Service
Through Mobile Clinics and Development Projects you help bring accessible medical care, health education and safer homes to the communities you visit.
Overview
Not charity — a service learning trip
Service Learning Trips are retreats where you disconnect from distraction, reconnect with purpose, and learn the mindset and skills required to serve ethically and sustainably. They are the beginning of a lifelong journey, not the end.
Environment
Service Learning Trips are created with sustainability in mind — in Costa Rica you may take part in an environmentally friendly project such as a public park or a home renovation.
Education
Learn the historical, political and economic factors shaping families' realities, and deepen your global-health knowledge by shadowing professionals.
Life-changing
Eye-opening experiences and human connection renew your passion for a world free from the constraints of poverty.
Flip the switch — same week, two very different mindsets
VoluntourismMEDLIFE Service Learning
MEDLIFE Service Learning
Listening to community needs and acting responsibly to support sustainable, culturally sensitive and community-led change.
- Communities define the project; we follow their lead
- Students support licensed local professionals, never replace them
- Follow-up visits, patient records and long-term projects
Voices from students
What students say about their HS SLT
Hear from students, teacher and parents who have already been in the field with MEDLIFE.
“Starting off with the reality tour really helps get a good framework for the rest of the week — you get to see what the daily life of these communities looks like, which helps you understand where the healthcare issues are coming from. Something interesting I learned in Costa Rica is that the army is actually abolished, so all of that money goes to the education system — about 8% of the government's income goes to education, which is way more than America. Each country is so different, and every SLT is unique and special in some way.”
Audrey
Student, Purdue University (St. John, Indiana)
“On the reality tour my thoughts about the poverty people live in were solidified, but in the clinics I found that people needed more primary care to prevent future diseases and improve their overall health — so you're having a long-term impact. My applications are a lot stronger now that I've been with MEDLIFE, because people are able to see my heart and that I really care about everybody having access to adequate healthcare. Don't come just to check off your application — go because you want to help people with your heart.”
Paige
Student, Indiana University (New York)
“To me, MEDLIFE is opportunity. I had the opportunity to listen and learn from the community leaders who work so hard to uplift their community. A major misconception people have is that people in low-income communities are not actively trying to make their situation better — but this week really proved that wrong. MEDLIFE is a truly impactful organization that works directly with communities to better their conditions. For students like me, it's an opportunity to listen and learn; for community members, it's an opportunity to be heard and to gain access to the healthcare they deserve.”
San
Incoming freshman, UC Berkeley
Quick check 1 of 3
What are the three pillars of every MEDLIFE Service Learning Trip?
About San José
Where you're going
Tourists rarely consider poverty when thinking about Costa Rica — it is difficult to comprehend that great poverty exists within what seems like paradise. Yet one in every four people lives in poverty, roughly 1.1 million individuals, and despite ranking among Latin America's highest spenders on social programs, the poverty rate has remained stagnant. Families face a lack of resources, education and work prospects, alongside economic inequality, domestic violence and an under-resourced health system. Poverty affects children in particular, leaving many without access to clean water or nutritious food.
Location
San José, capital of Costa Rica, in the Central Valley · roughly 1,170 m (3,840 ft) above sea level · about a 30-minute drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
Costa Rica population: 5.094 million · Greater San José: ~1.4 million
Open larger mapCapital
San José
Groups fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
Language
Spanish
Spanish is spoken in all communities — a phrasebook is included below.
Currency
Costa Rican Colón (CRC ₡)
Approximate exchange rate: $1 = 500 CRC. Carry small bills.
Altitude
~1,170 m / 3,840 ft
Mild Central Valley climate — evenings can be chilly.
Climate
75–80ºF (24–27ºC)
Little to no rain between December and April. Sunscreen, hat and repellent are a must.
Context
1 in 4 people in poverty
Poverty rises the further you travel from major cities.
Where we work around San José
We partner with communities in and around the capital, bringing Mobile Clinics and Development Projects — safe home construction, sanitation improvements and school renovations — carried out with families and local organizations.
- San José
- Pavas
- La Carpio
- Desamparados
- Alajuelita
Common health issues we see
Malaria, Dengue and Chikungunya are spread by parasites living in certain mosquitoes. Chills, headaches, fever, muscle pain or rashes indicate infection and can take around 15 days to develop. All three can be life-threatening if untreated, but are preventable and curable.
In 2025, 34% of Costa Rican adults were living with obesity and 70% had a high BMI. Among children in 2019, 13.6% experienced malnutrition — 6.7% with overweight or obesity and 6.9% with undernutrition.
Another mosquito-borne illness present in Costa Rica. Once infected, a person can also spread it through sexual relations, and not everyone infected shows symptoms.
Spread via parasites and mostly affecting people in rural Costa Rica. Symptoms include fatigue, eyelid swelling and nausea, and may not appear until the chronic stage.
A bacterial disease spread through the infected urine of animals. People with cuts or open wounds who contact contaminated water are at risk. Symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases and can take 2 days to 4 weeks to appear.
Quick check 1 of 3
Where is San José located?
Your week
What we'll do together
1Engaged Education Reality Tour
Learn directly from local leaders about the social, cultural and systemic factors shaping their communities.
2Mobile Clinics
Shadow licensed local professionals and gain real-world insight into community-centered healthcare.
3Development Project
Work alongside locals on a hands-on community project — installing fuel-efficient stoves, building safe homes, or renovations — then celebrate the results at an inauguration with the community.
4Building Bridges Across Cultures
Spend a day immersed in the local culture — share a meal, learn traditional customs, practice the local language, and build genuine connections with the community members you serve alongside.
5Reflect & Connect
Evening discussions that deepen understanding of global health, equity and ethical service.
6Cultural Excursion
Included full-day trips to Poás Volcano National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park, plus a guided walking tour of San José, a museum visit and a live tour of the National Theater during the week.
Sample itinerary
This itinerary is a sample and may change based on community needs, weather, and logistics.
Day 1 · Saturday
Arrival to San José
Arrive at San José airport (SJO) between 6:00 AM and 12:00 PM. A MEDLIFE representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your accommodation. We will then head out for an Orientation Walk and a Welcome Meeting. You will have time to relax, settle in, and then head out to explore. Meals aren't included during the day, but you can enjoy a tasty dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.
- REVIEW THE TRANSFER TIMES BELOWAirport pick-up & transfer to San José
Day 2 · Sunday
Poás Volcano Full Day
Poás Volcano National Park showcases one of the world's largest craters within Costa Rica's lush Central Volcanic Range. Recognized for its sustainable tourism practices, the park invites visitors to explore its trails amidst stunning natural landscapes, including the serene Botos Lagoon. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty and accessibility of Poás Volcano, just a short journey from the country's main cities.
- MorningDepart for Poás Volcano National Park
- MiddayCrater viewpoint & Botos Lagoon trails
- AfternoonReturn to San José
Day 3 · Monday
Reality Tour
On a MEDLIFE Reality Tour, students join MEDLIFE staff in the field to learn about our partner communities and the challenges they face daily. It is often students' first exposure to extreme poverty, making it one of the most impactful experiences of the trip. The Reality Tour's main goal is to introduce you to the area's culture and history — laying the groundwork for the cultural awareness and sensitivity that are so important when serving communities in another country. During the afternoon, we will visit a museum to learn how people in Costa Rica lived hundreds of years ago.
- MorningReality Tour with MEDLIFE staff
- AfternoonMuseum visit: Costa Rica's history & culture
Day 4 · Tuesday
Mobile Clinic #1
Wake up bright and early for your first day of volunteering at a Mobile Clinic! Staffed by local practitioners, our clinics offer basic medical treatment and preventative screenings to low-income patients. During the afternoon, we will explore more of the beauty of San José with a walking tour of the city. After returning to the hotel, we will hold our Engaged Education Roundtable Discussion, focusing on the relationship between poverty and healthcare.
- MorningMobile Clinic volunteering
- AfternoonWalking tour of San José
- EveningEngaged Education roundtable: poverty & healthcare
Day 5 · Wednesday
Mobile Clinic #2
Help MEDLIFE bring free healthcare to low-income communities with another day of volunteering on a Mobile Clinic. Upon arrival, we will work together to set up each station. You'll spend the morning shadowing medical professionals as they provide treatment and identify patients in need of follow-up care. After returning to the hotel, we will hold our second Engaged Education Roundtable Discussion about the relationship between education and poverty, and you'll have the chance to relax and enjoy a documentary movie on the important topic of global health.
- MorningMobile Clinic volunteering & station rotations
- AfternoonReturn to the hotel
- EveningEngaged Education roundtable: education & poverty + global-health documentary
Day 6 · Thursday
Community Activity
Engage in meaningful community service projects that make a real difference. This afternoon, you will be part of a wildlife conservation activity.
- MorningCommunity service activity
- AfternoonWildlife conservation activity
Day 7 · Friday
Project Day
On project day you'll work hand-in-hand with locals on a community development project such as a home renovation, well construction, or bathroom complex. Development projects vary depending on community needs. We'll leave the hostel at 9:30 AM to head to the project site — remember to wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty, as you might be mixing cement, painting walls and other manual labor. After the project is completed, take part in an inauguration with the community to celebrate all that you've achieved! We will hold our third Engaged Education Roundtable Discussion about the relationship between poverty and development, and conclude with a short reflection and debrief with the MEDLIFE team. We will also visit the National Theater through a live tour.
- 9:30 AMDepart for the project site
- MorningDevelopment project activities
- AfternoonInauguration celebration with the community
- EveningRoundtable: poverty & development + debrief & reflection + National Theater visit
Day 8 · Saturday
Manuel Antonio Full Day
Manuel Antonio National Park is located on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The rich biodiversity of this area, paired with a wealth of activities, makes this a destination that offers something for everyone. Manuel Antonio is the premier destination of the Central Pacific region, with a rainforest hillside between town and the popular national park.
- MorningDepart for Manuel Antonio National Park
- MiddayBeach & rainforest trails — wildlife spotting
- AfternoonReturn to San José
Day 9 · Sunday
Departure
The adventure has come to an end. Depart San José any time between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM — we wish you safe and happy travels!
- REVIEW THE TRANSFER TIMES BELOWTransfer out
Quick check 1 of 3
Which activity happens on Day 2, before the mobile clinics start?
Mobile clinic
Clinic stations
Stations may vary with community needs and group size. Patients return to Education between specialists, and Pharmacy is always last.
Tr
Triage
The first station patients visit. Here we collect contact information, basic medical history and vitals for the physicians to use during consultations.
What will I be doing?
- After the triage nurse does patient intake, take the patient history form and fill in the vitals section.
- Measure height (Talla/HT), weight (Peso/WT), blood pressure, heart rate (FC/HR) and temperature (TC/Temp). BMI is optional.
- Blood pressure is NOT taken for children (any patient with a niño history form).
- Star the patient's information if diastolic pressure is above 90, or temperature is above 38°C (100°F).
- Guide patients to the waiting area at the Education Station and hand the form to the Education participant.
Recommendations
- Divide and conquer: one person on BP and heart rate, one on temperature, one on height and weight, one escorting patients.
- Spanish speakers can ask the triage nurse whether help with intake is needed.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Blood pressure | Presión arterial |
| Arm | Brazo |
| Bag | Bolso |
| Hat | Sombrero |
| Shoes | Zapatos |
| Jacket | Chompa |
| Scale | Balanza |
| Tape measure | Cinta métrica |
| Thermometer | Termómetro |
| Alcohol | Alcohol |
| Cotton | Algodón |
| Medical record (adult / child / dental / OB) | Ficha médica de adulto / niño / dental / OB |
Ed
Education
A space for health education on oral health, and more. It also serves as the waiting room between stations.
What will I be doing?
- Stamp every history form with the education stamp — a form must be stamped before the patient is seen at a medical station.
- Keep patients and their forms in order of arrival, using the number written at the top of each form.
- Redirect patients returning from a specialty station who still have other consultations.
- Support the education nurse by recording laboratory test results when applicable.
Recommendations
- Patients with high blood pressure or fever from Triage are prioritized to see the doctor immediately.
- Never send a patient to Pharmacy until every consultation circled on their form is complete.
- Families are treated as a single unit — all members finish their consultations before Pharmacy.
- The nurse leads the actual education sessions; your main job is order and patient flow.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Educational brochures | Trípticos |
| Stamp | Sello |
| Urine test | Examen de orina |
| Blood test | Examen de sangre |
Dr
General Medicine
The major station where doctors address individual medical issues and identify patients who need follow-up care.
What will I be doing?
- Listen and observe the patient's needs; MEDLIFE staff circulate to translate diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Spanish speakers may be asked to assist with translation.
- Stay attentive to the education area where patients wait for an available doctor.
- Guide patients back to Education if they have other consultations, or to Pharmacy only when all consultations are complete.
Recommendations
- Wait until the consultation is finished before asking questions.
- Be cordial with every patient and avoid side conversations.
- These are private medical consultations — no photos allowed.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Tongue depressor | Bajalengua |
| Flashlight | Linterna |
| Stethoscope | Estetoscopio |
| Pharmacy receipt | Recetario |
| Medicines | Medicinas |
Ob
OB/GYN
Addresses gynecological issues including breast exams and cervical cancer screenings. Only female students over the age of 18 attending a Classic SLT may shadow this station. This is a service offered (but not shadowed) during High School SLTs.
What will I be doing?
- Help set up the consultation room, create a private space and sanitize the bed and area.
- Direct patients to the chair, protect their privacy and assist with changing into a gown.
- Observe the gynecologist during exams — students are not licensed and will NEVER perform Pap smears.
- When asked, hold the flashlight, hand over speculums, swab sticks and slides.
- Accompany patients to Education or Pharmacy afterwards, and alert Education when the room is free.
Recommendations
- Many women have never seen a gynecologist and may feel nervous or embarrassed — be polite and reassuring.
- Maximum 2 students in the room at a time; rotate if three are assigned.
- Exams can be graphic. Be mindful of your reactions.
- Always knock before entering and keep the door closed at all times.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Pap smear | Papanicolaou |
| Breast exam | Examen de mamas |
| Speculum | Espéculo |
| Spatula | Espátula |
| Specimen / sample | Muestra |
| Fungus | Hongos |
| Swab | Isopo |
Ph
Pharmacy
The final station, where prescriptions are filled. Data collected here helps MEDLIFE track medication and enroll patients in the Patient Follow-Up Program.
What will I be doing?
- Collect medical history forms in the order received and store them where the pharmacy nurse indicates.
- One person records EVERY medication dispensed so stock can be replenished for the next clinic.
- Read the doctor's receipt and fill prescriptions: each medication in its own labelled bag, all bags into one larger bag for the nurse to verify.
- Keep the line orderly so the nurse sees one patient at a time.
- Alert the nurse immediately if a prescribed dose differs from what is available.
- Make sure patients leave with the handwritten prescription and instructions.
Recommendations
- Read the data collection process as soon as you arrive at the station.
- Watch the medication form — some come as both pill and paste.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| One patient at a time | Un paciente a la vez |
| Please give me your prescription and registration form | Por favor, deme su receta médica y su ficha de registro |
| These are your medicines | Estas son tus medicinas |
| Thank you for coming! | ¡Gracias por venir! |
| Vitamins | Vitaminas |
| Prescription | Receta médica |
| Syrup | Jarabe |
| Pill | Pastilla |
| Paste / creme | Pasta / crema |
| Bottle | Botella |
Tb
Toothbrushing
Teaches children aged 3 and up about dental hygiene. Children need no history form, and this is the only station without a medical professional — be proactive.
What will I be doing?
- Set up a table and tent outside, away from the other stations, with toothbrushes, cups, toothpaste and fluoride.
- Keep an empty bucket for children to spit into and find a tap to fill your water bucket — never use the boxed drinking water.
- Register every child (name and age) on the registration sheet; exact spelling doesn't matter.
- Hand each child a toothbrush with paste and a cup, and demonstrate brushing with the giant mouth and toothbrush props.
- Offer fluoride: no food or drink for an hour and no milk for the rest of the day. Never apply fluoride to children under 3.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Toothbrush | Cepillo de dientes |
| Toothpaste | Pasta dental |
| Cup | Vaso |
| Water | Agua |
| Fluoride | Flúor |
| What is your name? | ¿Cómo te llamas? |
| How old are you? | ¿Cuántos años tienes? |
| Take a toothbrush and a cup | Toma un cepillo y un vaso |
| Brush your teeth in a circular form | Cepíllate los dientes en forma circular |
| Rinse your mouth | Enjuágate la boca |
| Don't drink the water | No tomes el agua |
| Spit out here / there | Escupe aquí / ahí |
| Wash your toothbrush | Lava tu cepillo |
| Now we will place fluoride on your teeth | Ahora pondremos flúor en tus dientes |
| Open your mouth wide | Abre la boca bien grande |
| Don't eat or drink anything for an hour | No comas ni tomes nada por una hora |
| Don't drink milk for a day | No tomar leche por un día |
Nu
Nutrition
A station focused on nutrition and healthy lifestyle education. Patients' measurements are taken here and professionals share personalized nutritional recommendations.
What will I be doing?
- Measure and record each patient's weight (Peso) and height (Altura) and note their size (Talla).
- Support the professional as they share nutritional recommendations and healthy lifestyle guidance.
- Listen and be observant of the patient's needs, and ask questions once the consultation is over.
- Guide patients back to the Education Station if they have other consultations.
- Guide patients to the Pharmacy Station ONLY if they have visited all medical consultations circled on their medical history form.
Recommendations
- Divide tasks: one person measures, one records the data, one organizes patients.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Weight | Peso |
| Size | Talla |
| Height | Altura |
| Nutritional recommendations | Recomendaciones nutricionales |
| Healthy eating | Alimentación saludable |
| Healthy lifestyle | Estilo de vida saludable |
Quick check 1 of 3
Where does a patient go first when they arrive at the mobile clinic?
Conduct & health
Rules and recommendations
Face masks
Beyond local laws and regulations, masks must be worn during Mobile Clinics.
Compulsory safety briefing
Upon arrival, all students attend an extensive safety briefing.
Illness during the trip
If you feel unwell or show symptoms of any illness, advise your Trip Leader immediately so you can get medical care.
Wash and sanitize hands
Hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer are available at every Mobile Clinic.
Respectful behavior in communities
- No photos during medical care or inside the clinic — patients are receiving medical attention.
- Do not leave your station. Alert your Trip Leader if you need a break so your spot is covered.
- The Trip Leader announces lunch and station rotations. Lunch is approximately 20 minutes long.
- Report missing utensils or materials from your station to the Trip Leader.
- Do not pet or feed animals — we cannot know if they carry disease or have a poor temperament.
General recommendations
- Do not drink tap water — it can make you sick.
- Be cautious with street food, especially meat; make sure it is boiled or cooked. Avoid street-sold juices, the water is not safe.
- Throw toilet paper in the trashcan provided. Local plumbing cannot handle paper and will clog and flood.
