This course offers a unique Spring Break immersion in Costa Rica - one of the most biodiverse and culturally rich countries in Central America. Led by Dr. McGrath and Honors College staff, the program combines adventure and exploration with academic depth. Through curated readings, activities, and individual research, you’ll gain insight into how studying abroad can shift perspectives and foster personal growth. You'll also develop resilience and confidence - important skills that support your academic and lifelong learning.
03/15/26 - 03/21/26
Price
WorldStrides fee is $2,525 if at least 15 students participate (price goes up to $2,825 if less than 15 students); however, UNLV's Honors College is covering 15% of this cost for students, lowering students' total fee to WorldStrides to approximately $2,150 for 15 or more students
To offset this cost, the Honors College will provide a $1,000 mini study abroad scholarship to each student to help cover the WorldStrides fee, which will be awarded to the MyUNLV accounts of approved travelers.
Registration Deadline
12/05/25
Trip ID
223252
- Airfare (Covered by The Honors College)
- Ground transportation
- 6 hotel nights
- Cultural admission fees
- 24/7 emergency support
- Embedded medical insurance
- Passports Processing (Assistance by The Honors College)
San Jose, Costa Rica
A professional bilingual guide will take you around this Latin American metropolis. The tour will include stops at main buildings of San José such as the National Museum, Jade Museum, National Theater, Plaza de la Democracia and National Park (entrance to National Museum included).
San Jose, Costa Rica
Includes an introduction and a private walk of the property. This is a great way to learn about the Toucan Rescue Ranch, its mission, and our rescued wildlife (Tour is around 2 hours. Guide and entry fees included).
Heredia, Cost Rica
Take a cooking lesson and learn how to make traditional Costa Rican staples. You will want to know how to make some Gallo pinto for your family and friends when you return home (activity fees and dinner included)
San Jose, Costa Rica
The Local Market Immersion offers students a chance to get off the bus and into the community, observing and engaging with the microeconomics of a city in real time while gaining perspectives into local consumer trends. Students will be divided into small groups and given locations to visit around the city, with prompts and questions to consider on the way. Locations can be customized, but may include local banks, markets, shopping malls, and quick-service restaurants
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Poás Volcano, Doka Coffee Plantation, and La Paz Waterfall TourPoás Volcano is one of the major attractions in the Central Valley of Costa Rica and one of the most visited national parks in the country. Poás is home to many species of birds including hummingbirds, tanagers, flycatchers, toucans and the quetzal that can be seen while hiking on the trails around the park. During this excursion participants will explore the surrounding areas of the Volcano including a coffee plantation where they will try coffee and a traditional breakfast before getting a tour around the 'finca'. Also, students will have the opportunity to see different types of butterflies, frogs and rescued animals at La Paz Waterfall park, where they can hike and see 4 different waterfalls hidden in the dense forest. Lunch is also included during the waterfall tour and participants will have the option to buy coffee and local products. (lunch, transportation, and Doka Coffee Presentation included)
Monteverde, Costa Rica
The night walk is an outstanding opportunity to experience the forest from a whole different perspective. Many of the organisms that are active at night have evolved special adaptations to thrive in the darkness. Specialized naturalists will guide you in the forest on this special adventure. (guide & entry fees included)
Scholarship Options: WorldStrides offers a variety of scholarships to help make study abroad possible for all students. There are three scholarship opportunities available: Higher Ed Traveler, Diversity & Inclusion, and the Natalie Shea Memorial Scholarships. You can learn more and apply here.
Deadline: 11/15/2025
Financial Assistance: WorldStrides makes more than $2 million in funding available each year to students in financial need seeking educational travel opportunities. To find out if you qualify and apply, click here.
Department(s): Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement
Office: TAC
Phone: 702-895-2378
Email: Kim.McGrath@unlv.edu
Department(s): Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Honors
Office: CDC-01 101
Phone: 702-895-2933
Email: charles.javier@unlv.edu
Experiential learning is a the heart of what we do. Thoughtful immersions enhance each and every program by providing cultural context to push you outside your comfort zone and develop true global perspective.
With medical insurance included for each participant on our programs, parents and students can rest assured that we've got you covered! Our comprehensive plan boasts $100K in medical insurance, including 100% mental wellness coverage, security evacuation, and bedside visitor benefit for most hospitalizations.
With 50 years of experience, we've taken over 9 million students on educational programs - over 530,000 students traveled with us last year alone! We partner with more than 50,000 educators and 500 colleges and universities.
Centrally located hotels in our international destinations free up extra hours for spontaneous exploration and fun.
We carefully select where our travelers dine, making sure it's authentic local cuisine, served in local restaurants.
Our vetted guides are local, speak the native language, and have the inside scoop on the city and culture.