Rivier University Biotechnology - 8 days April 6-13, 2019 *This itinerary is subject to change

Goal: To learn about biotechnology in Costa Rica, exchange ideas on biotechnology and sustainability with students and faculty, engage in service projects and explore the cultural landscape in a meaningful way.

Saturday, April 6th: Arrival Meet ISL staff at the Juan Santamaría airport; settle into Casa de la Espiritualidad La Purísima in . This retreat house is located just five minutes from the Juan Santamaria international airport and a few minutes walking from downtown Alajuela where you will find lots of things to do and see, from museums, churches, stores, ice cream parlors, to a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. The retreat house rooms have two beds each and a private bathroom per room. Hot water, Internet access and beautiful and peaceful gardens are some of the amenities volunteers can find here. Evening: Dinner provided by ISL;Group Reflection; discuss tomorrow’s agenda.

Sunday, April 7th: Orientation Morning: Welcome to Costa Rica Orientation - history, culture, what to expect, itinerary review; basic Spanish class. Afternoon: Discuss and prepare for presentations at the National Institute of Technology Evening: Talk from former INBIO researcher (Manuel Zumbado) about what they did at INBIO and the downfall of this project; Dinner out; Group Reflection; discuss tomorrow’s agenda. Breakfast & lunch provided by ISL; dinner paid by volunteer

Monday, April 8th: National Institute of Technology Morning: travel from Alajuela to province (approx. 2 hours, depending on traffic) Mid-morning/Afternoon: Talk by Prof. David Garcia on “Biotechnology in Costa Rica”. Tour facilities of the National Institute of Technology; enjoy lunch and cultural exploration of the campus area. Meet with the Entrepreneurial Student Club - share presentations and collaborate on sustainability of entrepreneurial projects. Evening: Dinner out; Group Reflection; discuss tomorrow’s agenda. Breakfast & lunch provided by ISL; dinner paid by volunteer

Tuesday, April 10th: Poas Volcano Visit & Doka Coffee Plantation Tour Morning: For the safety of visitors, the Poas Volcano National Park is sometimes closed due to intense volcanic activity. The Poas Volcano is active and has one of the largest craters in the world and it is located in the forests of Central Mountain Range, which boasts magnificent natural landscapes. Afternoon: Tour Doka Plantation, a coffee plantation in the slopes of Poas Volcano. Visiting this coffee plantation will allow you to learn everything about the process related to cultivation, processing and good practices, as well as the natural and cultural environment. https://dokaestate.com/coffee-tour/ Evening: Dinner out; Group Reflection; discuss tomorrow’s agenda. Breakfast & lunch provided by ISL; dinner paid by volunteer

Wednesday, April 10th: Sula Project & Visit to ZooAve Animal Rescue Center Morning: The team will visit SULA, an environmental organization located 30 minutes from your lodging. We will be able to explore the area of work, the river, mountain, walking trails, reforestation area, paths and seedbeds. We will help with some tasks such as moving tires to a place where the outdoor butterfly garden will be built, collecting soil for the plants, making organic fertilizer, and removing weeds from seedlings. Afternoon: Visit to ZooAve, a non-profit registered wildlife rehabilitation center founded in 1989 and located on 34 acres of natural forest in the province of Alajuela, Costa Rica. Their mission is to protect and re-store the country's biodiversity through the rehabilitation of wildlife, the breeding of endangered species, the preservation of habitat, and the provision of lifelong care for non-releasable animals. Evening: Group Reflection; discuss tomorrow’s agenda. Breakfast & lunch provided by ISL; dinner paid by volunteer

Thursday, April 11th: Service Project: Hydroponic garden at a local school Morning/afternoon: Complete service project in a semi-rural primary school in Rincon Chiquito, Guacima, Alajuela. Volunteers, school parents and students will work on this project together. Evening: Latin dance lesson; Dinner out; Group Reflection; discuss tomorrow’s agenda. Breakfast & lunch provided by ISL; dinner paid by volunteer

Friday, April 12th: Recreation day Enjoy a day at Baldi Hot Springs (own expense). Your $46 day pass includes lunch and dinner. Optional Zip-lining at San Luis is $35. https://www.baldihotsprings.cr/ http://www.parquesanluis.com/ Breakfast provided by ISL; lunch & dinner paid by volunteer

Saturday, April 13th: Departure Breakfast provided by ISL

NOTES: Meals on your own will range in price. Expect to spend $12-20 per person.

U.S. contacts: Carol Berry - Volunteer Experience Coordinator: Phone: 612-865-8433 Email: [email protected]

Diane Marquez - Volunteer Experience Director: Phone: 816-392-7817 Email: [email protected]

Costa Rica in-country contact: Sonia Hernández Phone: 011 (506) 8330-5651 Email: [email protected]