Canadian residents pay in Canadian funds at the preferred exchange rate of 1.36
Established in Montreal in 1982.
Learn what it takes to run a mobile clinic in the Guanacaste Region of Costa Rica on this medical Career Experience program for high school students. Under the guidance of MEDLIFE doctors and other medical professionals, you will help provide free healthcare to the community of Tamarindo, a beautiful and diverse coastal town. This combination Community Service/Career Experience summer program in Costa Rica is led by our amazing staff, who are there to support, guide and provide reflection on the impact of the work we do throughout the program and promote the value of empathy and cultural sensitivity. Teens will walk away with hands-on medical support experience and a greater understanding of the complexities and challenges of public health in remote communities. In addition to your volunteer service, this teen program includes amazing adventures like learning to surf, zip-lining over the forest canopy, enjoying a catamaran snorkel cruise and more! It won’t be long until you will fall in love with all things Costa Rican and the Pura Vida lifestyle.
Help set up and run a medical mobile clinic.
Rotate work stations (medical, public health, pharmacy, etc.).
Learn about the health challenges facing rural communities.
Zip-line over a lush forest canopy.
Learn to surf with professional instructors.
Take part in a MEDLIFE development project.
Enjoy the refreshing waters of Tamarindo beach.
Sail the coast aboard a catamaran snorkel cruise.
Founded in 2004, MEDLIFE works in undeveloped communities in Latin America and Africa to provide medicine, education and other community needs. MEDLIFE establishes mobile clinics to bring free healthcare directly to communities in need. The clinics are staffed by local medical professionals and offer basic treatment and long-term preventative screenings.
You will shadow medical professionals, work directly with locals, and help implement health care programs to provide you with a greater understanding of public health initiatives. You will assist with the following tasks:
*Should a patient not feel comfortable with a student in the room, they may be asked to wait outside until the next patient’s turn.
Take part in a development project that will directly benefit the community. Past MEDLIFE projects include installing modernized bathrooms, basic kitchen upgrades, and school renovations.
Enjoy beautiful Tamarindo beach where you’ll take surf lessons with professionals who will have you up on the board in no time • Soar above the trees on a thrilling zip-line adventure • Kick back and relax as you cruise the stunning coast of Guanacaste aboard a chartered catamaran • Hop in the water to snorkel and swim with your newfound friends!
Your group will stay at one of the following hotels near Tamarindo Beach: Pueblo Dorado Hotel or Wyndham Tamarindo. Facilities include a pool, air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, and recreation space.
The perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cultural immersion and unforgettable adventures.
This program requires an open mind to experience a different culture, new foods and new surroundings.
A certificate of completion detailing the program's service hours and projects will be issued after the trip.
Your service hours are eligible toward the President's Volunteer Service Award.
A professional guide accompanies the group to assist, educate and immerse the students into the local culture.
Chartered, air conditioned motor coach with a professional driver.
Basic hotels.
Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Up to 24 participants.
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
What if I need to contact my teen during the program?
Participants may bring their cell phones so parents may call and message their kids directly. You may also contact our Communication Centers which serve as the official link between programs on the road and parents. We are staffed every day during the summer and have somebody on call for after hours emergencies ready to assist you 24/7.
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
How are roommates assigned?
Giving everyone a chance to make new friends creates a cohesive group and the warmest and most welcoming social environments in our industry!
On our Active Teen Tours, Global Adventures and Community Service programs, rooming rotation is as follows:
To promote this we’ve found the best system is for the Program Director to assign the rooms for the first and second stops. For the first stop, independent travelers room with other independent travelers and any friends who enrolled can room together. All participants will be assigned a different roommate for the second stop. After the first two stops, choice of roommates is always up to you!
On our Pre-College Enrichment programs & Career Experiences, rooming is as follows:
We assign independent travelers with another independent traveler for the duration of your stay. Any friends who enrolled together can room together.
Important notes: