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Squads Abroad is a 501c3 non-profit organization under our parent company Global Brigades, a Platinum Level Guidestar member for Financial Transparency. Since 2004, our organization has collectively mobilized more than 70,000 international volunteers to help resolve global health and economic disparities around the world.
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Santa Cruz, Costa Rica

With its warm, tropical climate and friendly locals, one could find all of life’s essentials in the biodiverse and culturally rich country of Costa Rica. But beyond the sun and sand beaches, you will find that rural towns like Santa Cruz struggle with over 25,000 residents living in extreme poverty and the highest unemployment rates in Costa Rica. Your work empowers communities by supporting their health and education initiatives within local elementary schools.

THE HOME-BASE

Located in a peaceful, rural town just minutes away from the bustling city of Santa Cruz, the Home-Base features everything your group will need to enjoy a safe and fun experience. Our Home-Base has five renovated bedrooms accommodating up to 24 volunteers. The sunny compound includes conveniences such as access to wifi, a hangout area with hammocks, a common reading room, dining room, kitchen, and bathrooms located on each end of the facility with multiple stall toilets and showers.

And we definitely can’t forget about the delicious meals that are provided by local cooks. With a variety of fresh tropical fruits and vegetables, these meals are great for volunteers who are vegetarian! Did we mention that the historic city center, grocery stores, bakeries, banks, and markets are only a short walk away?

IN-COUNTRY STAFF

The team in Costa Rica design and run every program to help the development goals of community partners while exposing your group to the pride of Costa Rican culture. They are with your group 24/7 to help your group proces their experience, better understand the local culture and facilitate volunteer projects to maximize impact.

Costa Rica Country Program Director, Franklin Torrez Ruiz has a passion for social development rooted in his work as an economic aid worker around the world. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology from Zamorano University in Honduras and did a study program in Sustainable Agriculture at Minnesota University. Before his work with Global Brigades, he was involved as a volunteer with non-profit organizations in Ethiopia, Uganda, and Ecuador. Lastly, he is a student of apologetics and loves to play chess!

Cultural Immersion Activities

On weekday afternoons, our experienced staff will guide your Squad on local Cultural & Learning activities including cooking lessons, a pottery class, Latin dance lessons, cow milking and cheese making workshops, a visit to a monkey sanctuary, and more.

You can choose to add-on optional activities such as zip-lining, surfing, or kayaking!

Weekend Enrichment Opportunities

(OPTIONAL ADD-ON PACKAGES)

On the weekends, you may choose to spend a night or two exploring marine parks, hiking cloud forests, or sun-bathing on Costa Rican beaches with our guided overnight stays.

Teachers, join our movement!

LEAD A SQUAD
Squads are passionate groups of volunteers who mobilize abroad to create positive change. Each Squad type has a skill-based focus area that support the education, health and economic development objectives of community partners. Faculty choose their dates, duration (typically 1-2 weeks), and their site location from one of our six program countries.
Squads Abroad is a 501c3 non-profit organization under our parent company Global Brigades, a Platinum Level Guidestar member for Financial Transparency. Since 2004, our organization has collectively mobilized more than 70,000 international volunteers to help resolve global health and economic disparities around the world.
Sustainable Impact
Where We Work
Partners
About Us
My Squads