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Division of Academic and Student Affairs
Student Leadership and Engagement

ASB Costa Rica

Anticipated Dates: March 13 – 20, 2027
Estimated Participant Cost: $1,900 – $2,100
Social Issue: Ecotourism
Community Partner: People First Tourism

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Discover Iroquois, Costa Rica

The ASB Costa Rica experience centers on ecotourism, cultural awareness, and community-driven service in the rural village of Iroquois. Students work alongside local partners to work on projects that reflect the community’s evolving needs, gaining a deeper understanding of Costa Rican culture, sustainability practices, and the impact of tourism on local life.

What does a typical day look like?

Explore what a typical day might look like, including service projects, meals, reflection activities, and cultural immersion.

What do lodging and meals look like?

Explore the sleeping arrangements and included meals for this ASB Experience.

The trip emphasizes full cultural immersion, openness, and connection. Students engage in hands-on service, conversations with community members, and small‑group cultural activities such as cooking, dance, and artisan workshops. Because local priorities and real‑time needs shape the experience, itineraries may shift as plans develop, and flexibility is essential to the learning process.

Participants stay in community-based lodging, typically in a shared community center arranged by local community partners. One highlight of the trip is a multi-night homestay, where students are welcomed into local households, share meals, and build meaningful relationships with host families.

Meet your Team Leaders

Our student Team Leaders are chosen in a competitive process to lead our ASB Experiences and have spent extensive time prior to the trip engaging with our ASB Team Leader Development courses. Team Leaders co-create the trip experience alongside professional staff in Student Leadership and Engagement. They learn how to plan all aspects of an ASB Experience, from the trip itinerary and reflection activities to risk management procedures and meal planning.

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Headshot photo of Laura Zacharauskas
Laura Zacharauskas

Senior, College of Engineering and College of Natural Resources

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Oscar Fernandez
Oscar Fernandez

Senior, College of Engineering

What’s included in the participant cost?

Program fees vary by trip, but are designed to cover most major travel and program expenses.

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Included

  • Meals
  • Lodging
  • Airfare
  • Ground transportation
  • Cultural immersion activities
  • ASB swag
  • Program and administrative fees

Not Included

  • Required immunizations or vaccinations (primarily for international experiences)
  • International health insurance (only for international experiences)
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal snacks and additional meals

What are the participant expectations?

  • Attend all required ASB All-Community and Team events
    • Reveal Night
    • Teambuilder Night
    • Pre-Trip team meetings
    • Reorientation Night
  • Meet financial and program deadlines
  • Receive all required immunizations
  • Respect community partners and local cultures

Application Competitiveness

The application and selection process for this ASB Experience is Very Competitive.

Physical Intensity

The intensity of physical labor and service on this ASB Experience is Very Intense.

Take the next step

The application process and timeline can vary depending on which ASB Experience you are applying for. As part of the application process for all ASB Experiences, interested students are required to attend an ASB Information Session. To set yourself up for success, we recommend reviewing the application information online, viewing our Frequently Asked Questions, and attending the required ASB Information Session. Contact our team if you have any specific questions or concerns.

What’s Next?

Two NC State students wearing red t-shirts that say "Alternative Service Break" facing away from us, holding up the "Wolfie" symbol.

Attend an ASB Information Session

Interested in learning more about the ASB program? Register for an ASB Information Session to hear from our student Team Leaders about our experiences.

Learn more

Apply for an ASB Experience

Ready to be a changemaker? Learn more about the application process and timeline, which can vary depending on which ASB Experience you are applying for.

Learn more

Last Reviewed On: 9/23/2026