Costa Rica Summer Program
Costa Rica has been the model for sustainable economic development in Latin America for a generation. On this program, you’ll spend most of your time living in or alongside some of Costa Rica’s most important biological reserves while learning about integrated sustainability initiatives to protect these valuable resources.

In this Sustainable Summer Program…

tYou’ll visit an indigenous community and learn traditional agricultural practices
tYou’ll learn about the implementation of renewable energy at a variety of scales
tYou’ll harvest crops and practice permaculture at an organic farm
tYou’ll develop homesteading skills such as fermentation and soap-making
tYou’ll learn about natural building and work with natural building materials and techniques

Your Sustainable Summer experience will span from Costa Rica’s legendary Pacific beaches to the mist shrouded slopes of the Central Highlands to the tropical rainforest. Our Costa Rica summer program is ideal for high school students with a strong interest in environmental sustainability, and particularly renewable energy and agriculture. Costa Rica is widely considered an ‘easy’ place to travel by developing country standards, and we think this program is also a good choice for students that are looking to get their first taste of ‘adventure travel’ and life in a ‘developing’ country, although we caution that our itinerary is more challenging (in a good way) than many Costa Rica travel itineraries.
Picture yourself living on an organic farm on the edge of a national park, where you’ll help produce the food that sustains the local community. Or on a guided night hike through Costa Rica’s virgin rainforest, when the jungle really comes alive. You’ll feel the rush of rafting Costa Rica’s world famous whitewater, play soccer with local kids, and come to understand why the essential Costa Rican phrase – pura vida – is the perfect embodiment of this beautiful place and the Tico people that call it home.Not sure if this is the right option for you? Use our Compare Programs page to help you assess which Sustainable Summer is the best fit for your interests and comfort zone.

Learn
how sustainable energy and agriculture solutions are designed

Explore
tropical rainforests, hidden valleys, and pristine beaches

Ride
horseback to a towering waterfall in Cangreja National Park and raft Costa Rica’s legendary whitewater

2016 Facilitators *

Remy Franklin
READ BIO

Kiska Kosakowski
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Costa Rica Testimonials

 
Thank you so much for creating and running this amazing program!! I’m so grateful for all that you’ve done to make this organization so awesome!!  Jess,  student from Boca Raton, FL

Read More Testimonials

 

STUDENT STORIES

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Costa Rica 9-Day Photos
By Sustainable Summer // September 16, 2015

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Costa Rica 21-Day Photos
By Sustainable Summer // September 16, 2015

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Costa Rica Student Essay
By Rafael Robert // September 8, 2015

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Costa Rican Transformation
By Lily Antunez // September 1, 2015

 

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Costa Rica Student Essay
By Amber Heldreth Miller // September 1, 2015

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Costa Rica Student Essay
By Own Shain // September 1, 2015

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Costa Rica Student Essay
By Miriam Wahid // September 1, 2015

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Costa Rica Student Photo Essay
By Jess Kian // August 16, 2015

Core Curriculum & Program Components

Much More Than A Tour
Amazing destination? Check. Fun and authentic experiences? Absolutely. A smart, down-to-earth group of like-minded teens? Yup. An awesome itinerary and first-in-class lodging are just the start. Our programs prepare teens to become environmental leaders through dynamic place-based learning.

FIELD STUDIES
How do “small” and “local” provide a blueprint for a sustainable future? This essential question guides our experience studying sustainability in Costa Rica. Participants – through discussions, workshops, site visits, and fieldwork – will investigate sustainability with the understanding that truly sustainable solutions take into account not only the environment, but also the people, culture and economy of a given place.

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Field Studies

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Leadership

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Design Thinking

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Independent Project

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Case Study

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Action Plan

Program Tuition

Each program has a tiered tuition rate: standard (full tuition), tuition assistance (83% of tuition), or scholarship (as low as 15% of tuition).HOW IT WORKS

STANDARD

$ 4795

tAPPLY
tOur standard course fee, which represents the actual cost of operating our programs, including the administrative costs that are necessary to sustain our organization in the long-term. This is the suggested rate for families living in high cost of living areas with household net assets of greater than $650,000 and/or annual household income of greater than $180,000.

TUITION ASSISTANCE

$ 3995

tAPPLY
tParticipants at this tuition rate cover only their direct participation costs, including lodging, meals, activities, in-country staff and transportation, and support for local projects. Participation at this level is based on the honor system. It is available to all families – no documentation required. We simply ask families to honestly consider their financial resources and ability to pay the full tuition rate.

SCHOLARSHIP

$ 720 – 3355

tAPPLY
tAdditional scholarship funding is available for students that are unable to participate at either of the other rates. Scholarship participants receive up to an 85% reduction of the standard course fee. Due to the limited availability of scholarship funds, a separate application is required, including a parent financial statement and recent tax return.

