What inspired you to travel abroad?
What inspired me to go abroad was the idea of getting to experience a new culture, meeting new friends, and seeing the sea turtles especially (they've been my favorite animal since I was 10).
Why did you choose Outward Bound Costa Rica?
I chose this specific program because as I was looking through the different options through Girl Scouts, I felt like the Sea Turtle Retreat just called to me. I felt like this was something I needed to do and it was also something I really wanted to do.
Mia and two little chicas
What was your favorite part about Costa Rica?
My favorite part about Costa Rica was the people. The people in the country are so kind and so generous. Costa Ricans are very welcoming and it was such a great experience. In the United States I have met people that are not welcoming, kind, or generous so it was a different experience for me.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience abroad unique was definitely the girls that went because I feel that the connection that I had with the girls was unbreakable. If just one or two people didn't go, then my whole experience would have been changed. I made friendships that I don't think will ever be broken.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff supported us a lot during the trip and gave us great advice about life and the culture in Costa Rica.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
One thing that I would have done differently would definitely be to pack less clothing because I did not wear most of the clothes that I brought, and that would've made it easier on me for traveling.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day in the life of my program was waking up at either 5:30am or 7:00am depending on the day. Then, we would eat breakfast that the Cacique prepared that morning. We would do what was planned for that day, whether it was picking up trash off the beach, painting recycling bins for the community, or whatever else was planned. We would eat lunch prepared by the local community, and then we would walk along the beach and see people surfing and other times see Olive Ridley sea turtles laying their eggs. After that, dinner was prepared by the girls.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I enjoyed reading and having long conversations with the other girls. Sometimes a small group of us would read poetry to each other or talk about our lives back home.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
The accommodation was great, the food was amazing, and the instructors and natives were so nice. I liked the food the best because it was just so healthy and so delicious.
What is one thing every future participant should know about Outward Bound Costa Rica before their program begins?
One thing every participant should know is that going through the airport is not as scary as it seems. I was terrified but there are lots of people that will help you make it to your gate.
Would you recommend Outward Bound Costa Rica to others? Why?
I would definitely recommend my program to others because it was a great experience bonding with the other girls, the instructors, and finding my love for wildlife and turtles.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
This program helped me figure out what I want to do after college and that is helping out the wildlife and the environment any way I can.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Now that I am home, my time abroad has impacted my life because I think about how my plastic use effects the wildlife in my area, and also how it will affect the environment and wildlife around the world.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
When I was on course I met my now best friend Gemma. When we met I felt like I had known her my entire life. Even though we live thousands of miles away from each other, I know I can depend on her for anything.
