GAP YEAR/6-month+ Service Learning Opportunities in Costa Rica with United Planet

Costa Rica is known for its amazing natural beauty, biodiversity, eco-tourism, and warm, relaxed culture. As a volunteer in this Central American republic, you'll immerse yourself in a nation of undisturbed rainforests, peaceful atmosphere (the Costa Rican army was abolished in 1948) and "Pura Vida" lifestyle. Costa Ricans are friendly, relaxed, and willing to lend a hand, or even a home, in times of need. Slow down and appreciate a different pace of life - you'll feel at home in this family-oriented culture.

United Planet is the US and Canadian member of the International Cultural Youth Exchange, or ICYE. As a volunteer in Costa Rica, you will be hosted by ACI, ICYE's Costa Rican partner organization. As an international non-profit, ACI has promoted cross-cultural exchange between young people all over the world since 1967.

To foster cross-cultural understanding and address shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders.

"In today's world, global challenges transcend borders. To address these challenges-poverty, global health, climate change, involuntary migrations-we need to work together as a global community. We are constructing the upper stories of a building in efforts to effect change without focusing on the foundation…the foundation necessary to solve these global challenges is in building stronger relationships and greater understanding across cultures."-David Santulli, Founder and President, United Planet

United Planet was founded by David Santulli who lives and works within a high-impact concept he created--that of Relational Diplomacy, a practical approach to achieve what is acknowledged as the great mission of the 21st century: to create a genuine global community. At the turn of this century, Dave recognized that generations are now born into instant and constant cross-communication, yet the intractable issues of our day--poverty, global health, climate change, political and social unrest resulting in involuntary migration--continue to persist, even in the context of significant global efforts to make positive change. This work is immensely relevant today with the increase in nationalist sentiment threatening to decrease global exchange and understanding. In 2001, Dave founded United Planet, an international nonprofit based in Boston, Massachusetts, whose mission is to enhance crosscultural understanding while addressing shared challenges so as to create a community beyond borders. The organization is preparing a generation of globally minded leaders through bringing gap year, international service learning, and leadership development programs to students and adults around the world. In partnership with secondary schools, universities and corporations, United Planet is unlocking the potential of every person as a global citizen and catalyst to create a more peaceful, cohesive, and sustainable world. In establishing United Planet, Dave seeks to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. United leaders and volunteers have dedicated over 1,000,000 hours to education, health, and environmental sustainability, while immersing themselves in diverse cultures, building their global leadership competencies, and forging closer intercultural relations.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnitedPlanet
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedPlanet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unitedplanet
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzPnXp4-U6B_PV44nA1rxHQ

CNN (2007)

CNN selected United Planet as one of only ten nonprofit organizations in the world for their "Be the Change" initiative

United Planet blog, "Meet United Planet's Founder", (March 2016)

Huffingtonpost.com,Inc.

"Live with Purpose," David Santulli, 2013
"In Remembrance of Memorial Day,"David Santulli, 2013
"From Boston with love,"David Santulli, 2013
"New Year's Resolutions: Don't Forget the Missing Ones," David Santulli, 2012
"Want a Job, Volunteer Abroad," David Santulli, 2012
"Happy Birthday, Chocolate," David Santulli, 2012

Press Releases

• New ED for United Planet, November 7, 2016
• Are you seeking to build your competency as a global leader? Are you driven to help young entrepreneurs to build their dreams into realities?, September 2016
• Why Volunteer Abroad?, December 1, 2016
• The Mutual Benefit of International Volunteering, October 24, 2016