Chaperone Accompaniment Policy
Students participating in a High School SLT are required to remain with their assigned chaperone or Trip Leader at all times throughout the program. This applies to all circumstances, including leaving the hotel or separating from the group during fieldwork, regardless of the reason.
This policy exists to ensure student safety and reflects the expectations agreed upon with parents/guardians prior to departure.
Non-compliance with this policy may result in modified participation in program activities, as determined necessary to protect the safety and wellbeing of the student and the broader group.
Quick check 1 of 3
Before taking a photo of a patient or community member, you should:
Chaperones
Chaperone guide
A quick reference for the adults who travel with our student groups. Tap any card to expand the details. Please refer to your MEDLIFE HQ Rep for a detailed version of the ‘Revised HS Chaperone Summary of Requirements & Participation Agreement 2026-2027.
Joining a Service Learning Trip with MEDLIFE is both an educational and rewarding experience. As a Chaperone, you support both MEDLIFE and the student experience while on the trip. Chaperones act as a familiar face to students as they explore a new country and culture — your presence provides support and reassurance during international travel. For every 6 students, one Chaperone's Service Learning Trip donation goal is free (additional/optional tour activities not included). One Chaperone may be responsible for up to 10 students. All chaperones are determined well in advance of the trip. Please note there is a required application, interview, criminal record background check, and approval by MEDLIFE HQ prior to proceeding with involvement in Chaperone meetings, assigned responsibilities, and discount codes provided. Adult trip participants choosing to travel alongside their children - and not having competed the process above - are welcome to enjoy the trip, but must be noted as “Parent Participants” or “Teacher Participants” and are not referred to as official chaperones of the trip. In this case, the adult participant is required to reach the full donation goal to attend the trip, and a room upgrade is mandatory.
Flight reimbursement: Teacher Chaperones may also be reimbursed for their flight cost up to $1000 USD. Any fees associated with receiving the PayPal reimbursement for flights will be deducted from the amount being reimbursed.
Good to know: We may require Chaperones of a certain gender, depending on the makeup of the SLT (for example, an all-female student trip would require a female chaperone and vice versa). If you are bringing a smaller group of students, MEDLIFE may require your support to add students from other schools to your chaperone-group that may be travelling to destination on their own.
Preparing
Get ready for San José
A short checklist so you arrive confident, covered and connected before the clinic doors open.
Documents, visas & vaccinations
- Passport requirements
- Passport must be valid for at least 7 months after your arrival date (some destinations require this for entry)
- Visa requirements
- If you are not traveling with a U.S. or Canadian passport, you may need a visa to enter certain countries. It is your responsibility to determine whether a visa is required and make the appropriate arrangements before traveling.
- Vaccinations
- MEDLIFE follows CDC recommendations. No specific vaccinations are required, but you should follow all CDC guidance and consult your doctor. View CDC travel recommendations
Be sure to confirm any required visas or fees involved in your flight layover based on airport as well.
Flight information and timeframes
The attendees of the SLT are responsible for buying their own airfare. However, our team can help you in this process by providing a flight quote for your group. You can request a flight quote by emailing info@medlifemovement.org. Once your flight is booked, please make sure to add your arrival and departure information to your booking.
Airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), San José
San José, Costa Rica — recommended timeframes
Arrival: Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (Juan Santamaría International Airport, SJO).
Departure: Sunday anytime between 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
If attendees arrive outside of the set time frames, they will be responsible for covering the cost of transportation to their site. If your flight arrives outside the timeframes listed please email info@medlifemovement.org. Remember that any additional nights and transfers that are added before/after your trip because of early or late arrival are not included in the Service Learning Trip donation goal, and will be at the cost of the student.
We highly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance, which will allow you to cancel for any reason. You can contact info@medlifemovement.org for more information about our insurance options.
Note that this type of insurance must be purchased within a short number of days of your initial registration, and cannot be added in the days leading up to your departure — reach out as soon as possible to access this opportunity.
