Farewell to Our Fall 2014 Coast to Coast Expedition Semester Students!

Farewell to Our Fall 2014 Coast to Coast Expedition Semester Students!

The students hiked from Coast to Coast in Costa Rica.
The students hiked from coast to coast in Costa Rica.

Today we bid a bittersweet farewell to our Coast to Coast Expedition Semester students. The students spent 85 days on course with us, challenging themselves with activities in Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua while stepping out of their comfort zone and immersing themselves in Central American culture.

As the cornerstone activity of the course, the students embarked on a 26-day trek across Costa Rica from the Caribbean to Pacific coasts.

“The hike was physically and mentally one of the toughest things I’ve done but [it was] rewarding,” said Aaron W. of Newton, Mass.

Aaron W. enjoys the views of Central Costa Rica on the hike.
Aaron W. enjoys the views of Central Costa Rica on the hike.

“The hike was definitely the most challenging physically and mentally but everyone helped each other through it,” added Becca P. of Needham, Mass.

Jake S. of Needham, Mass. said his favorite part of the course was scuba diving and staying with local families in Panama.

Scuba diving in Panama was a favorite for many in the group.
Scuba diving in Panama was a favorite for many in the group.

“[Scuba] was a totally unique experience and something I plan on doing in the future,” he stated. “It was cool being so welcomed in these communities.”

Spencer B. of Tualetin, Oregon agreed his favorite part of the course was the scuba diving and cultural interactions in Panama.

“I also had an amazing time playing with the kids in Panama,” he said. “It made me really think about what I wanted to do, made me want to find something to do with kids.”

Spencer B. plays with local children in Panama.
Spencer B. plays with local children in Panama.

Meanwhile, Kat G. of Kentfield, Calif. said her “favorite part was the beach because surfing was really fun and it was refreshing to have such a relaxing phase.”

Kat G. prepares to hit the waves at Playa Avellanas.
Kat G. prepares to hit the waves at Playa Avellanas.

During their time in Central America, the course was an opportunity for personal growth for many of the students.

“I definitely became more self-aware, accountable and responsible, said Becca P. “I learned what my limits were physically and mentally, and how to push past them. I’ve also become even more appreciative of all I have back home.”

Becca P. learned to push her limits during her course.
Becca P. learned to push her limits during her course.

Haley K. of Sebastopol, Calif. said the course taught her to “always do what you love.”

Haley rafts in Costa Rica.
Haley rafts in Costa Rica.

For others, like Aaron W., the lessons were more laid back and rooted in cultural immersion.

“I like the Tico culture a lot,” said Aaron W.”It’s all about “live simply, in the moment and be happy.”

Aaron W. has enjoyed the cultural interactions on his course.
Aaron W. has enjoyed the cultural interactions on his course.

We thank our Coast to Coast Expedition Semester students for spending these past 85 days with Outward Bound Costa Rica and wish them all the best of luck on all their future adventures.

Pura vida and best of luck to all our Coast to Coast Expedition Semester students!
Pura vida and best of luck to all our Coast to Coast Expedition Semester students!

Be sure to visit Facebook for more photos of our Coast to Coast Expedition Semester students in action. If you are interested in participating in a similar experience with Outward Bound Costa Rica, there are still spaces available on our Spring 2015 Gap Year & Semester Programs. To apply for this program, begin by filling out an enrollment form.

Need a reason to take a gap year? We give you five here!