Outward Bound Costa Rica

Outward Bound Costa Rica exceeded every expectation I had for my 85 day Coast to Coast semester course. The program allowed us to experience the traditional culture of 3 different countries in Central America as well as teaching us everything we needed to know to get started with a career in the outdoor education industry. We got to experience many different activities from community service projects, to whitewater rafting, backpacking, surfing, scuba diving and more. This course was built for anyone who loves adventure and wants to push themselves both physically and mentally to become a better person and a better leader. I couldn't recommend this company or their instructors enough, I wish everyone could experience OBCR!

It’s sort of hard to rate the “housing” of a program like a semester Outward Bound course when it ranges from on the ground under the stars to under a tarp, to in shelters, to on the floor of homestay families’ homes, to small wooden bunk beds, but if you can sleep almost anywhere in all kinds of weather, it’s so fun to explore the country this way! The hike from coast to coast is one of my favorite months of my life. It was challenging but so so beautiful. SCUBA diving in Panama was truly magnificent, and sleeping on the dock overlooking the diving grounds is quite pleasurable. More rewarding challenges abound in the rafting and kayaking phases, and I’m also terrible at surfing, so that was difficult. But it’s wild to be in such close quarters with a group for 3 months, working together to achieve incredible goals and complete daily chores. Costa Rica is such a fantastic country. Great program.

This 65 day course in Costa Rica was the best thing I think I have ever done. Not only did I grow phenominally as a person, I also had a blast doing it. I met people I have never grown such a close bond to in such a short amount of time, overcame challenges I never thought I could, and pushed myself to my maximum physical and mental capabilities. By covering everything from small-scale team building lessons to rappelling down >100 ft waterfalls, every type of adventure I could have was given to me! Highlights were watching rain forest thunderstorms with a homecooked meal after brutal yet amazing days of mountain backpacking, scuba diving through bioluminescent waters in Panama, wakeboarding with dolphins, and learning how to save lives! I had never truly understood the purpose of outdoor and advemture education before I went on this semester course, but even three years after, I know that working as an outdoor educator is my dream job thanks to everything OBCR taught me.

Beyond the early hassle with time management and a sense of not knowing what is going on, I would have to say this program and the people in it where some of the best moments that have happened in my life. Whether it be zip lining through the Jungle or cruising through the Caribbean Sea the time spent and moments shared were amazing. Beyond this, I would definitely recommend this program and experience to all my friends and everyone I know. Also to wrap things up the country and people as well as the food we had was beautiful and amazing.

A life changing two week. I was able to learn that I could do anything. I was able to help an endangered species, learn new skills, and create amazing friendships and connections. I miss Costa Rica and Outward Bound so much because everyone was so friendly and kind. If you are thinking about participating in an Outward Bound course, all I can say is that biggest adventure of your life is soon upon you.