Costa Rica: Intro to Pre-Med and Public Health

I can say that the Intro to Public Health/Pre-med trip to Costa Rica was one of the best experiences of my life. Here are some things I wish I knew before going. Bring shampoo, soap, and conditioner! On the packing list, it says toiletries, which I didn't realize included shampoo, conditioner and soap. Definitely bring water shoes, some of the people did not bring water shoes and it definitely wasn't the best when they had to go into rivers with socks and sneakers on. The food is very rice, chicken, and bean-focused. Bring a camera!!!! You don't get your phones, so make sure to bring something to do in free time like cards or a friendship bracelet string. And lastly do not take any moment from this trip for granted. I had no idea how fast these weeks would pass and it was so so hard leaving. On the last night every single one of us bawled our eyes out. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone looking for a good time and a learning experience. Before I went on this trip I was very nervous since I was going alone to a different country. If I'm being completely honest when I first met the group at the airport I was very skeptical. But I would say what definitely made my trip was the group I was with which obviously won't be the case in every trip but the people I met and became close with are people I would have never expected myself to become friends with. Even though we all had differences and brought so many different experiences to the table we all got along.

I was initially pretty nervous to go on this trip, I've never done anything like it before, so I was totally blind when committing to this. On the first drive from the airport to the hotel I sat next to someone who I became great friends with and we literally sat next to each other every bus drive for the next two weeks. I met some really cool people and there was always something to talk about.
I think the best thing about a trip like this is that it really pushed me outside my comfort zone in a lot of ways.Yet there was still a lot of structure and support from the counselors, who were all incredibly nice and were incredible at communicating with everyone and making sure we were having a good experience. I learned so much and I would really encourage people to try it out even if they're nervous because it was a truly amazing experience.

So I went to the pre med program and it honestly was the best summer of my entire life, we were given very interesting lessons about first aids, ate delicious food and made good friends. As a latino, this helped me to practice my english, and to be a sort of bridge between the american and latin american culture, which I enjoyed a lot. Leaving the cultural part aside, I am really thankful for the experiences I had at the clinic and at the first aids course, because I realized that I am truly into medicine.

Participating in this Global Works program provided my daughter with an incredible cultural and service experience. The blend of service work, exploration, local experiences and language learning is incredible. The Global Works team has designed the right balance. International travel isn’t always smooth but with the GW team by your side helping navigate any hiccups you realize what an experienced team they are! I highly recommend if you’re considering international travel experiences for your teen choose Global Works, you won’t be disappointed!!

I had the opportunity to go on the Pre-Med trip to Costa Rica last summer and had a great time. The experience taught me about the incredible culture of Costa Rica and key medical skills that I will use later in life.

The trip has many highlights such as white water rafting, ziplining, surfing, and more! You also get to try unique foods and learn about the medical system in Costa Rica.

My favorite part of the whole trip was the in-clinic experience. As someone interested in medicine, this was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the field. I interacted with patients and learned about how to test blood sugar, give shots, and fill prescriptions. Additionally, my Spanish skills improved significantly through daily interactions with patients and healthcare professionals. You even get 45 hours of service just by learning!

Overall, this trip to beautiful Costa Rica was an incredible experience. It allowed me to learn more, gain practical experience, and make memories. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone interested in pursuing a career in medicine or simply experiencing the beauty of Costa Rica.

Yes, yes, yes! Would I recommend going on this experience? YES! Intro to pre-med through global works is something I never knew I needed to experience. Thanks to global works not only did I get more insight into the career of my dreams, but also get to experience a whole other country, and its culture at the same time. I am forever thankful for global works, the staff on my trip, and all the friends I met along the way. You helped make my summer truly amazing. Can’t wait to go back. PURA VIDAAA!

Before we had even left, I was making plans to return with a new (and now best) friend of mine. I think that says something about how much fun we had. I chose this trip because I love travelling and wanted to explore a new place, I have an interest in the medical field, and as an avid photographer I thought Costa Rica would be a wonderful place to use these skills. This trip satisfied all of my expectations, and even exceeded them. Our group leaders were extremely fun and approachable, and they led us through some cool places and informative programs. Whether you enjoy the forest, mountains, or the beach, this trip has something for everyone. I learned skills that I am glad to know; my group members and I are now CPR certified and Wilderness First Aid certified, and it was so much fun learning these skills in a hands-on way, through practicing with dummies and even ourselves (fake injuries, of course). I've never been on a trip that was created and arranged for me through an organization (and I was hesitant, at first), and I must say that my amazing experience convinced me to try it again! Thank you, Global Works, for this incredible adventure.

This trip to Costa Rica gave me so many things that I would’ve never had without taking the leap to go. I was scared and nervous, but the other kids on my trip were too. We all got along super well from the beginning, and I still talk to all of them almost every day. The people I met in Costa Rica as well changed my life. They gave me perspective and changed my point of view on a lot of things and I am forever grateful. Most importantly, I had boatloads of fun and would recommend for anyone possibly interested in a health care profession. The communities you visit are so welcoming and really want to build relationships with you. The leaders were great too. I still keep in contact with some of them as well. This program gave me so much and I will never forget it.