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Young Adults

Costa Rica & Panama – Leadership Semester

This isn’t your average travel course—this is your chance to transform yourself amidst the breathtaking rainforests, crystal-clear rivers, and vibrant coral reefs of Central America.

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Central America

A group of about 15 people are standing on a dirt path in a wooded area. They appear to be hikers, as they are wearing backpacks and hiking gear. Some are smiling and looking at the camera. The background is a dense forest with tall trees. The lighting suggests it is daytime.
The image shows three scuba divers exploring a vibrant underwater environment. The divers are equipped with scuba gear and are surrounded by coral formations. The water is clear and blue, providing good visibility. The divers appear to be interacting with each other, possibly observing the marine life or navigating through the coral reef. The scene captures the beauty and adventure of scuba diving.
A group of people are standing on a beach at sunset, holding surfboards. The sun is setting over the ocean, casting a warm glow on the scene. The people are silhouetted against the light, and their reflections can be seen in the wet sand. The surfboards are of various shapes and sizes, and some of the people are looking out at the waves.
CB20 Course Overview

About This Course

Activity

  • The image shows a blue outline of a hiking backpack against a black background. The backpack is fully packed, with a sleeping bag or similar item strapped to the top. It has multiple compartments and straps, suggesting it's designed for carrying a substantial amount of gear. The style is simple and graphic, resembling an icon or a line drawing. Backpacking
  • The image shows a blue icon of a folded map against a black background. The map appears to depict a geographical area with contour lines, possibly indicating elevation changes. There are also some circular shapes that could represent lakes or other bodies of water. The map is stylized and simplified, suggesting it's an icon rather than a detailed cartographic representation. Cultural Immersion
  • The image shows a blue drawing of a kayak and a paddle on a black background. The kayak is depicted with visible seating and a rounded shape. The paddle is positioned diagonally below the kayak, suggesting a sense of readiness for paddling. The drawing style is simple, resembling a sketch, with clear lines defining the shapes of the kayak and paddle. Kayaking
  • The image shows a blue inflatable boat outlined in a sketch style against a black background. The boat has a rounded shape with what appears to be a seat or support structure inside. There are also some ripple-like lines underneath, possibly indicating that it is in water or suggesting movement. The style is simple and illustrative. Rafting
  • The image shows a blue outline of a scuba mask against a black background. The mask appears to be floating in the center of the frame. The outline is somewhat rough, giving it a stylized or sketched appearance. The details of the mask, such as the lenses, frame, and straps, are visible in the blue lines. The overall impression is simple and graphic. Scuba Diving
  • The image shows a stylized, blue-outlined graphic against a black background. Two hands are cupped together, as if holding or presenting something delicate. Above the hands, there are three leaf-like shapes, suggesting a plant or nature. The overall impression is one of care, growth, or environmental stewardship. The simplicity of the design and the use of a single color give it a clean and modern look. Service Projects
  • The image shows a stylized, elongated oval shape in blue against a black background. The shape appears somewhat irregular and hand-drawn, with a slightly blurred or textured effect. At the bottom of the oval, there are some horizontal blue lines or streaks, suggesting a base or a connection to the ground. The overall impression is abstract and minimalist. Surfing

Setting & Location

  • The image shows a dark background with blue, pixelated shapes clustered in the lower-left and upper-left areas. These shapes might represent landmasses or abstract forms, with some resembling islands or coastlines. The pixelated style gives the image a retro or digital aesthetic, and the contrast between the blue and black creates a stark visual effect. Coastal
  • The image shows a stylized, pixelated scene of nature. Two tall, slender pine trees frame a view of distant mountains. A body of water, possibly a lake or river, is visible in the foreground, reflecting the scenery. The color palette is limited, with a dominant dark blue against a black background, giving the image a retro, digital aesthetic. River
  • airplane Course Start Location: San Jose, Costa Rica
  • airplane Course End Location: San Jose, Costa Rica

Students Can Earn

  • PADI Open Water Diver

  • Whitewater Rescue Technician

  • Wilderness First Aid (65-Day course only)

Session Details

3 sessions are available for this course

Chat with the Customer Success Team
A group of about a dozen people are gathered outside in a grassy, wooded area. They appear to be posing for a photo. Most of them are standing, while a few are kneeling or crouching in the front. The group consists of both men and women, and they are dressed in casual clothing. The background features lush greenery, including trees and various plants.

What You'll Learn

Outward Bound’s Semester courses combine memory-making adventure with lessons that last a lifetime. You’ll enrich and expand the way you see yourself, the world, and what’s possible. And with itineraries that span the globe, these expeditions are far more than stamps in a passport; they are life-affirming learning opportunities.

A man wearing a helmet and wetsuit is sitting in a blue kayak on a river. He is holding a paddle and looking at the camera with a slight smile. In the background, another person in a red wetsuit is in a kayak. The river is surrounded by lush green trees.