What’s Included

Accommodations

in eco-lodges and other locally-owned (and often sustainably-minded) establishments

Meals

3 meals daily while in-country. Local cuisine, served family-style, is on order most days. Dietary restrictions can typically be accommodated.

Immersive Activities

Guided activities, from the adventurous to the cultural, are a regular part of the itinerary.

Dynamic Learning Opportunities

Place-based. Interactive. Fun. Our programs prepare teens to become environmental leaders.

Ground Transportation

Once in country, all travel will be by private coach when we are traveling any significant distance, although we may occasionally use other transport when traveling locally. This can range from a cattle truck to the local bus. Traveling like a local is part of the experience!

2 Full-Time Professional Facilitators

Our international field team includes returned Peace Corps volunteers, college professors, seasoned wilderness guides, sustainability graduate students, and similar.

Pre-Program Materials and Support

Students and parents receive comprehensive and prompt pre-program support.

Not Included

Tuition does not include airfare, $95 InternationalSOS membership (required), or personal expenses such as laundry, snacks, souvenirs, and internet or international phone calls, and other incidentals. A $29 Costa Rica exit fee, payable at the SJO airport on departure, is also not included.

Flights

We designate a recommended group flight for students. Students, whether arriving on our group flight or independently, will be met at the international arrivals area by our staff. Very detailed travel and booking instructions will be provided to all participants upon enrollment.Our designated round trip group flight:

CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE

Escort on Both Outbound and Return Flight

Outbound Flight

June 26

654pm
752pm
Miami (MIA)
San Jose (SJO)
American
1031

Return Flight
July 16
1140am
439pm
San Jose (SJO)
Miami (MIA)
American
1238

Important

tDo not make any flight reservations until explicitly directed by Sustainable Summer. Enrolled families – please check your MySummer accountfor more information.
tNot all of our group flights have a staff escort. Please see above for specifics and our Flights page for additional details.
tStudents NOT traveling on our designated group flight will be assessed a $35 fee if they arrive on a flight other than our specified group flight and/or a $35 fee for departing on a non-group flight ($70 total). Students must verify BEFORE BOOKING all non-group flight travel itineraries

21-Day Itinerary

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Arrival
Most students will arrive on our chaperoned group flight into the international airport outside San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city. It’s a short drive by private transport from the airport to our hostel in Alajuela, where we will begin our orientation period.Day 1

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Orientation at Rancho Margot
The next morning, after breakfast we’ll travel north to Rancho Margot, a stunning eco-lodge on the shores of Lake Arenal. Rancho Margot is the perfect destination to become acquainted with Costa Rica and your fellow students. It is fully self-sufficient, yet at a truly impressive scale – two different micro-hydro turbines provide all their energy needs; chickens, pigs, and cows number in the hundreds, yet exist in healthy, environmentally sustainable way; and the entire property of several hundred hectares has been reforested in the last decade.During orientation, we’ll become familiar with local customs, health and safety protocols, and share our individual and mutual goals for the program.We also will begin our investigation of sustainability as a subject of inquiry, as we learn about the various sustainability initiatives on the farm and consider how the systems and philosophies in place at Margot can inform a shift to more sustainable communities elsewhere in the world. No visit to the beautiful Arenal would be complete without some dedicated to exploring the surrounding countryside. We’ll have some time for a short hike in the area, as well as kayaking on Lago Arenal.Days 2 & 3

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The Rainforest
We’ll then move on to the Sarapaqui region, one of Costa Rica’s most important biospheres. We’ll be staying at an eco-lodge on the edge of Costa Rica’s largest National Park, Braulio Carrillo. The surrounding jungle is primary rainforest that serves as a critical ecological corridor. Much important research has been and continues to be conducted in the area. Conservation efforts have maintained the native forest on the southern side of the Rio Sarapiqui, although the numerous pineapple farms that dot the northern side serve as a constant reminder of the threat of development.During our five nights in the area, we’ll conduct biodiversity research with a local scientific organization; take an ethnobotany course from a local expert; go whitewater rafting on the Rio Sarapaqui; and go for a guided night hike through the tropical jungle. It’s not all adventure and sustainability, though. We’ll also take in some with local culture. You’ll learn to make the perfect gallo pinto and friend plantains in a cooking class and polish your Merengue, Salsa, and Cha-Cha skills in a Latin dance class, too.Days 4 – 8

