Costa Rica: Biodiversity, Ecology & Sustainability

I believe that the experience is always full of surprises, all you have to be is open-minded and everything will go smoothly. I enjoyed the friendships that I have created along the trip, I thought it was special that everyone was themselves and didn't create a certain persona to feel more liked or appreciated. It's also important to know that individuals shouldn't force themselves upon others if it seems that the relationship between another individual isnt working cooperatively it's okay to not force yourself fon anyone else. Also, the culture was of great beauty, the people, the animals, the plants, the biodiversity, and the lifestyles were so interesting to observe, and being accepted so openly allowed the participant to feel even more comfortable.

This program was very well planned, and we got to explore different parts of Costa Rica. We went off-the-grid on an island for several days where we hiked and ate amazing food. We then went ziplining, and the forest was beautiful. For the next two weeks, we stayed with a host family where we worked on a community service project during the day and spent time with them afterward. It was a helpful and immersive experience because we got to experience the lives of those who lived in a different country and culture than us. We had planned community activities where we all got together. During the last week, we went to a turtle breeding ground and stayed at a nice hotel. We had some downtime to just hang out with our friends and explore. There was always an opportunity to go to the beach and swim.

Simply traveling to Costa Rica meant that I was going to be having a great time. The Experiment, however, didn't settle for great. The program was carefully planned as month long journey of learning, both by exploring the world, and by exploring yourself. The group didn't just go and see the sights of Costa Rica, we got immersed in the culture of the country and were offered real insight onto why things function the way that they do. We saw the ripples that globalization causes in big cities and in rural pueblos. We were questioned by group leaders in a way that made us analyze similarities, differences, and important distinctions between everywhere we went. We had to think about how our values corresponded or clashed with the values we witnessed in the host country. I came onto the program expecting to learn an immense amount about Costa Rica and about the Spanish language, and left the program happy I had gained so much more. For two weeks on program, there was a homestay portion with a Costa Rican family. While the concept of living with another family feels intimidating initially, I found the homestay to be the most rewarding part of the journey. My family taught me so much more than anything I could have learned without genuine immersion. They brought me happiness and struggles and understanding and I'm glad that I chose to be a part of the Experiment's 2018 Costa Rica trip. I wouldn't have been able to meet them without it. This review is my way of thanking the Experiment for not settling for great. The group was incredible. The leaders were incredible. The nature was incredible. Most of all, my host family was incredible.

I am so grateful to have experienced something as incredible as 'The Experiment in International Living". During this month abroad, I was able to step out of my comfort zone, meet new people, experience and discover things I'd never thought of! I was able to become immersed in the Costa Rican culture and felt like I was apart of their community as well. In Costa Rica I made very strong connections and bonds with several people, not only in my group, but those who call Costa Rica their home. For example, I truly feel like my homestay family is my real family. They took care of me like I was one of their own and I could not be more thankful and grateful. We also learned a lot about ecology, sustainability and the way Costa Rica operates. I was also able to give back and help the community, which is something that I really believe in. This has definitely opened my eyes in several ways and allowed me to expand my knowledge about the world, globally. I would recommend this program to every high school student planning to go abroad! The program is very well put together and creates the program in a way that is meaningful to all. If you do plan on going abroad, make sure to help local companies out, instead of big chains! Don't be afraid to really get to know the culture!

Traveling to Costa Rica through the Experiment was by far the best choice that I can recall ever making. Between the numerous friendships and relationships that I built with my group members, leaders, host family, and all of the amazing things that we did over the four weeks abroad, I'd 100% recommend embarking on a trip through this program. Even if you don't go to Costa Rica, there is an incredibly diverse amount of places that you can travel to through the Experiment.

My trip to Costa Rica was unforgettable. During the four week program, I have tried many things in Costa Rica. Some highlights would include zip lining and kayaking for the first time. These two highlights but there were many more. Living with my host family for two weeks was an amazing experience because I felt like I had a second family. They were so caring that it made me feel like I was at home. I've learned a lot about the Costa Rican culture through my family and through our trips around the coast. Overall, I would recommend this trip to anyone that is looking to expand their comfort zone and knowledge about Costa Rica.

The title says it all. It truly was one of the best summers ever. I was able to experience a whole new culture and made some really great friends too. My leaders were compassionate and caring and they went out of there way to do what was best for us. From getting bug bites to playing soccer with locals to hiking and nearly touching wildlife, Costa Rica is a place you'll never forget, especially if you go with the Experiment Study Abroad program. Everyday is fun and enlightening and sometimes there's surprises too. I don't know anybody who didn't like the trip because everything, every place, and everyone were so welcoming and not afraid to make mistakes. Through these type of programs and groups, you are able to really get out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself into the culture. Having had to use my broken Spanish skills was hard but it taught me to dig deep down to find in me and try. That's what the whole trip is about: trying and experiencing new things. Take it from me, a girl who ate termites straight from the nest and even went back for seconds. It was weird but now I can say I did it in Costa Rica. You want to have those moments where no one else has ever done it before and going to Costa Rica with EIL program will allow you to make memories of you own. Every second is a second I'd like to relive. No matter the time or day, no matter how tired I was, I found it in me to explore something I'd only have that one chance to do it. My group may have had ups and downs but we became one of the closest people ever; we became part of a new family.

As a student who has never ventured outside of the United States, I can say that without a doubt Experiment in International Living's overseas programs have provided me with one of the most inspirational and educational experiences of my life. Each of the different programs focuses on a theme that is well integrated throughout the program alongside exciting activities, informational tours, and life changing home stays. From the moment I arrived at the airport, the group leaders and members all worked to create a safe community among themselves and allowed the other high school students and me to connect not only with each other but with people of different languages and cultures. The trips are detailed so that in everything you do you are enlightened about the world you are in and the ways of living of other people. Whether you are doing a home stay or simply participating in a tour, you are constantly learning something new while also having fun experiencing the adventure with other students around your age. Though most people come having fears about going overseas, most end up having more fear about having to leave the overseas communities that they have grown accustomed to after experiencing their way of life and learning so much. After returning from my own trip, I have worked to raise awareness of the programs in my high school and even helped some students apply because I believe without a shadow of a doubt that the lessons that I learned from participating were life changing and not things that can be learned in a classroom. I strongly recommend Experiment in International Living's programs to any high school student looking to widen their knowledge of the world outside of the United States and truly come to understand just how similar they are to young adults their age in other countries.
Sincerely,
Omar Hargrove