Winter Break 2024 Participant
I enjoyed being able to connect with the students who attend the University of Costa Rica. I think that it was rewarding getting to share part of our culture with them and vice versa. I don't often find that I am able to connect with students from international backgrounds and enjoyed being able to learn about what their lives are like in Costa Rica.
Winter Break 2025 Participant
Something I learned that would be helpful to future students would be to experience everything with an open mind and gratitude for the experience as it is and not what you hoped it would be.
Winter Break 2023 Participant
My favorite part of this program was spending the first three days in Monteverde, better known as the "Cloud Forest." It was remarkable from the minute we stepped off the bus to the time we had to depart. Being up in the mountains of Costa Rica was a dream. The people we met, the activities we took part in, and the food (emphasis on the food) exceeded my expectations. Our group took part in many excursions, including visiting a coffee plantation that has been around for generations. We had the opportunity to meet the women who started it all, cook one of her favorite meals alongside her son and other various kind workers, and take a tour around the land while even being put to work ourselves! It was an amazing feeling to fully immerse yourself into a culture you know little to nothing about only to come out of the experience with new friends, memories, and your newly discovered talents. While still in Monteverde, we got to zip-line, hike across hanging bridges, and even participate in a night walk where we sought out some interesting creatures. Overall, this was my favorite part of the program because I truly felt as if I was getting the absolute most out of the trip.