Accommodation
A MEDLIFE Representative stays at your accommodation for the duration of the trip. Accommodation details are shared with your group in the WhatsApp group before departure.
What's included
- Materials & ResourcesFor the Mobile Clinic & Project.
- Accommodation8-nights dorm room accommodation for 6 to 9 people, exclusively with MEDLIFE participants.
- Meals3 meals a day are provided Monday–Friday, along with breakfast provided on the weekends.
- TransportationTo and from the airport (within the established schedule), and to SLT activities.
- English-speaking Leader
- Safety equipment
- Travel health insuranceThe insurance requires a $250 payment as a deductible for coverage.
What's not included
- Flights
- Tips
- Pre-Post accommodation
- Any excursions not listed on the High School SLT itinerary for your location
- Weekend meals
- Cancellation insurance
- Room upgrades for anyone that is not an official MEDLIFE-Approved Volunteer Chaperone having completed the interview, background check, application process, and onboarding
- Transportation outside provided timeframes
What to pack
The average yearly temperature in Costa Rica is 75–80ºF (24–27ºC) with little to no rain between December and April. Walking boots, mosquito repellent, sunscreen and a bathing suit are highly recommended — you will spend most of the day outdoors in a tropical climate, so bring a good backpack, sun block, hat and sunglasses, plus at least one long-sleeve sweatshirt for chilly evenings. Consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis, use bug spray with DEET and wear long sleeves and pants. The CDC recommends vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Rabies and Yellow Fever before traveling to Costa Rica.
- Clothing
- Layers for cold mornings & warm days — jacket, fleece, breathable shirts, long pants, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. Modest clothing for community visits.
- Clinic wear
- Closed-toe shoes (required for clinic stations), a lanyard for your badge, and clothes you don't mind getting dirty.
- Altitude & health
- Coca tea or altitude-sickness medication if advised by your doctor, reusable water bottle, sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm, and basic personal medications.
- Documents & money
- Passport (7+ months validity), travel insurance info, $250 USD cash for the deductible, a credit card, and copies of key documents.
- Extras
- Power adapter (Peru uses Type A/B), portable charger, headlamp for early clinic days, a towel, and a small backpack.
What to donate
Many families travel hours to reach our clinics. Donations are handed directly to community members and stations — bring what you can, packed in your checked luggage.
- Vitamins and nutritional supplements for children and adults — new, unopened, and within their expiration date.
- Dental supplies: floss, fluoride, and child-sized toothbrushes for the Toothbrushing station.
- Hygiene kits: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and feminine hygiene products.
- Over-the-counter medicines (in original, sealed packaging): pain relievers, antacids, and oral rehydration salts.
- If you’re unsure what to bring or have items you’d like to donate that aren’t listed, please email info@medlifemovement.org and we’ll be happy to help.
Join the WhatsApp group
About 3–4 weeks before your trip, MEDLIFE adds you to a WhatsApp group with your Trip Leader and fellow students. It's where we share daily logistics, meeting points, weather notes, and reminders.
If you have not received a WhatsApp invitation at least 2 weeks before your departure, email info@medlifemovement.org with your name and trip dates so we can add you right away.
info@medlifemovement.orgWatch the summary video
A short message from the MEDLIFE team to wrap up your pre-departure training.
Quick check 1 of 3
You haven't received your trip WhatsApp group invite two weeks before departure. What do you do?
Optional extras
Explore immersion add-ons
Extend your trip before or after your SLT with your friends, chapter, or family, or add a SUNDAY experience on DAY 9, in the event of Sunday night flight departures. These trips are offered through Good Life Expeditions, a MEDLIFE partner travel agency whose profits support MEDLIFE projects in the communities we work alongside.
