Alternative Break to Costa Rica

– Spring Break is traditionally is a time students to relax and have fun, but for 15 Pepperdine college students it is an opportunity to assist the less fortunate in an impoverished Nicaraguan community in San Jose, Costa Rica.  Student leaders from Pepperdine in partnership with Appleseed Expeditions will lead a team of 15 students in the Nicaraguan refugee town of La Carpio, in Costa Rica.  Our primary goal is to help Nicaraguan refugee children struggling with day to day issues.

The Nicaraguan refugees of La Carpio struggle with more than a 70% poverty rate, and an estimated 70,000 to 100,000 people are living within just one square mile. Students will be helping the local orphanage, mentor children, and help expand the local daycare facility in this refugee area. The group will also help in the construction of buildings for a foster care center using recycled wood, as Costa Rica is suffering from years of excessive deforestation. Approximately 75% of the country's forests have been destroyed. "As we tour the northern part of the country we'll learn hands on about deforestation and how it detrimentally affects wildlife." In order to gain a better understanding of this environmental issue, students will also volunteer at a wildlife rescue center that provides shelter and rehabilitation for displaced rainforest species.

The Pepperdine group will also travel to the volcanic region of Fortuna, where they will support education programs in local orphanages. "This will include computer skills, science and technology assistance and Microsoft Word. Knowing computer basics is a skill in Costa Rica that is essential for employment.

"The work we do over our college break does make a difference," says Joseph, who served in the Dominican Republic his sophomore year with Appleseed Expeditions, and last year traveled to Honduras to teach reading and writing skills to elementary school students. "By showing compassion to people in need, we give them hope."  Not only do these "Alternative Breaks" provide an outlet for students to leave a positive impact, but it also helps student gain a clearer focus on their career goals.  "We have had many students change their majors after serving abroad," says Joe Moore founder of Appleseed Expeditions.  They come back from an educational service trip energized and on a mission to use their education to better their global communities.  

For more information on trips like these contact Appleseed Expeditions at www.appleseedexpeditions.com or info@appleseedexpeditions.com.


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