Flagship Program
GCAC’S Flagship Program - Costa Rica
New to educational travel? Costa Rica is the perfect first adventure — easy to plan, safe, affordable, and packed with life-changing experiences.
#1 Safest Country in Cental America
Ranked 38th globally by the Global Peace Index – safer than the U.S. (ranked 129th). No military since 1948; investment redirected to education and healthcare.
5% of Earth's Biodiversity in 0.03% of its Land
Over 500,000 species, 28% of land protected as national parks. A living classroom for sustainability, conservation, and agriculture education.
English-Speaking Guides & Tours
All guides and tours are in English-Spanish language learning opportunities are woven in naturally – no pressure, maximum exposure.
Secure Accomodations
Safe and comfortable facilities for first-time group travel – so students and parents feel confident from day one.
What students do in Costa Rica
Animal rescue & wildlife rehabilitation (sloths, birds, sea turtles to name only a few)
Agriculture & sustainability lessons in the field
Coffee farm tours – from harvest to roasting
Build habitats & eco-structures from recycled materials
Explore waterfalls, rainforests & Afro Caribbean culture
Visit organic farm-to-table restaurants and learn from owners & project managers
Engage with Tico communities & local culture
Costa Rica - In Their Words
A Co-leader reflects on taking Memphis students of color to Costa Rica with GCAC
Partnering with GCAC is a great opportunity worth exploring and enaging. What it ignited in the lives of the stdents that accompanied us was a new appreciateion not only for other cultures but also for education, exposure, and the limitless opportunities that we have in this world to make a difference.
From building habitats for sloths to using recycled materials to create eco-structures, to experiencing organic farm-to-table dining and coffee farming – these are the types of concepts we should be incorporating in the lives of our young people. GCAC is a phenomenal way to not only expand knowledge, but also to incorporate the much-needed cultural exposure and education that are lacking in many communities of color.
WHY GCAC? NOT JUST ANOTHER TOUR COMPANY.
What sets GCAC apart from the rest:
Education-First, Not Tourism-First
Every program centers on experiential learning, cultural immersion, and service — not sightseeing. We are education first!
100% Led by Professional Educators
Every GCAC program is led by career educators and travel experts with decades of group travel experience — not hired tour guides.
Personalized, Not Canned Programs
Itineraries are custom-curated to meet the specific needs and goals of your students, parents, and school — no off-the-shelf packages.
Community-Identified Service Projects
Every volunteer experience aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and is identified by local partner communities — creating lasting, authentic impact.
Long-Term Nonprofit Partnerships
GCAC builds repeat, professional relationships with partner nonprofits that open long-term career pathways for students — well beyond the program completion.
Student Safety is Always #1
Your student will never be left alone or behind. GCAC’s small group sizes and dedicated educator leadership ensure every student is safe, supported, and seen.
GCAC IMPACT
What happens when students travel with purpose? Below are just a few of our survey data results.
%
agree their ability to communicate across diverse cultures improved
%
gained deeper knowledge of global political, environmental & cultural connections
%
felt increased self-confidence and desire to travel internationally again
%
feel MORE motivated to volunteer in their own home community after traveling
“GCAC trips are credited with opening eyes, broadening perspectives, and creating lasting, positive impacts on both travelers and the communities visited.”
SOMETHING NO ONE ELSE OFFERS. GCAC is one of
GCAC is one of the Only Nonprofits in the U.S. Offering College Credit for Global Service Learning to High School Students while simultaneously raising funds for scholarships to offset costs for the experience.
Real College Credit
University & High school students earn 3 fully transferable credit hours — accepted at colleges and universities across the country The course is completely online. Students may also meet as a group with a local facilitator to work on the content together.
Global Service Learning
This isn’t a field trip. It’s an academically rigorous, service-driven, immersive program that satisfies both academic and civic goals simultaneously.
Content focuses on the program destination country. The immersive travel component is the capstone project for the course.
Built for High Schoolers
Most college credit programs exclude high school students. GCAC specifically designed this pathway for high schoolers
— including those from underserved communities.
Middle School programs are also available.
Let us know if you would like more information. Domestic US options.
No other nonprofit in America combines high school enrollment, global service, and transferable college credit in one program.