Students traveled by boat from Drake Bay to visit the Sirena Research Station at Corcovado National Park. In the park, they saw a wide variety of unique plant and animal species and learned about the importance of wild lands conservation in Costa Rica and in the world.

In the community of Ganadito, students monitored for hatching sea turtles with the conservation project ACOTPRO. Gould students learned from resident scientists studying sea turtles, shared meals with other volunteers, and ventured out in the dark to check nests for emerging hatchlings. 

Also in Ganadito, students explored Madre Selva, a working agroforestry system. Hiking on seldom-traveled trails, they saw the footprints of a giant tapir and her baby, watched leaf-cutter ants, saw poison dart frogs,  and heard howler monkeys. After eating a snack of local fruits and pressing sugar cane, the hike continued to a stunning waterfall with a refreshing pool.

A highlight of the trip was the opportunity for students to stay with host families in CopaBuena, a mountainous farming town about 10 miles from the Panama border. Host families welcomed pairs of students and incorporated them into their daily lives. Students visited markets, processed coffee, and cooked with their families. The connections made during the host family portion of the trip are incredibly strong and lasting.

Near the end of the trip, after sharing gratitude and saying goodbye to host families, the group traveled to the pacific town of Uvita. With expert instruction, they found perfect waves for learning to surf! A surf session followed by snacking on papaya, mango, and watermelon on the beach in a tropical downpour added to the drama and adventure!

This optional trip exemplified Gould’s commitment to experiential education. By stepping outside their comfort zones, students practiced resilience, developed cross-cultural empathy, and experienced the world as a classroom. Importantly, the trip was open to all students in good standing, regardless of Spanish language proficiency, ensuring inclusivity and broad participation.  

From the lush tropical jungle to the warm embrace of host families, the November 2024 Costa Rica trip captured the essence of Gould Academy’s mission: to guide students to be creative, courageous, and resilient and to lead lives of fulfillment and purpose.