Costa Rica — Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! We invite students to create HELP2SERVE Global | HELP2SERVE.CARE Campus Chapters at their universities. We provide step-by-step support including a Campus Chapter Playbook, leadership training, branding materials, and ongoing mentorship. Visit our Campus Clubs page to apply as a founding student leader.

Yes! Beyond published program dates, we offer the opportunity for students, campus clubs, institutions, and mission-focused organizations to create their own immersion experience — customized to your academic calendar, service focus, cohort size, and institutional goals. Contact info@help2serve.care to get started.

HELP2SERVE.CARE publishes anticipated immersion dates approximately one (1) year in advance and no fewer than nine (9) months prior to departure. For programs departing more than one year from now, Early Planning Applications allow you to request priority placement, with a deposit that remains fully refundable until 45 days before departure.

Our Why: we exist to create sustained behavior change — within volunteers and the communities we serve — through meaningful global service grounded in decades of trusted experience. Our How: by delivering structured, immersive, safe, and well-supported service-learning experiences rooted in one of the world's most respected volunteer legacies — built by 30,000+ volunteers who came before you. Our What: immersive global programs that transform service into lasting community impact — and inspire careers, meaningful connections, and a lifelong commitment to giving back.

Programs are structured in two distinct phases. Phase One is a 14-day structured service-learning immersion — the heart of the experience. Choose from health-focused, community development & childhood education, or conservation pathways. Phase Two, Beyond the Project, is an optional 7-day guided cultural exploration designed to deepen reflection and strengthen cohort bonds following service. Total: 21 days all-inclusive. An optional Spanish Language week may be added before the service immersion for Latin programs.

Yes — and academic credit support is available for both the Integrated Immersion and the Single-Track Specialized pathway. Nearly 2,000 students from 350+ universities have earned academic credit through HELP2SERVE.CARE programs. Work with your academic advisor to arrange independent study credit; HELP2SERVE.CARE provides course syllabi, on-site evaluations, and documentation of service hours and focus-area hours. Standard syllabus fee: $100. Custom evaluation: $50. Begin the conversation with your advisor early — our leadership is glad to support your conversation with documentation, learning objectives, or faculty letters as needed.