FAQs and More

FAQs

  • Applicants are selected on a first-come-first-serve basis if they meet all the requirements. Applications are accepted by the posted deadline or earlier if all the spots get filled.

  • First, check out our eligibility guidelines. If you’re still not sure, ask- that’s what the contact form is for! Or, you can always fill out the application, and we will reach out if we have any questions/concerns.

  • Costa Rica is a safe country; violent crime is very low. The most common type of crime is petty theft.

  • Yes! We encourage any qualified students to apply regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression (including trans and nonbinary people).

  • No. While it would be helpful and give you a leg up in the country, your trip leader will be your translator and will encourage you to practice while in Costa Rica!

  • The only expenses Travel Sparq does not cover are the purchases of any additional snacks or souvenirs, optional vaccinations, and general items listed on the packing list.

  • Other than your traditional vaccines required because of school and the COVID vaccines, Costa Rica does not require US citizens to be vaccinated for anything specific. However, if you still want to know what vaccinations are suggested, click here.

  • If you still meet all of our eligibility requirements, then yes!

  • A detailed packing list will be given to all applicants to ensure they are prepared for all the trip activities! Click here to learn more.

  • Travel Sparq will handle this on a case-by-case basis and assist if possible!

  • For the first week, communication will be minimal. An email will go out to all emergency contacts when we have landed and once we have made it to that Pacuare project. If they need to contact us in an emergency, they can contact any of the chaperones phones that will be able to receive international calls.

    The trip lead will also have a phone where students can make a daily call to family while at the conservation. Otherwise, most communication will have to wait until the second week of the trip when the internet and Wi-Fi are more accessible.

  • Yes, we will all meet at a pre-determined location, and a volunteer with Travel Sparq will drive us to the airport and pick us up when we return.

  • Yes! We are a registered 501(c)3 organization. At the end of every calendar year, you will receive an email/letter with your total contributions for the year that you may use for tax purposes.

    Our EIN is 88-2216079

    1. Why not?!

    2. Sea turtles are an endangered species that have been on this earth since the dinosaurs. Unfortunately, they struggle on a planet they once thrived on due to climate change and human interference. This project allows students to impact this species while getting hands-on experience directly. Let’s do our part to make this earth better for the turtles, which makes it a little better for us, too!

  • Nope! This isn’t a mission trip. No matter the religion you practice (or even if you don’t), you’re welcome as long as you uphold Travel Sparq’s values!

The Crew

As we continue our outreach in the Central Iowa community, we want to clarify the roles available to join us at Travel Sparq! Each position is crucial to the success of our program and ensures we provide unique, impactful learning experiences through travel for our students.

Board Member- board members are the scaffolding of the entire organization. They bring a variety of perspectives and viewpoints to the table, each one valuable in ensuring that we are following our mission. Their unique skills are also put to use in providing support with events, assistance with fundraising, and making high-level decisions.

Chaperone- Chaperones are entrusted with the direct care of our students, and we take this responsibility very seriously. The selection process involves thorough background checks, multiple reference calls, and interviews to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. Chaperones also make specific time commitments to help prepare for and guide our students' travel journey in Costa Rica.

Volunteer- we want to be clear: being a volunteer does not include travel opportunities (unless you're a chaperone also wearing the 'hat' of a volunteer). While it's much less glamorous than watching students experience the pura vida magic of Costa Rica, volunteers are VITAL. There are volunteer positions for almost every sector, from fundraising to social media and everywhere in between! Because our volunteers don't have the allure of travel on their horizons with Travel Sparq, we know they believe in the mission and want to provide these opportunities for our students. Not to put too fine of a point on it, but they're kind of the best.

If you have more questions or are interested in joining the team, email us at info@travelsparq.org or apply to be a chaperone below!

For interested potential chaperones: This isn’t a paid position and the time is voluntary. You will be asked to pay for some of the costs for your portion of the trip. Costs include Pre/Post-Trip class meals, meals/snacks while in the airport, your passport, your luggage, your souvenirs while in Costa Rica, and any fees/fines you may acquire while abroad (this isn’t likely). You will be asked to help in the selection process/interviewing of student applicants. You are required to attend all scheduled pre/post-trip classes. You will also be asked to assist in fundraising for the trip. This includes fundraising events, developing possible fundraising ideas, and chaperoning students who will be assisting with their fundraising portion. You will be required to attend training before the trip. Your application will not be considered if you cannot meet these requirements.

Key things to consider:

1. We want chaperones who best fit the program to benefit the students.

2. This trip is a transformative experience that will challenge you mentally and physically. With this in mind, we expect you to prioritize the students, always.

3. We aim to select our chaperone for the 2026 trip by June 2025, who will help choose the participating students.

4. We encourage applications for future trips even if our current chaperone is selected. If you believe in the power of travel, apply today!

Chaperone Application

  • Hi, my name is Evan, and I'm super excited to join the crew as a chaperone!  I am a huge fan of the outdoors, whether it's rock climbing, backpacking, camping, or collecting leaves from trees.  I earned my bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and worked as the Head Supervisor of Trips for ISU's Adventure Program until I graduated this past May.  I'm now working as an EMT and am very excited to continue traveling with this organization!

  • Please meet Cassie: dog owner, raccoon enthusiast, and gym fiend! But her love of travel is what brought her to Travel Sparq! She experienced firsthand how much a person can change when pushed out of their comfort zone and is instrumental in helping us find new opportunities for outreach and funding! As a board member, she is the muscle we need to get this metaphorical plane off the ground!

  • Animal lover and annihilator of sushi and crab rangoon, Sarah is the wind in the sails of Travel Sparq. As a board member, she focuses on keeping things running and ensuring that each decision we make propels our mission to greater heights. If you have yet to meet a Jack-of-all-Trades and master of all, well, meet Sarah!

  • Meet Heidi! She is a woman of many skills, including EMT training, substitute teaching, and soaking up nature's beauty at every opportunity. Internationally known as The Most Resourceful Person to Ever Exist, her dependability and curiosity are just a few traits we are excited to have modeled for our participants. And that's what we look for in our chaperones!

  • Founder and trip lead, Jen loves traveling, animals, trail running, and being gobsmacked by the world’s natural beauty. To call her an “optimist” would be an understatement of the century, but she is hyper-focused on giving students the safest and most authentic experience possible while in Costa Rica.

  • As one of the program co-creators, Tyler is a licensed social worker who spends his free time watching movies, dominating board games, and being the best dog dad in the biz! His experience helps drive many of the vital decisions we make for the trip, ensuring all students feel safe and supported. He is the actual backbone of this organization, and we are so grateful for his generosity and skills.

Hatchling Magic

Contact us.

Curious? Just gotta know more? Awesome, we love an inquisitive mind! Reach out with your question(s), and someone will get back to you soon! It may take a few days to answer, but the response will be faster than a mail-carrying pigeon, guaranteed.