Summer High School Programs in Costa Rica with Rustic Pathways

This is my second trip with Rustic Pathways (I went to Thailand last year), and it was, without a doubt, just as amazing as the first. I decided to go on the ‘Heart of The Jungle’ trip to Costa Rica to experience some the Central-American lifestyle. The people, the cultural experience, the commitment to service, and the adventure element all shone throughout those two weeks. I would do it all again if I could. Highly recommend this trip and Rustic Pathways!

Going into the program I wasn't completely sure of what to expect, but I had a friend that had done the same program earlier in the summer and she came loving it. I never would have imagined that I would have so much fun and meet such amazing people while also doing difficult community service. The intro to community service is the perfect program introduction because you get to do a little bit of everything. You get to interact with the kids at the school, you work on various projects in the community, and then you get the weekend to do fun things such as ziplining, going to a waterfall, and white water rafting. I didn't expect to become so close with the people I met, but I ended being in tears when we had to say bye at the airport. I still talk to some of my close friends from the trip and they are still some of my best friends even though we live thousands of miles away from each other. It was such a life changing experience and have nothing but amazing things to say about it. One of my favorite parts was when we went white water rafting because it was so much fun and it started raining so the view was really pretty. I also loved being able to use my limited Spanish with the kids at the school. If I were to do it again though I would bring my own work gloves and bring more shirts because sometimes I would want to shower after service but we would still be doing other activities and I didn't want to dirty a new shirt.

As I walked into the airport I prayed that this group of people would be completely different from the people at my school. Everyone was kind of reserved at first until I got through security and found a few people from my trip and we instantly clicked. When we got to the hotel I met 19 strangers, now known as my bestfriends. On our four hour bus ride to the base house, I knew these remaining 8 days would be unbelievable and unreal. I met the best people, the people I just want to talk to for hours. We all became so close, even with our leaders, they described us as “one of the best groups to ever come through the surf and service trip”. From walking up the steps to breakfast, lunch and dinner seeing everyones smiling faces to surfing in the 80° water, there was never a dull moment. Some of my favorite parts were having dance parties after dinner, laughing so hard everytime one of us would nose dive on their surfboard, and getting cement splashed all over us after pouring it in the machine. I met my favorite people and could cry right now thinking about my trip. I couldn’t ask for better people, food, and activities. One of the best experiences I have ever had.

So, I chose to do the Surf and Service program located in Uvita, Costa Rica. I don't think i would've chose to do any other program. I met 20 amazing people that I bonded with so much that the east coast side of our trip met up at the beach and we spent a weekend together after the trip. The councilors were inspiring, we bonded with them so much and had a lot of dance contest, and we shared a lot of information and memories. I will never forget how we went to a soccer field and i got really down on myself because i couldn't score a goal and ethan ( one of our councilors) kept trying to help me get one and when i finally did we celebrated like there was no tomorrow it was an amazing feeling. I will never forget being in the ocean and someone screaming "PARTY WAVE" and we all start paddling for our lives trying to catch that wave ad when we did it was the most amazing feeling. The community service was amazing and it felt great helping out the community and meeting the local ticos. I suggest this program it was amazing!

The Costa Rican Adventurer program was my first Rustic Pathways trip ever. I went in horrified being alone and still kinda awkward. But at the airport, before I even got to Costa Rica, I had made so many friends. I was so excited to actually get to the country and be able to make memories with all the amazing people I had meet at the airport. My program was an amazing experience. I still remember in detail the warm beaches, the challenging hikes, the sounds of the waterfalls where we slept, the howler monkeys at night, the water coming down on my and my friend Lily as we repelled 150 feet down a waterfall, the rush when we successfully went down a tough rapid while white water rafting, and the rain drops pelting me in the face as I zip lined across lush rainforest. My trip was amazing, breath taking, and so memorable. I still talk to everyone from my trip including my trip leaders. the friends you make through a Rustic trip are friends you will keep forever. At my school I have gotten so many other people to go on Rustic trips because I know they are for every one. I would 100% recommend any Rustic Pathways trip to anyone.

I absolutely loved the "Heart of the Jungle" Rustic Pathways program in Costa Rica! The packed sixteen day trip completely flew by because before I knew it, I had to say goodbye to the luscious land of Costa Rica and all of my new friends. "Heart of the Jungle" was the perfect mix of adventure and service. The thrilling activities, like whitewater rafting and waterfall rappelling were incredible experiences that I'm glad I got to check off my bucket list! I wish I could do them all again. The service component of the trip was life-changing. My group helped start building two houses, a handicap accessible bathroom in a community center, and more. The best part was being able to interact with and work alongside the locals. One night we even had an extremely fun soccer match with them and made up our own chant in Spanish. Going into the program I was a bit worried about my limited knowledge of the Spanish language, which is none because I study French, but I realized that the true "language" of Costa Rica was their "pura vida" lifestyle. Everyone was so kind and welcoming that language did not even matter. Along with doing service and participating in activities, I learned a lot more about the environment. Thanks to Rustic I learned how to become a more conscientious and respectful traveler, especially in the evironmental sense. My leaders were extremely knowledgeable, not to mention also being kind and caring people. My trip this past summer has made such an impact on my life and I've gained not only new friends, but also new, unforgettable memories I'll hold throughout my life.

I was so nervous going on the trip and I kept having second thoughts. I went by myself. Walking in the airport to find the group, I noticed a lot of people had gone with friends, which made me even more nervous. However, after spending 9 days of surfing, boating, rafting, building, and laughing with 20 friends, who were once strangers, I didn't want to leave. I'm so happy I went on this trip. The Rustic leaders and great. We were all crying at the airport saying goodbye. I still talk to these friends every day. I have never been so happy in my life. If anyone is on the fence about going or is having doubts, you should get out of your comfort zone and go! I would regret if I didn't take advantage of this trip! I encourage everyone who can to do a trip with Rustic- whether or not it's Costa Rica. Your trip will amazing no matter where you go.

This was my first trip with Rustic Pathways and I really enjoyed it. I learned a lot and made a lot of new friends. The leaders were great and they really added on to my great experience. I loved working along with the others on the trip to create a summer camp for the Tico children. It was a great experience, helping me improve my leadership skills and learning more about the culture. Not only did we work to provide a fun camp for the children, but we also got to explore and have fun in Costa Rica, participating in trips such as whitewater rafting, zip lining, and relaxing in hot springs. I would highly recommend this program to anyone.