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The Cloud Forest
Leaving Sarapaqui, we’ll travel south and up in elevation to Paraiso Quetzal, a beautiful cloud forest lodge situated on a ridge overlooking Costa Rica’s southern valley. After lunch, we’ll have an afternoon hike in search of the elusive Quetzal, seen rarely throughout Costa Rica, but living in abundance in this area.While in this area, we’ll visit a cooperatively owned wind power facility and hydroelectric project and learn how the projects are producing clean energy at fair rates for rural communities that previously had no access to the grid. This segment of the program encourages reflection on the sources, uses, and economics of renewable energy. One of the principle questions we will consider is the size and scope of a project, which we will continue to explore later in the program.We’ll also visit a flower exporter and a coffee cooperative in an effort to better understand both the global supply chain as well as issues of equity and social justice associated with agricultural production and consumption.Days 9 & 10

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Mastatal
Winding our way through the craggy, jungle clad valleys of the central mountains, our next destination is Mastatal and Cangreja National Park, one of Costa Rica’s least visited, but most remarkable destinations.We’ll spend a little over a week at Rancho Mastatal, an environmental learning center and eco-lodge situated on the park’s boundary. Rancho Mastatal is a sustainability pioneer that practices natural construction techniques (locally harvested woods and bamboo, earthen structures, etc), sustainable food production, and renewable energy generation.The American operators work closely with the surrounding community on conservation initiatives to help preserve and protect the last remaining virgin rainforest in this region of Costa Rica. Sustainability education of both local and foreign students is an important part of Mastatal’s mission.During our time there, we’ll study many of the initiatives that make Mastatal a stunning example of sustainability, from their use of biodigesters and rainwater catchments to traditional agricultural production methods and reforestation efforts.We’ll visit the Zapaton Indigenous Reserve, play soccer with the local kids, and fill our minds with knowledge about the principles of permaculture, tropical ecology, and other remarkable subjects that are being practiced every day at Mastatal.Days 11 – 18

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The Coast
Our final days of the program will be at the beaches of Playa Esterillos, where we’ll reflect on our time in Costa Rica, share our Sustainability Action Plans, and prepare to say farewell.Days 19 & 20

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Departure
We’ll wake up for breakfast and perhaps a final swim in the Pacific and then it’s about 90 minutes driving by bus back to the airport in Alajuela for an early afternoon flight back to the US.Day 21

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An Important Note About Itinerary Changes
Sustainable Summer reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the program itinerary. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in weather or road conditions; to take advantage of a new activity or unscheduled opportunity (such as a local festival or event); to accommodate the health needs of an individual participant; or due to changes in activities or schedules of our local partners and providers.The itinerary shown here is based on previous programs and the anticipated day-to-day activities for this program. However, as with any travel experience, some changes may occur.

Questions?
CONTACT US

 
 
 

Permaculture Design Course
 

July 3 – 16, 2016
Regenerative Lifestyle, Integrating Health, Practical Design,
Community and Social Awareness
Explore all aspects of sustainable practices by learning from those in the field.

Program Includes:

~ 72 hour Permaculture Design Course & Certificate upon completion
~ Discussions in: Triple Bottom Line Business, Education Alternatives, Slow Food, Economics in Agriculture, Green Building, Alternative Energies, Community Development and more…
~ Hands on Projects (more focus for hands on activities during the practical)
~ Daily Yoga
~ Sea Kayaking, Mud Bathing & Snorkeling

Topics Covered: what to expect…

The World Situation
What is Permaculture?: Ethics, Principles & Characteristics
Ecological System Basics & Bioregions
Design Methods & Map Reading
Climates, Elements & Microclimates

Understanding Soil
Earthworks
Water Management
Plants to Trees & Trees to Forests
Windbreaks and Wind Corridors
Patterns in Nature; Context (culture, climate, etc.)

Zone 0: Bio-Architecture
Zone 1: Home Garden
Zone 2: Fruit Tree Forest; Animals & Orchards
Zone 3: Field Crops & Large Animals
Zone 4: Harvest Forests
Zone 5: Forests
Wildlife Management & Integrated Pest Management
Ethical Investment, Land Ethics and Access, Incomes from Acres
Suburban & Urban Permaculture

Ecovillages
Invisible Structures Models

Design for Disaster

Workshops & Field Activities:

Orientation to Punta Mona and Tropical Ecosystems
Weekly Sharing Circles
Compost Making, Biofermentation & Micro Organisms
Permaculture Design group project

Water Management Exercise
Soil Exercise

Bio-Char

Chinampas
Onsite Analysis

Discussions:

Value Added Products, Triple Bottom Line Business Models and Fair Trade Practices
Creation of an Ecovillage: Tacotal & La Ecovilla

Integrating a sustainable lifestyle in the modern world
GMO crops, CSAs, Economics in Agriculture and the Slow Food Movement

Daily Flow:

6-7 am: Morning Yoga

715-830 am: Breakfast

830-9 am: Farm Duties

9-12 pm: Class Time

12-2 pm: Lunch Break

2-5 pm: Class Time

5-6 pm: Break

6-7 pm: Dinner

7-9 pm: Evening Activity

* all projects determined based on group interest
Tuition for 2 Week PDC: $1700
Includes program, Permaculture Design Course, all meals, lodging, activities and daily yoga.
Tuition includes all meals, lodging, all activities, internet access and all workshops/activities.
COURSE CREDITS NOW AVAILABLE TO
UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE STUDENTS
THROUGH SUNY STONY BROOK!!
Or inquire with your university/professor about receiving internship or independent study credits! 

