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Outward Bound Costa Rica

Why choose Outward Bound Costa Rica?

BE. OUT. THERE. Outward Bound Costa Rica inspires a lifetime of leadership, growth, and a commitment to serve through adventure-based learning. Since 1992, we have honed our approach to experiential education, utilizing Costa Rica and Panama’s tropical reefs, rivers, and rainforests to help participants discover their hidden potential.

We offer rigorous programs that expand students capacity in leadership, intercultural competence, Spanish language, self-awareness, and life skills. Push your limits mentally and physically as you explore off the beaten path in Costa Rica and Panama with activities including hiking, scuba diving, whitewater rafting and more.

Reviews

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Emilie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester course at Outward Bound Costa Rica

Undoubtedly, participating in this course was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Throughout my time in Costa Rica, I felt happier, more at peace, and truly alive. The life lessons I learned in Costa Rica have changed who I am for the better, and I know I couldn't have learned these lessons in a more beautiful setting than at OBCR.

I really recommend this life-changing course to everyone, and even though signing up to a course like this may seem a bit daunting, embarking on this journey is a beautiful investment in your personal growth and self-discovery.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
For some reason, I was terrified of kayaking, so when I heard we were going on a kayak expedition down the Pacuare River, I was so scared.
The first hour of our expedition, I was singing to myself so I wouldn't cry, just trying to ignore the fact that I was terrified. Luckily, throughout all of this, my instructors were supporting me and making me feel safer and safer.
Then, at one point, on a huge rapid, I flipped my kayak. At first, I thought I wouldn't survive, but then i came to the realization that the river did this on purpose because after I got back in my kayak, all the fear had left my body, and I loved the rest of the expedition.
It's crazy how that works because now the expedition is one of my favorite memories of my entire course.
Pros
  • it's a place filled with self-discovery and growth, in every way imaginable.
  • You learn so many skills, practical and mental
  • It's a beautiful immersion in the Costa Rican culture, lifestyle, and nature.
Cons
  • Sometimes it does seem hard, but know that even the hard and difficult times will eventually make you stronger.
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Lily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Coast to Coast Review

I was pretty nervous going into this program because I didn’t have a ton of experience with a lot of the activities that we were going to be doing, but my instructors made me feel so comfortable and gave me the tools I needed to feel confident in each activity we did. This course challenged me both mentally and physically and it made me realize that I am capable of so much more than I think, and I am very grateful for that. I feel so much more confident to push myself out of my comfort zone and to do things that might intimidate me. I gained so much self confidence and independence during this course and I am forever grateful for my instructors and group members for making my experience unforgettable.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
When we were rafting down the General River during our last expedition. The river was really high and there were some massive rapids. It was both scary and fun in the moment and when it was over I felt really proud of my whole group because we were able to see how much we all grew from the start of the program to the end.
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Thomas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Obcr review

This trip has taught me so much in the 85 days I was on it. It sparked a sense of passion in me that I haven’t ever felt and made me feel like it was just the beginning of the rest of my life. OBCR gave me so much and much more that I could’ve ever asked for, and I’m so great full for it all. The new life skills I’ve learnt have helped me gain confidence in myself once again, and for the first time in a very long time I feel true to myself after this whole experience. Outward bound has put me in a direction in life that I can confidently say I want to pursue for as long as I can. I thank OBCR so much and hope to return to Costa Rica in the future.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Keep an opened mind always and always expect the unexpected
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John
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best trip EVER!

This trip was better than I expected it to be. I did not really know what to expect but it better than I could have ever imagined!!!! It was life changing! The staff is very nice and made it great! I feel like we all became close friends. I think we will stay in touch with each other for many years to come. The staff was excellent and very knowledgeable in all aspects of the trip, from the actual activities to group relationships. I felt I was challenged in many ways. It helped me grow as a person in many areas and ways. I highly recommend this trip and would love to do it again! I would highly recommend this to other kids. I would like to do it all over again! I thought the length of the trip was just right! I wasn’t ready to leave but had to!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Do this trip! You don’t need as much stuff as the packing list says. You’re basically in your swimsuit the whole time!
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Emma
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing trip

I think the camp was really cool, I got to meet new friends and I really enjoyed it. I also got better at surfing and the trip was just a really cool experience. It not only improved my surfing, but also helped me open up more and talk to new people. I think everyone would enjoy a trip like this. I just recommend preparing physically to deal with rough currents in the water while ok surfing, since it can really wear you out, trying to go against the current. All the instructors in the trip were really encouraging and knew what they were doing, which made me feel good. They were also cool to be around. They really helped me out in the water, making me more comfortable with the big waves. They were also responsible, and all of this made me feel comfortable. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Definitely when I went out in the ocean the first day and felt the strong current and saw how big waves could get. I never really had to deal with rough oceans since I always went to different ones. So I had to build up my courage to go out farther on my surfboard. The instructor really helped out, too, and eventually I realized it wasn’t so bad and I wanted to keep going afterwards.
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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because I had already done some surfing before this, and wanted to get better. My parents helped me find the program with Outward Bound and I decided to try it out. I did look at other ones, like the sea turtle adventure in Panama, but decided to go for surfing since I really loved it. I’ll probably try another one next time.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

I did not have a program provider, I just found out about it since they work with my school, but they didn’t tell me about this program. My parents and I applied to the program and we did everything ourselves. We looked into all of Outward Bound’s programs on our own, and ended up planning everything out.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I would just say to prepare to fight tough currents, meaning being a little more physically prepared, since if the currents are rough (they won’t always be), it can really wear you out and you’ll be too tired to actually surf correctly. Also, one more thing is that, even if it’s not on the packing list, I would take a pillow and blanket, since that isn’t provided.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Everyday we woke up at about 6:00 AM and got ready. Someone was assigned the job of being the cook, and had to make everyone breakfast. After we ate, we got the surfboards and put them in a truck that would take them to the beach for us while we rode the bus. We went surfing for about 3 hours, and hung out on the beach. Then we went back and ate lunch. We would have solo time (writing in your journal), then we would either go to the pool or go back to the beach just to hang out and play.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I had gone on other camps before (with my school), but none ever lasted as long as this one. So I was pretty nervous just being away from home for so long. That was my only fear, but I easily overcame it when I met all the people I’d be with during the entire trip. Everyone was cool, and very nice and reassuring. After a few days, I wasn’t nervous anymore.

What’s something you will still remember in a few years about the trip?

I will probably remember the whole trip, but something that I will remember more than the other stuff is how cool all the people I met on there were. I made new friends that I’m still in contact with, and even the instructors were really nice cool to hang it with. Another thing is that we got to go zip lining and do other cool and different activities the last few days before we left.

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