What You'll Do

Build backcountry, surf, scuba, and whitewater skills as you explore Costa Rica and Panama. Trek rainforests, camp under tarps, catch waves, paddle rapids, and earn your PADI Scuba Diver certification—all while growing Spanish language skills & becoming immersed in local culture.

A woman is relaxing in a hammock strung between palm trees, overlooking a body of water. The sky is overcast, and the surrounding area is lush with green vegetation. The scene evokes a sense of tranquility and relaxation in a tropical setting. The woman appears to be enjoying a peaceful moment in nature.

Where You'll Be

Travel through one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, where Costa Rica’s tropical dry forests, rainforests, & cloud forests meet mountains & rivers ideal for whitewater rafting. From there, explore the Caribbean waters and vibrant coral reefs of Panama’s famed Bocas del Toro archipelago.

Two women are preparing for a scuba diving session. They are bending over, possibly adjusting their gear, on a grassy area. Both are wearing dark-colored tops and sandals. One has a scuba tank and gear on her back. In the background, there's a light green building with white trim and a few trees.

Why It Matters

This extended Outward Bound experience is an opportunity to learn, practice, and repeat skills that help you navigate course and life. Discover your unique leadership style, how to engage with your crew toward shared goals, and make memories that will shape who you continue to become as your next chapter unfolds.

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CB11 Scrolling Bullets

Semester Expeditions

What if your Gap Year launches you into an exciting future with confidence, new skills, and incredible stories to share?

Educational Approach

Backcountry skills that last.

The goal of our Gap Year expeditions is to help you develop the confidence, knowledge, and integrity essential for effective leadership. Whether you are learning how to safely tie in on belay, deciding as a group how to navigate through new terrain, or setting up your campsite for the evening, you’ll be honing and practicing skills for life.

Expanding perspective.

An Outward Bound course is more than an outdoor adventure – it’s a unique opportunity to learn skills that will help you navigate life beyond the trail: leadership, teamwork, and self-reflection will set you up for success well into your future.

We believe in you.

Our Semester courses are tough. And worth every blister and bug bite because you’re tough, too. You’ll discover that as you explore awesome backcountry, forge lifelong connections with your crew, and gain hands-on leadership training.

CB31 Media Gallery

Life on Course

Spend a semester trekking rainforests, surfing waves, paddling rivers, and diving coral reefs as you explore Costa Rica and Panama—and discover a new side of yourself.

A lifetime of memories await—are you ready to answer the call? Your adventure starts by trekking through rainforest valleys, surfing Pacific waves, and paddling wild rivers as you explore Costa Rica’s vibrant landscapes and culture. Stay with local families, practice Spanish, and learn to cook with fresh ingredients. Sleep under the stars, build lasting friendships, and discover what you’re capable of. End your journey in Panama, earning your Scuba certification in the turquoise waters of Bocas del Toro. This isn’t a vacation—it’s a challenge, a transformation, and an experience that will stay with you forever.

A group of people are sitting in front of a mural depicting marine life. The mural is painted in blue and features images of turtles, fish, and stingrays. There are also some Spanish phrases written on the mural, seemingly about protecting the ocean. The people are smiling and appear to be enjoying themselves. They are likely involved in some kind of environmental or conservation effort.
The image shows two people with large backpacks facing each other on a dirt road. They are bending forward, almost touching heads. Behind them, other people with backpacks are walking on the same road. The setting appears to be a mountainous or hilly area with trees and vegetation on either side of the path.
A group of about ten people stand on a wet, sandy beach with their surfboards. The surfboards are a mix of colors and sizes. The sky is cloudy with the sun peeking through, casting a warm light on the scene. In the background, there's a lush green forest and the ocean stretching out to the horizon.
The image shows a scuba diver underwater. The diver is wearing a black wetsuit, a scuba tank, and a mask. They are swimming near the ocean floor, which is covered in sand and coral. The diver is giving a hand signal, possibly indicating that everything is okay. Bubbles from the scuba gear are rising to the surface, and the water is clear enough to see the diver and the surrounding environment clearly.

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CB39 Table Feature

Sample Itineraries

Here’s an example of what your course itinerary might look like. The actual plan will depend on permits, weather, group skills, and instructor evaluation.

Swipe on table below to view more.

50-Day Course

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Day 1 Fly into San Jose International Airport (SJO)
Day 2-3 Orientation, day hike, Spanish language learning
Day 4 Rainforest base day; Prep for expedition
Day 5-14 Backpacking expedition with group homestays
Day 15 Base day; prep for whitewater training
Day 16-21 Whitewater training & WRT certification
Day 22 Base day, shopping at local market
Day 23 Base day
Day 24 Transport to Panama
Day 25-31 PADI Scuba Diving Course; local service projects
Day 32 Transport back to Costa Rica
Day 33 Base day; prep for surf
Day 34-42 Transport to surfing location; Surf and service
Day 43-48 Student-led prep & planning for final whitewater expedition
Day 49 Gear clean, course end
Day 50 Fly out of San Jose International Airport (SJO)

