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Exchanging to Costa Rica is a great way to start a new international friendship or build on a hosting experience done prior to the exchange.
A skinny exchange is similar to the standard exchange, however it provides more flexibility for dates, lodging options, and activities. A skinny exchange allows for shorter travel durations making it possible to exchange during the school year. It also is available for schools that aren't allowed to stay with families or if they'd prefer less time with families to be able to see more parts of Costa Rica during their visit.
The skinny exchanges strike a balance of cultural opportunities along with more features of standard student travel. It's great for schools that are new to exchanging and would like to ease into the experience while keeping features of standard student trips that they might be more familiar with.
Hola a tod@s!
Welcome to the official site for the skinny exchange. This page contains/will contain all the relevant information such as itineraries, activities and guides to help you prepare for the experience. Questions can be emailed to dustin@costaricafrika.com or Whatsapp / Imessage +506 8478 2100.
We are very excited to welcome you on the skinny exchange this year! Students will have the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica to be immersed in the Costa Rican culture, and experience the unique tourist attractions of Costa Rica.
Important dates:
SIGN UP DEADLINE: Oct. 14th, 2026. (After this date signups will be subject to available space till Feb. 12th, 2027)
Skinny Dates: Trip for 8-10 days throughout the year. (If your school is traveling for 2 weeks during the summer, please see the travel exchange page.)
Schools traveling in 2027 (dates subject to airline availability and will be confirmed after Feb. 12):
Grafton: June 15/16 - 23/24, 2027
Cost: $2,600/student
Included:
Round trip travel from O'hare/Midway airports.
Meals and lodging. (Host family and/or hotel/hostel/private accommodations)
Teacher/chaperone (TC). TC also stays with a family and will supervise all exchange itinerary activities and be on call nights and weekends.
All in country transfers, tours, and itinerary activities.
Not included:
Passports. Must be valid through the end of the exchange.
Ground transportation to/from US airport.
Travel insurance (must have).
HOW TO SIGN UP (Complete steps 1 and 2 by signup dates):
Fill out online registration form.
Make $350 half deposit by signup date.
Methods of payment:
Preferred method: Bank payment via link on invoice (sent one week before signup deadlines)
Electronic banking transfers (Zelle, Popmoney etc) addressed to dustin@costaricafrika.com.
Venmo pay page: www.venmo.com/u/Dustin-Dresser (Please send test dollar if hyperlink does not work).
3. Feb. 12th - $350 half deposit due
4. April 2nd - First payment due ($900).
5. May 7th - Final payment due ($1,000).
Cancellation/Refund schedule: Cancellations are via email sent to dustin@costaricafrika.com and are valid upon receipt.
Cancellation on or before April 2nd: 50% of the deposit will be refunded.
Cancellation after April 2nd and on or before May 7th: 50% of first payment will be refunded.
Cancellation after May 7th: 50% refund of final payment will be refunded.
Key Takeaway:
For the exchange students this is their big opportunity to immerse themselves! They have the Fri-dom to totally change their personality in their second culture / language. They shouldn't be afraid to step out of their comfort zone and/or embarrass themselves. The exchange is too short and we want them to experience as many memorable moments as possible. Everyone is going to experience the exchange in their own way and there is no telling what impact it may have on them so it is important to take advantage of every moment.
Exchanging is also a gateway that could inspire you to host, return to Costa Rica or travel to other parts of the world. The experience doesn't end after the exchange, but will continue in the digital age where communication is only a short Snap, Insta, or Whatsapp away. We look forward to your participation in this life changing experience!
Activities / Tours
Activities / Tours
Arenal / Hot Springs
Students will travel to La Fortuna, which is near the Arenal volcano and (weather dependent) will have amazing photo opportunities. We'll spend the day at the hot springs at the base of the volcano and may be able to hike as well.
Canopy tour
The canopy is a tourist activity meant to give visitors a chance to see the rainforest from above. You are strapped in and harnessed to a zip line cable which takes you through the rainforest. Change things up by doing the Tarzan Swing, Superman cable and the wild horse! This is a guided, fun for all event.
Family days
Students will spend the weekend immersing themselves with their host families doing what they normally would do. Costa Rican families are very excited to have this opportunity to share with exchange students and will share their culture and often plan family outings to local tourist destinations.
School days
Students will visit schools and spend time with students in classes, giving presentations about their school and other activities to enrich the experience. Host schools may plan welcome/going away parties as well as other excursions.
Coastal Excursion
The last two nights of the trip will be spent on the coast at a hotel/hostel. There'll be a coastal excursion that may involve a day trip to an island, or cove/coastal tours with a mix of aquatic and land based activities.
What the activities and experience is like...
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