TRU prides itself in delivering some of the most exciting, fun-filled tours and experiences in the world - all within the safety of meticulously organised itineraries, with staff who love what they do.
South America offers one of the most varied cultural and geographical environments, from the lush dense rainforests in Peru, and Costa Rica's vibrant, passionate people, to one of the dryest places on earth in Chile. Between them all, they provide students with an incredible choice of historical, geographical and cultural learning opportunities.
There's so much to explore in South America - here are some of the highlights you can expect from our TRU Experience Travel:
COSTA RICA
With heavy Spanish and Limón influences, Costa Rica offers a rich, vibrant environment for students to experience. During our projects, students can learn about the culture, ancient traditions and varied landscapes of this country as they trek and hike mountains, spy huge crater lakes, and spot a diversity of wildlife along the way. Of course, let's not forget the beautiful beaches on offer here, with opportunities to swim, surf and snorkel - or simply make sandcastles as they enjoy the Costa Rican sunshine!
PERU
Peru offers a wealth of fascinating villages, ruins and artefacts for those with an interest in Incan and pre-Incan civilisations. Visit the ruins of Kuntur Wasi – or head to Cajabamba for unspoiled archaeological sites. Further, the Plaza de Armas is a must-see, with its glamorous colonial buildings. However, most exciting of all for many students, is a trek through the Amazon Rainforest, where long-held fascination with jungles can be brought to life!
CHILE
Ski in the Andes, surf big waves in the Pacific Ocean or trek to one of the world’s largest volcanoes - it's all here in Chile! Intrepid explorers and nature-lovers alike will be thrilled to be on the look-out for guanacos, alpacas, armadillos, and skunks as they traverse Chile's varied landscape and winding rivers.
Find out more about each of our projects on our website, as well as in-depth information on the country, your students' accommodation, food and travel arrangements.
...and if you'd like to create your own custom adventure, get in touch! We can design a travel package around your requirements.
Teacher Checklist
Risk Assessments Free Places for Teachers ABTA Licence ATOL Licence Duke of Edinburgh Award Tailor your trip
Example Itineraries
Example Itinerary - Marine Conservation Volunteer: Costa Rica
Your schedule will be flexible, but your day will generally involve 4-6 hours a day of volunteering, with your day beginning at 9:00am until approx 4.00pm. Also, you will have lunch with your local co-workers and meals will be provided as part of the programme. This gives you plenty of time to immerse yourself in the project and of course, to get to know your local co-workers.
MANDATORY INDUCTION DAY
On the Monday of your first week as a Marine Park and Animal Rescue Volunteer, here in Costa Rica, you will join our orientation day to get accustomed to your local surroundings as well as local culture. Your programme will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.
Orientation Day Schedule
- Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
- Costa Rican Do’s and Don’ts, Costa Rican Culture Lessons and Spanish Language Lessons.
- Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary
**Lunch**
Introduction to the Project, Project site and start participating on the project (if possible).
Weekly Schedule
Monday to Friday
**Breakfast**
Marine Park and Animal Rescue Volunteering (2-3 hrs)
**Lunch**
Marine Park and Animal Rescue Volunteering (2-3 hrs)
**Dinner**
Evenings and Weekends
After a day of working on your Marine Park and Animal Rescue Volunteer project, Costa Rica will be calling! Evenings and weekends are free to do as you wish, and there’s plenty to see locally after your day of volunteering. Many of our volunteers plan group outings together at the weekends, or simply hang back at the accommodation and get to know each other in the evenings.
Places to Visit
Esparza and Puntarenas have plenty of activities to offer for weekend activities. These include horse riding, watersports, game fishing, and jungle canopy tours to name a few. Puntarenas is also ideally suited to take a scenic ferry to the Nicoya Peninsula and its many secluded beaches. Further, Esparza is on the Panamerican Highway, so access to the rest of Costa Rica and the rest of the American continent is at your doorstep!
Which Curriculum Subjects do we cater for?
Languages
At every one of our projects, students will take part in an induction which provides some language sessions to help them to communicate with locals and enrich their experience. Further, for those who have chosen a volunteering project (as opposed to an expedition) they will be working with local people and helping out in the community, picking up the language naturally, as they go.
Cultural
Expedition
What size groups do we cater for?
We cater for group sizes from 10 - 50, including teaching/supervision staff. For larger groups, please get in touch to discuss other options.
Access for visitors with disabilities?
Unfortunately, many of the countries we offer projects in, do not yet have adequate accessible facilities.
Visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
Currently, we are unable to provide additional support for children with special educational needs.
Anything else?
TRU can also customise your experience to suit your students' interests or learning needs. Whether they're learning about volcanoes, ancient civilisations or environmental sustainability - we can design a thrilling adventure that will be as educational as it will, exciting!
Choose from a wide range of countries with TRU - including:
Cambodia | Cape Verde | Chile | Costa Rica | Fiji | Ghana | India | Indonesia | Kenya| Madagascar | Malawi | Mauritius | Mexico | Namibia | Nepal | Peru | Philippines | Rwanda | South Africa | Sri Lanka | Tanzania | Thailand | Uganda | Vietnam | Zambia | Zimbabwe
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Who are TRU Experience Travel?
At TRU, we believe that travel is a critical part of opening the minds of young people and developing their confidence and curiosity. Our volunteer projects, expeditions and road trips provide students with a wealth of exciting and educational experiences in a safe and supervised environment, helping them to grow and develop in other important ways, too:
- Building self-confidence and skillsets whilst giving back to the local community
- Opening their young minds to new cultures, philosophies and embracing 'difference'
- Learning to be more independent, making choices and ... new friends!
- Gaining a greater understanding of global inequality, and the impact of poverty
Thousands of students have made life-long memories with TRU - why not join them, on the journey of a lifetime!
Teacher Checklist
Risk Assessments Free Places for Teachers ABTA Licence ATOL Licence Duke of Edinburgh Award Tailor your trip
We work with all the top School Travel Tour Operators, offering a huge range of inspirational trips, tours and expeditions, whether you are looking for a short hop over the channel to France, or a multi-week trek on the other side of the globe, use our tailor-made trip form and we can help you find the perfect overseas trip for your group.