Outward Bound Costa Rica challenges participants to live bigger, bolder lives. For over 70 years, millions of participants have chosen to embark on a life-changing journey with Outward Bound worldwide. The outcomes of our rigorous programs in Costa Rica and Panama expand one’s capacity in leadership, intercultural competence, Spanish language, self-awareness, and life skills. 

These programs challenge you in ways that help you develop your leadership skills, increase your self confidence, provide much needed community service to local communities and live with local host families to learn traditional methods of cooking and farming.

Outward Bound Costa Rica offers Summer Expeditions for teens ages 14 and up. Put together your own itinerary and spend 2 to 5 weeks this summer hiking through the rainforest, earning your scuba certification, surfing, whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, rappelling, zip lining and more.  Experience Costa Rican culture first-hand on homestays, hone your surf skills at Costa Rica's world-famous, warm-water beaches, or earn your scuba certification while exploring the coral reefs of Panama. Service projects connect you with the local community where you can practice your Spanish, play soccer and work side by side.

Gap year semester courses offer recent high school graduates the opportunity to gain outdoor leadership experience while earning up to seven internationally recognized certifications. These 65 to 85-day courses will push your limits and test your skills as you hike, rappel, raft, surf and kayak through Costa Rica and Panama. Service projects will connect you with the communities you visit while you practice your Spanish. 

NSHSS members receive a 10% discount on each course.  Academic credits are earned on all semester courses. For more information on courses, please call 800-676-2018 or visit: Outward Bound Costa Rica Programs.