Our Service Expeditions

At CASE we believe that as many students as possible should benefit from international service and we take pride in providing quality international service opportunities at an economical price.  The fee for a 9 Day Central American Service Expedition starts at $1695.

The fee includes all food, lodging, transportation, materials, equipment, professional bilingual guides 24/7, programmed activities, and a donation to the communities we visit.  Since we also believe in supporting social and economic development in Central America 10% of the total fee we charge is donated to the communities with which our students work and live.

The fee does not include international airfare, personal health insurance, airport taxes, or personal expenses.  For every six students CASE pays the service expedition fee and $650 airfare for an accompanying chaperone.

Below is a brief description of our service expedition destinations.  The range of work and activities is very broad so contact us if you would like a detailed itinerary matched to your interests.  We specialize in designing custom service expeditions to match your needs at no extra charge.  All of the participants of a CASE service expedition plant 5 native species trees to help offset the carbon emitted by plane travel to Central America and during the trip.

Cuba!

Explore Cuba with Central American Service Expeditions! Our exclusive service and intercultural trips to Cuba fully satisfy the General License requirements for People-to-People group travel to Cuba as stipulated by the US Treasury Department so you can travel to Cuba with confidence!


We meet with Cuban academics and artists to learn about the Cuban economy, environmental conservation, the arts, and music.  Highlights include snorkeling to examine reef health, painting and theater workshops, travel in classic American cars, salsa dance classes, and more!


Come see Cuba and learn about a fascinating country that somehow combines a centrally planned socialist economy with tropical salsa rhythms! There's no place quite like it in the world.

"I don't want to leave. I got to see a country that is normally presented in a negative light and I love Cuba now. It showed how people can still be so great."

Jane Doe - Another Company, LLC

Alternative Energy!

This trip allows you to see first hand how different types of sustainable energy are produced in Central America. The trip is perfect for teachers who want to expand their STEM/STEAM courses or provide students the chance to learn about alternatives to fossil fuels.  This innovative service expedition to the foothills of Costa Rica's grand Miravalles Volcano includes discussions with experts about geothermal, wind, solar and hydroelectric energy production, meaningful service opportunities, intercultural exchange with the local community, and recreational visits to hot springs, the beach, and canopy tour!  Please contact us for a detailed itinerary and to see how the trip can be adjusted to complement topics teachers are exploring in class.

Costa Rica!

In Costa Rica you can experience the grandeur of the tropical rainforest, help conserve endangered sea turtles, swim in pristine beaches, glide on a zipline through the forest canopy, see a big Central American city up close, or visit the crater of an active volcano with a professional volcanologist. 


CASE runs trips to a community in the indigenous Bribri territiories, to a rural farming community in the mountains above the Pacific Ocean, and to turtle conservation beach camps on the Atlantic.  You have the choice of staying with local families or rustic lodges run by the community.

Panama!

In Panama CASE works with the Naso people in the mountains above the Bocas Islands. CASE groups live and work in the community where we learn about Naso history, culture, and language.

Due to the remote location only family stays are available.  Staying with a local family deepens the cultural immersion and Spanish language practice. 

During the Panama service expedition you will have the opportunity to spend time on a beautiful Caribbean beach, visit an active volcano, and enjoy a zipline tour through the forest canopy or whitewater rafting down a river through the rainforest. 

Nicaragua!

In Nicaragua CASE works with two communities.  One is located in the beautiful colonial city of Granada where students learn about the Spanish colonization of the Americas.  The architecture and ancient churches in Granada provide a truly spectacular backdrop to the housing development work CASE groups do in the city.

During the Granada service expedition you will have the opportunity to visit two massive active volcanoes and kayak among the islands of Lake Nicaragua.

The other community CASE works with in Nicaragua is located in the tiny village of El Castillo on the majestic San Juan River.  The town was first established in 1673 to stop English pirates from marauding the San Juan River.  On top of the tallest hill overlooking the river stands El Castillo (fortress in Spanish), which was completed in 1675.

During the El Castillo service expedition you will have the opportunity to explore the ancient town and kayak on the waters of the San Juan River and tributaries.  CASE groups have the option of staying with families or at a local lodge.