Costa Rica Public Health & Medical Teen Travel Program

This trip brought me close with not only the other kids, but the communities in Costa Rica. I am still in contact with all of my trip-mates and with my host family. The people I met and experiences I had are things that I will never forget. I learned so much about how lucky I am to be who I am and have access to healthcare when so many people struggle to even see a doctor. They were always so grateful for our presence and the joy everyone felt the whole trip is unforgettable.

This trip was a beautiful and life changing experience. I was blown away by the opportunities I was able to have and people I met. My Spanish improved and I have a better understanding of the clinics in Costa Rica. The people I met on this trip were absolutely amazing and I made lifelong friends. One of the best parts was staying in the home stays with a family that spoke only Spanish. Getting to take a look into the daily life of people in a totally different living situation was eye opening for all of us. I would reccommend this trip to anyone who wants to learn more about public health and Costa Rican culture!

The program was amazing, it was very cohesive and easy to navigate. The staff was very fun to talk to and hangout with. They were great people and very protective of us, but they also gave us the freedom we need as teenagers. We got to go to clinics and shadow them and throw ourselves into the language and the culture. The people in the village that we met at the homestays were so nice to us and they honestly felt like a second family to me. My best advice to people joining is that I know no matter how much we say don't worry about the homestays, you're still going to worry. I know because I was the same way. However, the homestays were one of the greatest parts about the trip because the families are just so happy to have you and they do their very best to welcome you into their home. Keep your mind open to new cultures and try to learn as much as you can for as long as you're there. After my trip, I've been obsessed with studying abroad and I want to go anywhere and everywhere and I want to learn what the whole world has to offer.