Frequently Asked Questions

The GLASS Experience

What does GLASS stand for?

The Girls Leadership Academy for Service & Sport



What sports do you offer training programs for?

We provide training programs for female athletes from all sports. Our sports-performance training is applicable to all sports. We focus on athletic aspects such as speed, agility, quickness, and more! While in Costa Rica, we also offer students optional sport-specific training blocks, so students have the opportunity to focus on their sport-specific skills.



Do I need to speak Spanish?

A Spanish language ability is not required for participation in GLASS. However, students interested in learning or practicing Spanish will have the opportunity to do so! During our service-learning sessions, students will engage directly with the local communities. Those with a Spanish language background will be able to refine their communication skills. Those who are new to the language will receive basic vocabulary and phrases, so they can also take part in the language learning opportunity.



Health & Safety

Do I need any vaccines or additional shots to travel to Costa Rica?

The only vaccination requirement for our program is the COVID-19 vaccine. You can learn more about that requirement here: www.beyondsportsglass.com/health-safety No other vaccinations or special shots are required for travel to Costa Rica. Please consult your physician for any specific individual recommendations prior to traveling.



What if I have any allergies or dietary restrictions?

During the enrollment process, students and their families will complete our Student Health Form where they will submit information about food allergies and restrictions. While most allergies can be easily accommodated, in some cases we may request a phone call to discuss allergies or dietary restrictions in greater detail.



What happens if I become sick or injured while in Costa Rica?

Students are covered by GeoBlue International Health Insurance, the world leader in study abroad travel insurance. We are located within 10 minutes of a private hospital in case of illness, accidents, or injuries. Costa Rica’s private hospitals are staffed by world-class physicians, many of whom attended medical school in the United States. For minor health concerns, we may utilize local clinics. We always encourage students to notify a staff member as soon as they are feeling unwell so that we can provide appropriate care and seek a medical professional if necessary.



How many staff members will be present at all times?

We maintain (at least) a 6:1 student-to-staff ratio throughout the program. Our staff is also available 24 hours a day.



Is Costa Rica safe?

Costa Rica is a tourism-friendly country and Beyond Sports has 11 years of experience hosting students in Costa Rica. You will find just how true this is when you experience the incredibly warm and welcoming local people and a culture that emphasizes relationships, family, and hospitality. While Costa Rica is a friendly country, students will participate in an orientation upon arrival to cover topics such as safety while abroad. Students will also be accompanied by GLASS Mentors throughout the program. We maintain a 6:1 student-to-staff ratio.



Application Process

When is the application deadline?

Although there is no set deadline for applications, spots will fill up fast, so we encourage you to fill out the application as soon as possible.



What are the steps of the application and admission process?

Please view our application page for more details: www.beyondsportsglass.com/apply



Do I need to know Spanish in order to be accepted?

Spanish language ability is not required to be eligible for GLASS.



Do I need to be a certain age or in a certain grade to be eligible?

The Girls Leadership Academy for Service & Sport is for high school female athletes. This includes any female athlete who is entering her freshman year of high school through girls who have just graduated and are about to enter their freshman year of college.



Flights

Are flights included in the program total?

Costa Rica Programs -- Flights are not included in the program total. Students are repsonible for arranging their own airfare. Alumni Spain Program -- Roundtrip airfare from JFK to Barcelona, Spain is included in the program total. However, students are responsible for arranging their own travel to JFK on the day of departure.



How does the flight booking process work?

Once enrolled, students and families will be given detailed flight booking information from our GLASS Operations Team. All students are be expected to arrange round trip airfare to and from Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR). Our team will share arrival and departure windows so that every family can arrange airfare as early as possible.