To Apply: please copy, fill out and send to:

Contact: Sarah Wu, Co-Director,  INFO@PUNTAMONA.ORG

Name:

Age:

Gender:

Hometown:

Current Location:

Why do you want to particpate in the program?

How will you be an addition to the program?

What is your current knowledge about permaculture?

Oudoor Experience:

Trainings or Certificates: 

Existing medical conditions?

Dietary Needs:

How did you hear about the program?

Email &/or phone number:

Emergency contact info:

Anything else we need to know?

* Transportation to Punta Mona by boat is not included, cost is $10-50 per person (depending on number of people in boat).

* Meals are organic and primarily vegetarian. Eggs and cheese are included and occasional fresh, line caught fish & organic chicken.

* Costa Rican citizen/resident prices available upon request. 

Refund Policy: All deposits are NON-Refundable, Course fees are refundable up until ONE month before the course starts.
Facilities, Housing, Meals & Participation
Permies will be housed in shared double and triple co-ed accommodations for the entire program. We have availability for couples to come and have a private room, we also have a few private cabins, which are available for an additional $400. Private cabins can house two people and are good for a couple or a small family.

Lodging is rustic and comfortable with custom-made no-see-um bed nets and screened rooms with locks. Beds are singles and doubles and will be first come first serve in regards to who sleeps where.

Facilities are shared by all living at Punta Mona. We have 3 showers with solar hot water and dry-composting toilettes in two locations.

Most classes are hosted in our outdoor classroom, in the living room of our main lodge or in the Yoga Shala. We recommend you bring your own yoga mat or little pillow to sit on.

Meals are communal and prepared fresh daily from fruits and vegetables grown organically on site or purchased from an organic farm in Costa Rica. At Punta Mona we are dedicated to wholesome, organic meals prepared with love. We consider the cuisine to be “jungle gourmet” and have a trained and seasoned staff to make sure all meals are mind blowing. We serve vegetarian meals and can accommodate vegan and gluten free diets.

We will serve farm fresh eggs daily as well as local cheeses and once weekly organic, free-range chicken from a neighbor’s farm. Fresh line caught fish is also available when we go fishing.

Permies will participate in various daily activities around the farm such as trail maintenance, beach clean up, housekeeping, composting and helping to clean the kitchen after meals.

We are an off-the-grid farm and all energy usage must be fully respected. Permies can have one shower per day and can charge their devices during the day-time only. We have internet available during specified breaks and encourage you to disconnect to reconnect.

Located in the deep tropics, on the beach, Permies can expect bugs, rain, sunshine and humidity. Please follow the packing list that is sent to you upon registering to ensure comfort and a pleasant living experience”.

 

Instructors:
Coordinated By Sarah Wu, teaching adjunct workshops in plant medicine, kitchen remedies, abdominal massage and cacao

Stephen Brooks and Itai Hauben are the primary instructors for each PDC.

Adjunct teachers in yoga, homesteading and plant medicine change for each session…

Itai Hauben
– Born in Israel, from an early age was fascinated by nature, ecology, sports and art. Study and experience Permaculture first in Israel at Adamama, a demonstration farm which he joins by 2002, so starting his way into the world of Permaculture Design , Organic Agriculture and Sustainable Living .

Itai completed his training in the method Biointensive with the master John Jeavons, than traveling throughout Central America on a Sustainable Solutions Caravan and decides to stay in the final destination of his journey, Costa Rica, settling in educational farm Punta Mona, where he lives on and off for two years, work and learn through immersion in the tropics

Itai qulifies as a Permaculture teacher and is currently pursuing his MSc. with Gaia University .

Itai is dedicated to the design and implementation of production systems and edible landscapes and to the formation of other permaculturists. Itai teaches Permaculture courses in different countries and seeks above all to inspire others through example, creating his livelihood and family as a real experience of sustainable living.

On 2007 Itai, along with his wife Melina have developed Symbiosis design. It is the idea of providing a professional service of ecological consulting, creating a symbiosis of knowledge and interests between a client and a consultant and between the different components of any living system.

Itai is father to two children, whom he teaches with dedication and passion the importance of connecting with nature and learn from it.