May 14–21, 2026
About the Program
The Penn State Altoona Women’s Soccer team has the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica for an immersive international cultural and athletic experience. Throughout this eight‑day journey, student‑athletes will explore the history, traditions, and natural beauty of Costa Rica while engaging in meaningful community service and competitive play.
The group will begin their experience in historic San José, where they will learn about the country’s rich Tico culture, visit cultural sites, and enjoy traditional Costa Rican cuisine. Students will also attend a live performance featuring regional dance and theatre and have the chance to interact with performers to deepen their understanding of local artistic traditions.
As part of the team’s community engagement, they will visit a local school to host a youth soccer clinic and take part in creating a small mural alongside students and community members.
Athletically, the team will compete in three friendly matches against regional teams from:
- San José (urban region)
- Alajuela (rainforest region)
- Liberia (coastal region)
These matches are selected to be both developmentally appropriate and competitively challenging. Following the competition, teams often gather to socialize, share refreshments, sample local fruits, and enjoy intercultural fellowship.
In addition to the women’s team taking advantage of this opportunity, the trip will be open to any other Penn State student seeking a Costa Rican cultural experience. While they will likely choose not to participate in playing matches, they will be able to attend and witness each match. Soccer is the national sport in Costa Rica, and attending a match is a cultural experience in its own right!
The program also includes a series of memorable group excursions and team‑building activities. Students will:
- Hike to the iconic La Fortuna Waterfall
- Zipline through the lush rainforest canopy
- Relax in natural volcanic hot springs
- Train at local facilities
- Enjoy sunset yoga on the beach
This combination of athletic development, cultural exchange, service learning, and adventure makes this experience both transformative and unforgettable.
Program Costs
$1,950 Land Portion Includes:
- Hotel accommodation (eight days, seven nights)
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
- Full-time bilingual translator
- Community Soccer Clinic
- Team training and three friendly games
- Adventures to
- La Fortuna Waterfall
- Whitewater Rafting or Canopy Zipline Tour
$700
- Airfare from BWI (subject to change until ticket is paid in full, first and second checked bags are free per person per direction, subject to change).
Other Possible Expenses
- $165 – Passport
- $300 – Personal expenses
- Immunizations
$2950 – Tentative Total Program Costs
Subject to change based on current market rates and the number of participants.
Academic Requirements
- Minimum 2.5GPA
- Registered for Fall 2026
Application Process
- Apply online by February 15
- Judicial and academic records reviewed
