From July 10–17, I had the privilege of joining twelve outstanding high school students from across the United States on a remarkable journey to Costa Rica for the Junior Travel Abroad Scholarship Program, made possible through the collaboration of the AATSP National Spanish Exam and United Planet.
These talented 17-year-olds, selected through a highly competitive process, brought with them a deep curiosity, advanced Spanish language skills, and an eagerness to learn—not just in a classroom, but in the vibrant heart of another culture. Over the course of one week, they fully immersed themselves in Costa Rican life, staying with warm and welcoming host families in the mountain town of Santa Elena, engaging in hands-on environmental service, and embracing every opportunity to connect with the people, traditions, and landscapes around them.
Arriving in Costa Rica: The First Steps
We began our adventure in Barva Heredia, where we spent our first night in an orientation camp. After a long day of travel, the group gathered over our first shared dinner, still buzzing with anticipation. The next morning, orientation sessions prepared students for what lay ahead—both in terms of cultural understanding and the mindset of service and exchange.
By afternoon, we were winding our way up the lush mountain roads to Monteverde, a region famous for its misty cloud forests and rich biodiversity. At sunset, our host families welcomed us with open arms, and together we experienced a beautiful performance of traditional Central American dances performed by a local youth dance troupe. We then parted ways as the students stepped confidently into the homes of their host families, ready to fully immerse themselves in the local culture and communicate entirely in Spanish.
Serving in the Cloud Forest
The students enthusiastically rolled up their sleeves to help restore eco-friendly trails that protect the delicate forest floor from erosion. We learned how each trail design balances conservation with accessibility, allowing visitors to experience the forest without harming the ecosystem.
One afternoon, we installed hidden wildlife cameras deep in the forest—tools that will help monitor nocturnal animal activity and better understand the area’s biodiversity. The sense of purpose was palpable. One of the students reflected:
“Contributing to the conservation of such a unique environment made me feel I was part of something much bigger than myself.” —- Tad, student participant
Culture, Connection, and Community
This trip was about language, culture, service, and connection. Evenings were spent sharing meals and stories with host families, learning invigorating salsa and merengue moves, or simply sitting together, laughing over language mix-ups and cultural discoveries.
In downtown Santa Elena, the students explored local shops, practiced conversational Spanish with shopkeepers, and tried Costa Rican treats like fresh tropical fruits—papaya, plantains, and maracuyá. Our host families prepared traditional dishes such as Gallo Pinto, Casado, Patacones con Pico de Gallo, and sweet Arroz con Leche, each meal a lesson in flavor and hospitality.
One night, we gathered for a community socio-cultural activity—an evening filled with music, dance, and shared joy that reminded me of how universal human connection truly is.
Adventures in Nature
Our journey also brought us face-to-face with some of Costa Rica’s most breathtaking natural wonders. We hiked through the cloud forest, where mist clung to every leaf and the air was filled with birdsong. In La Fortuna, we marveled at the power and beauty of the Arenal Volcano, then spent a blissful evening soaking in natural hot springs. The next day, the thundering La Fortuna Waterfall left us speechless, its cool spray a welcome relief from the tropical heat.
Transformation Through Experience
Throughout the week, I watched the students grow—not only in language skills, but in empathy, cultural understanding, and confidence. They navigated busy streets, market stalls, and dinner tables in Spanish. They formed bonds with people whose daily lives are vastly different from their own, yet whose kindness made them feel at home. They learned that service is not about “helping” in a one-directional way, but about partnership, respect, and mutual learning and growth.
Experiences like this do more than create memories—they shape futures. Many of these students will carry this journey into their college essays, scholarship applications, and even their career paths, whether in education, environmental conservation, global engagement, or public service.
Gratitude
To the host families who opened their homes and hearts, and to the students who embraced every challenge and opportunity with courage and grace—muchas gracias de corazón.
More than travel abroad, this was a journey of becoming—of stepping into the role of global citizens who lead with curiosity, empathy, and purpose.
— Jill Tracy, CEO, United Planet