Pre/Post SLT bundle4 days / 3 nights
Guanacaste Immersion — Wetlands, Waterfalls & Conservation
Explore Guanacaste in four days. Visit Liberia, hike to La Leona Waterfall, tube the Colorado River, and discover Tenorio Volcano, the Celeste River, a sloth farm, and Llanos de Cortés Waterfall.
Starts at $1,279.00 per participant. Available before or after your SLT.
Pre/Post SLT bundle4 days / 3 nights
Pacific Charms: Manuel Antonio, Quepos & the South Pacific
Explore Costa Rica's Pacific coast in four days. Zipline through the rainforest, spot wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park, sail the Pacific by catamaran, and hike to the natural pools of Nauyaca Waterfalls.
Available before or after your SLT.
Interested? Email info@medlifemovement.org or meet with a Good Life Expeditions advisor to add one of these to your trip.
High school students, families:
Book a meetingOUR PROTOCOLS
In case of emergencies
Save these numbers before you fly. If MEDLIFE staff aren't nearby, call or WhatsApp the Costa Rica emergency line.
In destination or in transit
+506 7266 8892 (WhatsApp, call or SMS)
Costa Rica Emergency Phone · WhatsApp, call or SMS
Calling from North America
1-844-633-5433
MEDLIFE HQ Phone
What to do, step by step, if something goes wrong
- Contact your local emergency authorities.
- For non-urgent matters contact your Chapter, MEDLIFE HQ, or info@medlifemovement.org.
- Contact the Costa Rica Emergency Phone.
- Find your Trip Leader or the MEDLIFE Representative at your hotel.
- Speak to reception.
- Contact the Costa Rica Emergency Phone.
- Find your Trip Leader.
- Clinic nurses and doctors are available to attend to you.
- Find your Trip Leader.
- Contact the Costa Rica Emergency Phone.
National emergency numbers
Emergency
911Police
117Fire brigade
118Civil Defense (earthquakes, disasters)
246 9009Red Cross
128 / +506 2221 5818
Clinics & police
Police Station (San José)
WWQ9+49R Paseo La Vaca, San José, Costa Rica
911Hospital Clínica Bíblica (San José)
Laberinto, 10104, San José
2522 1000Trawick International (insurance)
Inside USA: 833-425-5101 · MEDLIFE staff can assist with claims in-destination
+1 603 952 2686
Nearest embassies
Embassy of the United States (Pavas, San José)
Calle 98 Via 104, Pavas, San José, Costa Rica
+506 2519 2000Canadian Embassy (San José)
Torre 5, Sabana Sur, Edificio Oficentro Ejecutivo, San José
+506 2242 4400British Embassy (San José)
Edificio Centro Colón, P. Colón, Mantica, San José
+506 2258 2025
Insurance & cash
Emergency medical and evacuation insurance up to $250,000 USD with a $250 USD deductible once on a trip.
A doctor's visit to your hotel can be arranged if you feel unwell — typically $50–$100 USD, usually less than the $250 deductible. Staff or hotel reception can coordinate.
Bring $250 USD in cash beyond your spending money to cover the deductible, plus a credit card for emergencies if you have one.
Trawick International · 833-425-5101 (inside USA) · 603-952-2686 (outside USA)
Quick check 1 of 3
In an emergency during the trip, who do you contact first?
After your trip
Keep the momentum going
Take your experiences from the field and put them into action at home through MEDLIFE activities all year round.
Moving Mountains
Our fundraising campaign supporting day-to-day work in medicine, education and development. MEDLIFErs run Power Hours inviting contacts to donate — often with wild fundraising challenges.
Grow the Movement
Refer friends at other schools to start a MEDLIFE Chapter, encourage others to travel on a Service Learning Trip, and recruit new members for your Chapter.
Leadership activities
Volunteer locally with your Chapter, run for an E-Board position, or become a MEDLIFE Ambassador or Active Member to unlock discounts on your next trip.
Keep in touch
Follow us on social media and the blog, send photos and stories to media@medlifemovement.org, and tag us when you share what you saw.
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