Students from SUNY New Paltz arrived a week ago to our rainforest base in Costa Rica to begin their Custom Course with Outward Bound Costa Rica. After preparing their backpack with their experienced local instructors, students set out early in the morning to drive to Santa Maria, where they started an intense hike in the province of Puntaneras.
“The hiking wad definitely the most challenging, physically, mentally and emotionally but we all took care of one another and encouraged and supported each other,” said Danielle D.
As they went up the first mountain, they watched the sun rise and began to walk through the rainforest. SUNY students got the chance to encounter many animals such as a spider monkey. They also learned about native plants and their many medicinal uses in indigenous communities thanks to their Costa Rican instructors.
“Overall the course was life-changing but my favorite part was being able to see the real Costa Rican Rainforest and all the beauties that come along with it,” said Sierra R.
Students spent their first night at a remote homestay farm where they ate a traditional meal. Students then headed to Rancho Tinamu, a sustainable rural tourism project, where they went on a night walk to observe frogs.
“It was beautiful and gave me a view of Costa Rican culture. It also helped me appreciate nature more,” added Tara P.
At the end of the three-day hike, students headed to Manuel Antonio to learn to catch their first waves. Many were successful in standing on their surfboards from the very first day! Group activities and leadership development was also part of their time at the beach.
On their way back to the base to prepare for rafting, the group got the opportunity to observe American crocodiles in their natural habitat from the bridge on the famous Rio Tarcoles.
After a day of rafting on the Pacuare river, students got the opportunity to discover the art and crafts market in San Jose, a great way to practice one last time the Spanish skills they have developed during this course.
Sarah B. described the overall experience as “a life changing experience that is worth every ounce of hard work that is asked of you.”
“I learned that being patient is an incredible virtue that makes life a lot easier, as well as countless other things,” added Morgan M.
We wish the best to all the students from SUNY New Paltz as they settle back into their lives in the US, and know that they are bringing back some of the Pura Vida spirit of Costa Rica with them!
You can learn more about our Custom Programs on our website, or look at more picture from the SUNY New Patlz course on our Facebook page.
As they went up the first mountain, they watched the sun rise and began to walk through the rainforest. SUNY students got the chance to encounter many animals such as a spider monkey. They also learned about native plants and their many medicinal uses in indigenous communities thanks to their Costa Rican instructors.
“Overall the course was life-changing but my favorite part was being able to see the real Costa Rican Rainforest and all the beauties that come along with it,” said Sierra R.
Students spent their first night at a remote homestay farm where they ate a traditional meal. Students then headed to Rancho Tinamu, a sustainable rural tourism project, where they went on a night walk to observe frogs.
“It was beautiful and gave me a view of Costa Rican culture. It also helped me appreciate nature more,” added Tara P.
At the end of the three-day hike, students headed to Manuel Antonio to learn to catch their first waves. Many were successful in standing on their surfboards from the very first day! Group activities and leadership development was also part of their time at the beach.
On their way back to the base to prepare for rafting, the group got the opportunity to observe American crocodiles in their natural habitat from the bridge on the famous Rio Tarcoles.
After a day of rafting on the Pacuare river, students got the opportunity to discover the art and crafts market in San Jose, a great way to practice one last time the Spanish skills they have developed during this course.
Sarah B. described the overall experience as “a life changing experience that is worth every ounce of hard work that is asked of you.”
“I learned that being patient is an incredible virtue that makes life a lot easier, as well as countless other things,” added Morgan M.
We wish the best to all the students from SUNY New Paltz as they settle back into their lives in the US, and know that they are bringing back some of the Pura Vida spirit of Costa Rica with them!
You can learn more about our Custom Programs on our website, or look at more picture from the SUNY New Patlz course on our Facebook page.