Semester Program

January 4 – March 20, 2014

Step out of the classroom and into the ecologically and sociologically rich country of Costa Rica.  CIRENAS is an independent academic program located within the Caletas-Ario National Wildlife Refuge on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula.  Our Semester Program is quickly establishing itself as a life-changing educational experience for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who are interested in creating real change in the world around them.

At CIRENAS students are exposed to Costa Rican culture, the complexities of sustainability, land use management and how to conduct and implement meaningful hands on projects related to these issues.  Students will gain a better understanding of their own relationship to the natural world and develop skills to help them become active environmental stewards ready to tackle some of  our future’s greatest challenges.

Check out this year’s Semester Program blog to read more about experiences, lessons and activities.

Student Quote:

“CIRENAS was a unique, amazing and life changing experience. I was able to enjoy moments few others could even dream of whether it be kayaking through a mangrove forest, horseback riding along the beach, hiking through the beautiful Costa Rican jungles or dancing at a local family’s party. That does not even begin to describe the emotional impact this program has left me with. We became members of the local community, were called daughters and sons by our host families and were able to leave those children we taught with valuable memories. We will never forget them and their hospitality.

Becoming part of their world and connecting with Costa Rica made protecting their natural environment important to me. Sustainability automatically felt like a necessity and now I see I must value the natural world in my own back yard.”

Parent Quote:

We are so happy and grateful that Julian, our son, had the opportunity to be part of the CIRENAS Semester Program.  It was a life changing experience for him, and a stepping stone for his future life.  Caroline and Tucker organized the program with great dedication, enthusiasm and knowledge, and the kids were able to discover many parts of Costa Rica and be involved with many different activities all very interesting enriching and inspiring.  We believe being at CIRENAS, not only helped Julian understand better what he really likes to focus his studies on, but also helped him become much more confident and independent, meanwhile strengthening the ability to connect profoundly with his peers and the environment.  We think this is a must program for any young adult!