Programs in Nicoya
During our Nicoya program in Costa Rica, students are immersed in a coastal community that is globally known as a Blue Zone, where people reach age 100 at 10 times greater rates than the United States. Students will learn about why researchers come from around the world to learn about the healthy lifestyles of people in this region. We will partner with various community-based organizations to learn from local leaders such as environmental activists, educators, and biologists. Depending on the time of year, students can also participate in night patrols and learn about the work being done to care for nesting sea turtles and protect their eggs from poachers. It’s a hands-on way to connect with nature and play a direct role in safeguarding these magnificent creatures, all while enjoying the stunning coastal landscapes of the Nicoya Peninsula.
The Nicoya Peninsula is nestled on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, renowned for its stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. Stretching approximately 140 kilometers in length, this triangular-shaped peninsula includes lush rainforests, rugged hills, and a wide range of birds and other wildlife.
The Nicoya Peninsula is renowned as one of the world’s famed “Blue Zones”, a handful of regions around the world where people enjoy remarkably long and healthy lives. Scientists continue to study the healthy lifestyles and community bonds of the Nicoya region, which have been highlighted in the Netflix series: LIfe to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones. Residents of Nicoya tend to follow a plant-based diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, and they engage in daily physical activities like walking, gardening, and tending to their livestock. Residents often convene for gatherings and celebrations, which helps foster a supportive and close-knit community.
The safety of our programs rests on the experience and skills of our Staff, Country Coordinators and Instructors, who convene at our annual training in Colorado’s Arkansas Valley.
- The Staff of World Leadership School have decades of experience working in different educational environments. Their focus is logistics, risk management, program design, professional development, and consulting.
- Our Country Coordinators live and work year round in our overseas countries. They screen our homestay families, evaluate our transport and other service providers, and provide ground support for our groups.
- Our Instructors are veteran educators with extensive international experience. They have wilderness first responder training and often have past affiliations with Peace Corps, Outward Bound, NOLS, and/or independent schools.
We strive to responsibly manage risks. Our itineraries minimize highway travel and maximize immersion in rural communities that we know well. We update our risk management protocols, integrate feedback into program design, and invest in safety and communication equipment. Despite these efforts, World Leadership School cannot guarantee safety nor can it eliminate the inherent and other risks of international student travel. For information regarding program activities and associated risks, risk management, and student and parent responsibilities, please contact our office.
“This was an amazing experience to learn more about myself and others, form new bonds, make new connections, step out of my comfort zone, and explore more of the world.”
— Student from Trinity Hall
“This program showed me how much I wanted to travel the world. It showed me how amazing and how enlightening it was to immerse yourself into a different world.”
— Student from Berkeley Carroll School
“This program definitely inspired and impacted me. It gave me a new outlook and understanding of life and of who I am. I learned more about myself, and it made me realize what I have to do to be a better person. A better me.”
— Student from Rolling Hills Prep
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