65-Day Course

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Day 1 Fly into San Jose International Airport (SJO)
Day 2-4 Orientation & base activities
Day 5-13 Whitewater training & WRT certification
Day 14-15 Base days; gear clean & prep for backpacking expedition
Day 16-27 Backpacking with group homestays. Transfer to beach on final day.
Day 28-33 Surf and service
Day 34-44 Transfer to Golfo Dulce; expedition prep & training. Sea kayak & service expedition.
Day 45 Transfer back to base
Day 46 Base day
Day 47-49 Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification
Day 50 Base prep day
Day 51 Transport to Panama
Day 52-57 PADI Scuba Diving Course & local service projects
Day 58 Transport back to Costa Rica
Day 55 Transfer to Panama
Day 59-62 Student-led prep & planning and final whitewater expedition
Day 63 Transport back to base
Day 64 Gear clean, course end
Day 65 Fly out of San Jose International Airport (SJO)
CB27 Pull Quotes
A young woman with a large backpack smiles and flashes a peace sign while hiking in a lush, green forest. She is surrounded by dense vegetation, including various plants and trees. The trail appears to be somewhat steep and rugged. She seems happy and energetic despite the challenging terrain.

I am not sure how I’ll do this upon my return and in the future at large, but I know I am capable of inciting change, starting with myself, and I think this change will have ripple effects in the world around me.

Taylor

I experienced the world in new ways and connected with nature and myself in a fun environment, learned cool new Costa Rican dishes that I can bring home and cook for my family, and got to experience living in new environments.

Jordan

CB17 FAQs

FAQs

I don't have a lot of outdoor experience—can I still be successful?

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Absolutely. Your motivation to learn new skills and work with others is just as important as what you already know. Many of our students have never spent an extended period of time in the wilderness. From the moment you arrive, your instructors will teach you and your group the skills necessary to be safe and successful.

What gear will I need?

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After enrollment, your Course Advisor will be in touch to provide you with a link to your Course Page, where you will find a list of required clothing specific to your course – including items such as footwear, clothing, and other personal equipment.

Outward Bound will provide technical gear that includes expedition items like sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tents/tarps, packs, and cooking gear.

Can I bring my phone or tablet on course?

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This course is a technology-free adventure! Although you may travel to and from your course with your cell phones, iPods, tablets, and laptops, once you arrive, everything will be stored in a locked area in your luggage until course end.

Although some students are hesitant about this at first, many reflect on their experience as a well-needed break from screens and social media. It means more time to be present with nature—and your crewmates too.

What does the cost of the course cover?

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The total cost includes all tuition and fees for the course. Tuition covers the cost of food, instruction, permits, technical gear, and equipment while on course. Courses going to Costa Rica and the Bahamas also include on-call international insurance (more information provided after enrollment).

Not included in this total cost are personal expenses such as clothing, health & travel insurance, airfare, and baggage fees.

Can I earn college credit from this course?

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Yes! Academic credit is available for Outward Bound courses by transferring credit through our partner colleges or by arranging your own independent study. Click here for more information about receiving academic credit.

Can I use my 529 Plan or college fund to pay for this?

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Thanks to Outward Bound’s partnership with Western State Colorado University, we can accept 529 College Savings Plan through their Extended Studies program, and anyone can register. You do not have to be a current Western State Colorado University student to take advantage of this opportunity. Please click here for more information about accepting 529 College Savings Plans.

What types of training do Instructors receive?

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Outward Bound Instructors receive regular training in the outdoor activities and environments in which we run our courses. New Instructors receive extensive training in teaching and facilitation, risk management, judgment, decision making, conflict resolution and emergency procedures. After completing initial training, instructors work directly under experienced staff before being promoted to a Lead Instructor position. Lead Instructors receive continuing training and professional development annually.

<a href=”https://www.outwardbound.org/approach-and-impact/safety-and-risk-management/”>Click here to learn more about instructor training and development on our Safety &amp; Risk Management page.</a>

How is safety managed on course?

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Outward Bound courses take place outdoors and include activities that present risks that can be managed but not eliminated. Running our courses safely is central to our educational goals and our safety record is excellent. Our instructors not only identify and reduce risks but also teach students to assess and address hazards with preparation and care, rather than fear and avoidance. Students and their families participate in our safety systems by familiarizing students with the course description prior to the course and by filling out our application and medical forms completely. We regularly review our safety training systems with our peers and other industry experts and continually seek to create or adopt the most effective practices. Every course is equipped with the ability to get help in an emergency.
For more information, click here to visit our Safety & Risk Management page.

Can I use an Americorps Award to pay for a course?

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Thanks to Outward Bound’s partnership with Western Colorado University, we can accept AmeriCorps Education Awards through their Extended Studies program. You do not have to be a current Western Colorado University student—anyone can register. Click here to learn more and reach out to [email protected] or (970) 943-2885 with any questions.

THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE.
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