_fancy_title tag_name=”h3″ color=”#0ba59e” size=”24″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”24″ size_tablet=”24″ size_phone=”18″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none” align=”center”]Day Care Center

[/mk_fancy_title][mk_image src=”https://www.squads.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/35654407_10215457217400094_6391568874466181120_n.jpg” image_size=”medium”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section layout_structure=”half_right” bg_image=”https://www.squads.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/39388043_2091572620855636_2463832496433790976_n.jpg” bg_color=”#f8f5ef” bg_stretch=”true” video_color_mask=”rgba(248,245,239,0.6)” min_height=”600″ full_width=”true”][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”80″][mk_fancy_title color=”#893734″ size=”35″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”35″ size_tablet=”32″ size_phone=”28″ font_weight=”900″ txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]The Cultural Activities[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]Each weekday afternoon our professional staff guide the group on Cultural & Learning Activities in the local area.  In Costa Rica these Cultural activities include: a community tour and scavenger hunt, chocolate workshop, cooking lessons, a pottery workshop, latin dance lesson, cow milking and cheese making workshop, chocolate making class, visit to a monkey sanctuary, and level appropriate Spanish lessons. Enjoy strolling, swimming, and sunsets at a local beach. Optional add-on afternoon activities include zip-line, surf lessons, or kayaking.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=”80″][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”80″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cooking-lesson.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” desc=”Cooking Lessons” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”https://www.squads.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_4202.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” desc=”Animal Rescue Center” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/costa-dance-lesson.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” desc=”Traditional Dance Lessons” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”https://www.squads.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/35391582_10215438189684413_2352977320349794304_n.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” desc=”Hike to a local waterfall and swimming hole” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”https://www.squads.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_3941-1.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” desc=”Go Zip-lining at Hacienda Park” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”https://www.squads.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/46398008_10217832774715925_71631915534254080_n.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” desc=”Coffee tour and tasting” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/milking-cows-2.jpg” image_size=”medium” desc=”Learning how to Milk Cows” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cheese-making-class.jpg” image_size=”medium” desc=”Cheese Making Workshop” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/pottery-workshop.jpg” image_size=”medium” desc=”Pottery Workshop” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section layout_structure=”half_right” bg_image=”https://www.squads.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/46499203_10217840669673294_3975740342736519168_n.jpg” bg_color=”#f8f5ef” bg_stretch=”true” video_color_mask=”rgba(248,245,239,0.6)” min_height=”600″ full_width=”true”][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”80″][mk_fancy_title color=”#893734″ size=”35″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”35″ size_tablet=”32″ size_phone=”28″ font_weight=”900″ txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]The Weekend Enrichment Activities (optional add-on packages)[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]On the weekends your group may choose to explore other areas of the country through our guided overnight packages.  Spend one or two nights exploring beaches, marine parks, rainforests, cloudforests, national parks, and more.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=”80″][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”80″][mk_fancy_title color=”#665a4f” size=”22″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”22″ size_tablet=”20″ size_phone=”24″ font_weight=”bolder” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none” align=”center”]Playa Samara and Playa Tamarindo-Pacific Coast Beaches[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]Embark on a weekend day excursion to the Pacific Coast Beaches of Playa Tamarindo and Playa Samara! Participate in professionally guided surf lessons, kayak excursion, snorkeling and more. Enjoy additional beach time, gift shopping in local markets, and gorgeous Pacific sunsets[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/surflessons1-sm.jpg” image_width=”347″ image_height=”266″ lightbox=”true” desc=”Guided surf lessons with professional instructors for all levels!” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/happyboaters-sm.jpg” image_width=”347″ image_height=”266″ lightbox=”true” desc=”Dolphin watching and snorkeling boat excursion within the Marino Ballena National Park” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/dsc_0423-1-sm.jpg” image_width=”347″ image_height=”266″ lightbox=”true” desc=”Enjoy beachtime, sunsets, and wildlife viewing in the parki” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_fancy_title color=”#665a4f” size=”22″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”22″ size_tablet=”20″ size_phone=”24″ font_weight=”bolder” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none” align=”center”]Monteverde Cloud Forest[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]Explore one of the most well-known cloud forest in the world for its biodiversity, conservation efforts, and scientific research. Take a guided nature walk through the park to experience this unique ecosystem. The following day, explore the rainforest further with an exhilarating Skytrek adventure, an extensive system of suspension bridges and zip lines through the canopy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cloudforest-sm.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” desc=”Guided nature trek through the world famous cloud forest” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cloudforest21-sm.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” desc=”Wildlife viewing” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/dsc_0432-sm.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” desc=”Canopy walk and zipline adventure” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_fancy_title color=”#665a4f” size=”22″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”22″ size_tablet=”20″ size_phone=”24″ font_weight=”bolder” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none” align=”center”]La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano National Park[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]Take an overnight excursion to La Fortuna-Arenal Volcano Natl Park. Explore the rainforest and wildlife through a canopy tour at Hanging Bridges Park or alternatively through an exhilarating Skytrek zip-line adventure. Trek to the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall for a swim and then relax in the one of La Fortuna’s many restorative natural hot springs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/dsc_0217-sm.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” desc=”La Fortuna waterfall hike and swim under the falls!” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/dsc_0187-sm.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” desc=”Natural hot springs to end the day” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/zip3-sm.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” desc=”Canopy walk and zipline adventure through the rainforest” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section bg_image=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/mountain-range.jpg” bg_position=”center center” bg_stretch=”true” sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”80″][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”35″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”35″ size_tablet=”32″ size_phone=”28″ font_weight=”900″ txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none” align=”center”]Want to know More?
Contact us![/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_button dimension=”outline” size=”large” url=”/request-info/” align=”center” margin_right=”0″ outline_skin=”custom” outline_active_color=”#ffffff” outline_active_text_color=”#ffffff” outline_hover_bg_color=”#ffffff” outline_hover_color=”#cd514f”]Contact Us[/mk_button][mk_padding_divider size=”80″][/vc_column][/mk_page_section]

Squads are passionate groups of volunteers who mobilize abroad to create positive change. Each Squad type has a skill-based focus area that support the education, health and economic development objectives of community partners. Faculty choose their dates, duration (typically 1-2 weeks), and their site location from one of our six program countries.
Squads Abroad is a 501c3 non-profit organization under our parent company Global Brigades, a Platinum Level Guidestar member for Financial Transparency. Since 2004, our organization has collectively mobilized more than 70,000 international volunteers to help resolve global health and economic disparities around the world.
Through virtual or in-country programs, Squads are passionate groups of volunteers who mobilize abroad to create positive change. Each Squad type has a skill-based focus area that support the education, health and economic development objectives of community partners.