Global Service-Learning Trips

Global Service Learning Experiences

Join us in Costa Rica’s Caribbean region for an immersive, hands-on experience in global health, traditional medicine, and social justice. At Salud Para Todos Caribe, we partner with individuals, universities, and professional groups to co-create meaningful service-learning trips that combine experiential education, cultural exchange, and community engagement.

Whether you’re a student in public health, medicine, naturopathic medicine, midwifery, social work, or global health, a practicing professional, or simply someone passionate about holistic healing, intercultural learning, and health equity, we welcome you to be part of our work in Talamanca.

Our trips are flexible and thoughtfully designed. Depending on your goals, trips may include:

  • Shadowing or supporting community wellness programs and consult days
  • Participating in integrative health workshops and round-table discussions with local and visiting practitioners
  • Local plant walks and medicine making
  • Learning from Indigenous and Afro-Caribbean healing traditions and culture
  • Supporting mobile clinics in remote areas
  • Collaborating with our team on community events
  • Nightly classes on global health topics such as economic and political influences that impact health disparities, the Costa Rican healthcare system, and much more
  • Group reflection and processing
  • Learning from midwives about birthing justice, local traditions and challenges around women’s health

We believe ethical global health learning begins with cultural humility, listening, and mutual respect. Our programs are built in partnership with local communities and rooted in values of inclusivity, sustainability, and decolonized global health.

Activities and curriculum are always adapted to the interests, backgrounds, and skills of each group. Trips are typically 10 days to two weeks long. We have long-term internship programs, as well as volunteer work for locals and healthcare professionals who are interested in contributing their skills to underserved communities in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica.

Sample 10-day trip itinerary:

Day 1

Arrival in Costa Rica

Our team picks you up at the airport. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll either stay overnight in San José or travel directly to the Caribbean coast.

Day 3

 Community health fair

Volunteers may help with event logistics, wellness activities, workshops, and medical support roles based on interests and experience. Evening class on Costa Rican Indigenous history, culture, traditional medicine, and ancestral diets.

Day 5

Local plant walk and tincture-making workshop.

Evening class on Afro-descendant history, culture, and traditional healing practices.

Day 7

 Free day with optional excursions (waterfalls, rainforest hikes, cacao farm tour)

Evening discussion on the place of traditional and natural medicine in global health.

Day 9

Travel back to San José

Optional afternoon outings, such as visits to local museums, parks, or cultural sites.

Day 2

Welcome and orientation

Settle in, meet the team, tour our community space, and relax with some beach time.

Day 4

Mobile Clinic Day to Indigenous territory (Bribri)

Evening group discussion on globalization, trade agreements, and their impacts on health equity.

Day 6

Second health fair 

 Evening group reflection and sharing.

Day 8

Closing activities and reflection

Afternoon free time and group dinner to close the trip

Day 10

Departure day. Flights home and goodbyes.

Global health trips include lodging, meals, and all in-country transportation (except on free days). Flights and required travel insurance are not included.

Get in touch with us to discuss your trip options, goals, and costs—we’ll help you build the experience that fits your learning and service interests.

 Thank you for being part of our community!

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