Twelve exceptional students who had earned gold medals on the National Spanish Exam arrived in Costa Rica on July 10 to start an unforgettable 7-day cultural immersion experience. These remarkable young language scholars fully immersed themselves in the Spanish-speaking country, practicing their skills and exploring a vibrant new culture.
The students’ journey was filled with exciting new experiences and opportunities for cross-cultural cooperation. After returning home, their reactions and reflections on this life-changing trip were heartwarming!
Throughout their time in Costa Rica, these top Spanish language students had the chance to truly bring their skills to life, all while creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Arriving in Costa Rica
The students’ adventure began on their first day in Costa Rica, as they traveled to the stunning community of Barva. There, they stayed in secluded cabins nestled in the beautiful natural surroundings, and they even spotted a sloth in the trees 🦥 – just the start of their incredible journey.
The highlight of the day came when the students participated in a dance class, where they learned the rhythms and moves of Salsa, Merengue, and Soca. This immersive cultural experience allowed them to truly engage with the vibrant Costa Rican way of life.
Later in the week, the students had the opportunity to meet a Folklore Dance Group from Costa Rica called “Aroma de Cafe”. The group taught the students different types of dances and customs.
The Adventure Begins
What a fantastic start to the students’ Costa Rican adventure! On their second day, they dove headfirst into an exciting exploration of the country’s culture, customs, and social norms. This invaluable session helped prepare them to make the most of their immersive experience.
The highlight of the day, however, was the warm welcome the students received from their host families. Over a delicious shared dinner, the students bonded with their new Costa Rican companions, truly immersing themselves in the local way of life. And the learning opportunities just kept coming!
Volunteering in Costa Rica
The NSE students were welcomed to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve with open arms, eager to contribute their time and energy to this stunning natural oasis. From the moment they arrived, the reserve staff provided them with invaluable insight into the incredible biodiversity that flourishes within this unique ecosystem.
During this initial orientation, they learned about the important conservation efforts underway, including a project to construct an accessible ramp along one of the trails. This would open up the reserve to visitors of all ages and mobility levels, helping to make the wonders of this cloud forest more inclusive. Galvanized by this meaningful mission, they could hardly wait to roll up our sleeves and get to work.
The next day, they began their journey on the task of moving over 550 feet of gravel to bolster the trail. Under the hot Costa Rican sun, this dedicated team toiled tirelessly, united in their goal of completing this crucial improvement for the reserve. It was extremely rewarding to see their collaborative efforts bear fruit, knowing that they had a direct impact on improving the visitor experience.
After receiving guidance from the staff, they fanned out along the trails, each of them framing the lush foliage, towering trees, and glimpses of wildlife through their camera lenses. It was a privilege to contribute visual content that could be used to promote this natural wonder to the world.
Throughout their time volunteering at Santa Elena, they were constantly inspired by the reserve’s dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The reserve staff’s dedication and expertise left a lasting impression on them. As they bid farewell to this enchanting corner of Costa Rica, they left with a renewed appreciation for the vital role of protected areas and the power of community-driven conservation efforts.
Great Adventures
The next morning, the group received a guided tour of the Santa Elena Reserve from Walter Bello, a renowned local biologist and expert. Armed with this valuable background knowledge, the students then ventured out to explore the breathtaking cloud forest themselves.
Hiking the challenging Youth Challenge trail, the group reached a lookout point with panoramic views of the lush green canopy and the majestic Arenal Volcano in the distance. Along the way, they learned fascinating facts about the diverse flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem. It was an incredible chance to appreciate the beauty and wonder of Costa Rica’s natural splendor.
With each new experience, these remarkable students continued to push the boundaries of their language skills and cultural understanding.
Of course, no trip to Costa Rica would be complete without some time for shopping, dining, and cultural exploration. Throughout their stay, the students made sure to carve out opportunities to immerse themselves in the local way of life.
They wandered the bustling downtown areas, browsing the vibrant markets and shops for the perfect souvenirs to bring home.
“You all were awesome, and we can’t thank you enough for all your hard work, care and support you showered on our children, the diligent reports, constant updates, your dedication and commitment towards this trip, no matter what you are going through!! I really appreciate all you have done for Anagha. She has nothing but praises for you all. She can’t stop talking about the group and she says she’s missing all of you, that you all became a family! ❤”
–A heartwarming note from one of the student’s parents
As the students’ incredible Costa Rican adventure drew to a close, the overwhelmingly positive feedback was a true testament to the life-changing nature of this experience.
It has been a great honor for us to play a role in shaping these transformative experiences for such an exceptional group of young scholars. Their intellectual curiosity, cultural openness, and spirit of adventure have been an inspiration. We have no doubt that these students will continue to achieve great things, and we eagerly await seeing the positive impact they will make on the world.
You can have their experience too! Enroll in our Volunteer Abroad program in Costa Rica and create your own adventure!
“Returning to Costa Rica for the second time has been a heartwarming experience. I am always welcomed by the incredibly hospitable people, delicious food, and the breathtaking environment. It’s truly a place that feels like home.”
–Sofia Hernandez, International Programs Coordinator at United Planet
ABOUT UNITED PLANET
United Planet is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. Established in 2001, United Planet offers volunteer abroad, virtual internships, internships abroad, gap year volunteering, and global virtual exchange in more than 40 countries.
