Sol Abroad High School Program in Costa Rica

This past summer I joined the sol abroad program and went to Atwnas Costa Rica for three weeks. I can't say that I've ever had a better experience or ever done something that fun in my life. I love traveling and sol abroad was the perfect program for me. I met so many new friends that I am still in touch with today and I couldn't be happier with the experience that I had. The town life and activities that we participated in were always so enjoyable. We had the perfect amount of time to enjoy experience the culture and city on our own. It was over all an amazing trip and I hope I'm lucky enough to be able to go again.

This is actually my second time going on a SOL Abroad program. My first was going to Argentina for a month the summer before last. It was an experience unlike any other and the first I had ever had but it was so interesting, exciting, and impactful that I had to go on another program. This past summer was filled with activities so I could not go for a full month, but it the 2.5 weeks I spend there was life changing. I was pushed out of my comfort zone because I had never stayed in a rural area, nor had I ever done some of the crazy excursions we did (like white water rafting and ziplining). All of these experiences, plus the teachers and staff, plus the phenomenal kids, made my trip one that I will never forget!

I sent my son to Costa Rica for 2 weeks this past summer. The Sol Abroad Program exceeded my expectations and I am so appreciative to the program directors for giving him such a uniquely positive experience. It's an uneasy feeling sending one's kid off to a faraway place for the first time ever without a parent, but I felt so happy everyday because I received an email immediately when my son arrived safely and then Orlando Murrillo posted pictures on Facebook all the time- so I could see my kid at cooking class one day, dance class the next, and hiking another day, all the friends he was with; In this way, it was a vicariously-lived adventure for the parents, too! My son came back happy and healthy, with many new friends, improved Spanish, lifelong memories of his charming host family and of Costa Rica's beauty. I thought that such a program would be prohibitively expensive and available only to the very well-off. But to my pleasant surprise, the Sol Abroad Program was actually affordable and very high quality-- the kids got it ALL (housing, meals, Spanish class, cultural activities, outings including white-water rafting and ziplining, historical tours); it was an amazing deal. As a parent, I would recommend Sol Abroad, Costa Rica to anyone wanting to send their kid to study (and play) abroad! It was the perfect "maiden voyage" for a young teen who hopefully has many globetrotting passport stamps in his future. Five Stars, and a cherry on top.

The second to last day when we went to the waterfall was amazing. It was a really great way to end the trip. I would definitely recommend going back there, because seeing the old mines and tunnels was amazing!

My son, a 17 year old from South Carolina, could not stop talking about how much fun he had and how much he loved this trip. He loved the other students, his host family, the language instructors and the people of Costa Rica. If he could have he would have extended his trip.

The best part, as a parent, was that he came back energized about language and wants to pursue a minor in Spanish. He even said the course instruction each day was reaaly fun and not boring. Coming from any boy of 17, that says a lot!

I got to the mother day party. I was exposed to spanish music and become influencd to listen to the same kind of music at home. I loved spending time with my parents at the parts. I just hoped that I could have gone to more similar to this in Costa Rica.

Even though Atenas is small, it has alot to offer. When I first arrived here I never thought that I would have any fun in this small city, but I was really suprised. There is a ton of little surprises within the city. One thing to for sure do when in the city is to talk to the locals. they love to talk to you and it really helps with your spanish practice. All the people are so nice, except when they are behind a wheel. If the car is comming just let it go! A few resturants to go to are La Finca and Gellys. There are some of the best and super cheap. Another thing to also do is walk around the city. There are tons of small cute shops to explore and the little market is really cute and fun to walk around. Atenas is very small, but you can have a lot of fun when your here! Also, dont forget to do to the cooperativa. Its one of the nicer super markets and is a great place to get small gifts like local coffee and snacks to bring home!

Sol abroad is a very good program. They pick the perfect location, you truly feel like a part of the town. With,the location they choose you are forced to speak spanish 24/7. I thoughht sol abroad was a great program.