We are excited to welcome five students from across the United States and Canada to an adventure of a lifetime with Outward Bound Costa Rica! Our fall 2015 Coast to Coast Expedition Semester Students started their 85-day course this week in San Ramon de Tres Rios, Costa Rica. The students began their course experience by learning technical rope skills, visiting historical sites and Irazu volcano and put their rope skills to use with rock climbing. Next the group will put their teamwork to the test with whitewater rafting on the Pejibaye River. The students are enjoying experiencing diverse natural environments. “I’m most looking forward to living in the world instead of a house in civilization, and exploring a new culture at the same time.” said Jacob S. from Brookline, Massachusetts. For many of the students the opportunity to learn more about Costa Rican culture while on course is a real highlight. “I’m looking forward to seeing the local communities, how they live and how their culture is different from mine back home,” said Josh N. from Cambridge, Massachusetts. “The combination of all the activities with cultural exchange” excites Amos P. from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. “I really, really like cultural exchanges and on the homestays I will get to just talk to people about life here,” he added. Throughout the course the students will take Spanish lessons and practice their language skills. “I’m looking forward to learning Spanish and getting better throughout the course,” said Connor R. from San Marcos, California. Mackenzie B. from Saskatoon, Canada hopes that while on course he will get to have up-close encounters with some of Costa Rica’s famous wildlife. “I’ve never seen a monkey,” he said. “I’ve wanted to see one my whole life.” After a few days of whitewater rafting, the students will embark on the ultimate trek – a 26-day cross country hike from the Caribbean to the Pacific coasts of Costa Rica. Throughout their course, we will be sharing information and photos from our Coast to Coast Expedition Semester students here on our blog and on our Facebook page, so be sure to check back for updates!