Global Works

Global works

Age Range:

14-18 year olds

Location:

Costa Rica, Spain, Puerto Rico

Trip Duration:

8-17 days

Dates:

June-August (see specific trip for exact dates)

ID Needed:

NY REAL ID, Passport (not for Puerto Rico)

Application REQUIREMENTS

  • Click the buttons under each trip for the application and enrollment links per program. When applying, be sure to check “pay by check” to bypass the application fee (this is on Summer Search!)

  • Secondary paperwork for this program include health history, results from a physical exam, and an immunization report. You will also need to create a student profile and submit a copy of your passport.

    If you do not have a current US passport, you may enroll in an international program. We strongly encourage you to start the passport application/ renewal process no later than January 1, 2024.

  • There are no required pre-trip workshops or orientations.

About the Programs

Working alongside local community members, you will experience grassroots, meaningful service. Global Works students will have in depth conversations about what it means to have sustainable community development and leave with a broader sense of their impact on both their local and world community. Global Works fosters a deeper sense of what it means to truly be a global citizen!

Here is some general information that is true for all available trip locations. Check out each program below for details that differ per program.

  • Global Works students have the opportunity to stay in a variety of living accommodations. Some are dorm-style lodges or youth hostels that sleep 4-10 students per room, and others are traditional hotel-style rooms shared by 2-4 students. Everyone will have their own bed, space, and access to a private bathroom. Students will be required to share in the cooking responsibilities at some locations.

  • This is an open enrollment program, which means non-Summer Searchers will be able to join your group and you’ll meet folks from diverse backgrounds. There may be a couple of other Summer Searchers attending the same program, but most people will probably not know each other!

  • You will not be able to use your phones or any electronic device that connects to the internet once you arrive in-country with program leaders. However, limited communication with family/friends back home is available. Within the first five nights, you can call home to let your family know that you have arrived safely and how you are settling in. There will also be optional opportunities for you to call home once a week throughout the trip.

    Parents and Guardians are always able and welcome to call the program if necessary — leaders always have working cell phones and service. Global Works will also be updating their trip travel blogs every 1-2 days.

  • We recommend bringing $100 for personal spending. You may want to do laundry or buy snacks and souvenirs along the way! You should also bring something small ($5-20) for your host family.


Costa Rica: Intro to Pre-Med & Public Health

Spend seventeen days contributing to the efforts of improving public health through clean water projects and educational outreach. Learn from physicians and healthcare professionals and gain practical field experience in beautiful Costa Rica.

  • Engage in education projects with school children, zip line through the rainforest canopy, and gain community service hours (45-55 hours) while enjoying the high adventure opportunities of Costa Rica. You will gain practical field experience, help implement public health campaigns, and receive certificates in Wilderness First Aid and Mental Health First Aid.

  • Available Sessions:

    • June 23 - July 9, 2025

    • July 14 - July 30, 2025

  • You will need to travel by plane to Costa Rica. A NY REAL ID and a valid passport are required to travel internationally. Students will travel by private bus while in-country.

    While our sophomores are chaperoned at every point of their journeys, juniors are not accompanied by Summer Search to the airport. Program staff typically meet students at the airport and travel with you to your in-country destination. Program staff will remain with you until you return to the U.S.

  • This will be updated in March 2025. Check back in then!


Spain: Sustainable Communities & Mediterranean Culture

  • Immerse yourself in the Spanish language, engage in sustainable living projects, and gain community service hours (30-40 hours) while visiting iconic landmarks, vibrant cities, and charming rural communities. You will learn traditional skills, dances and techniques, canoe, kayak and bike, attend workshops, enjoy beach time, and work on community service projects.

  • Available Sessions:

    • June 28 - July 14, 2025

  • You will need to travel by plane to Spain. A NY REAL ID and passport are required to fly. Baggage fees are included for this program ONLY. Students will travel by private bus, high-speed rail, canoe/kayak, and bicycle while in-country.

    While you may have been chaperoned as a sophomore, juniors are not accompanied by Summer Search to the drop-off location. Program staff typically meet students at the station and travel with you to your final destination. Program staff will remain with you until you return to the train station/pick-up location.

  • This will be updated in March 2025. Check back in then!


Puerto Rico: Hurricane Relief

Spend 8 days on this experience focused on hurricane relief and disaster prevention efforts. Home reconstruction and fortification service work are the heart of this program, with projects designed for and with local families. The projects you work on will improve infrastructure for families and communities to withstand a future hurricane and also recover more efficiently. Learn about local customs while working alongside community members.

  • This service trip is focused on hurricane relief and disaster prevention efforts. Engage in home construction projects, learn about sustainable forestry and rainforest enrichment, and explore Puerto Rico’s most historic cities. Gain community service hours (30-35 hours) and sea kayak in a bioluminescent bay. Relax on the beach and learn local customs while helping communities improve their infrastructure.

    Cultural immersion, infrastructure and environmental restoration service projects, swimming, dancing, hiking, and kayaking.

  • Available Sessions:

    • June 15 - June 22, 2025

    • June 25 - July 2, 2025

    • July 7 - July 14, 2025

    • July 30 - August 6, 2025

  • You will need to travel by plane to Puerto Rico. A NY REAL ID is required to fly. Students will travel by private bus while in-country.

    While our sophomores are chaperoned at every point of their journeys, juniors are not accompanied by Summer Search to the airport. Program staff typically meet students at the airport and travel with you to your in-country destination. Program staff will remain with you until you return to the U.S.

  • This will be updated in March 2025. Check back in then!


My first goal is to embrace the culture there, you know, fostering new relationships. My second goal is to leave Costa Rica learning one thing that helps me with my future passion in the medical field. My last goal is to embrace the change that I’m going to experience there. I’m hoping that Costa Rica will change me in a way that will further me as an individual.
— Summer Search Student

Summer Search provides a variety of resources to support you in preparing for your Summer Experience. From travel tips to what to expect from outdoor activities to live events, we got you!

Remember that your mentor is always your best resource! Reach out if you have any questions or need help with your application.

Need to schedule office hours with the Summer Team? Create a Calendly appointment here!



Summer Experience Support Resources