The Experiment: Costa Rica: Biodiversity, Climate, Environ

We learned about the culture and history of the country, but a month later and I don't remember anything. About the "Biodiversity, Ecology, and Sustainability" aspect, I am still confused how that played a part in the trip. Sure, we spent three days at Campanario, hiking and learning, but it was not incorporated throughout the trip. I had a good time though. There was ziplining and snorkeling.

Simply traveling to Costa Rica meant that I was going to be having a great time. The Experiment, however, didn't settle for great. The program was carefully planned as month long journey of learning, both by exploring the world, and by exploring yourself. The group didn't just go and see the sights of Costa Rica, we got immersed in the culture of the country and were offered real insight onto why things function the way that they do. We saw the ripples that globalization causes in big cities and in rural pueblos. We were questioned by group leaders in a way that made us analyze similarities, differences, and important distinctions between everywhere we went. We had to think about how our values corresponded or clashed with the values we witnessed in the host country. I came onto the program expecting to learn an immense amount about Costa Rica and about the Spanish language, and left the program happy I had gained so much more. For two weeks on program, there was a homestay portion with a Costa Rican family. While the concept of living with another family feels intimidating initially, I found the homestay to be the most rewarding part of the journey. My family taught me so much more than anything I could have learned without genuine immersion. They brought me happiness and struggles and understanding and I'm glad that I chose to be a part of the Experiment's 2018 Costa Rica trip. I wouldn't have been able to meet them without it. This review is my way of thanking the Experiment for not settling for great. The group was incredible. The leaders were incredible. The nature was incredible. Most of all, my host family was incredible.

My trip to Costa Rica was amazing and unexpected. We hiked in the rain forest, saw sea turtles lay eggs, and built a sidewalk as our community service project. The animals and plants were beautiful, sometimes scary, and always nothing I have ever seen before. We still keep in contact and each know we have two homes and families in this world. Staying with my host family was wonderful and magical, and full of love. Being in a group on the trip gave the best friends that I have ever had. I'm sure we're all still accidently speaking Spanglish. The Experiment trip has been one of, if not the best times of my life.

I am so grateful to have experienced something as incredible as 'The Experiment in International Living". During this month abroad, I was able to step out of my comfort zone, meet new people, experience and discover things I'd never thought of! I was able to become immersed in the Costa Rican culture and felt like I was apart of their community as well. In Costa Rica I made very strong connections and bonds with several people, not only in my group, but those who call Costa Rica their home. For example, I truly feel like my homestay family is my real family. They took care of me like I was one of their own and I could not be more thankful and grateful. We also learned a lot about ecology, sustainability and the way Costa Rica operates. I was also able to give back and help the community, which is something that I really believe in. This has definitely opened my eyes in several ways and allowed me to expand my knowledge about the world, globally. I would recommend this program to every high school student planning to go abroad! The program is very well put together and creates the program in a way that is meaningful to all. If you do plan on going abroad, make sure to help local companies out, instead of big chains! Don't be afraid to really get to know the culture!

Traveling to Costa Rica through the Experiment was by far the best choice that I can recall ever making. Between the numerous friendships and relationships that I built with my group members, leaders, host family, and all of the amazing things that we did over the four weeks abroad, I'd 100% recommend embarking on a trip through this program.

My Costa Rica trip is an unforgettable trip because of the many highlights. I went hiking for hours which was fun seeing all of the animals and wild life. I also went kayaking which was my first time. I also went zip lining and faced my fear of heights. I had a loving and caring family that I still keep in touch with.

I absolutely loved traveling to Costa Rica with the Experiment Study Abroad. It was such a transformative adventure and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. There may have been ups and downs with my group but in the end, we were one big happy family. My leaders were very compassionate about every individual on that trip and never left anyone out. I was immersed into the culture by the time of one week or even less than that and was able to experience a whole new life. Everyone and everything was just a gift and I would have traded anything for this trip. I recommend getting out of your comfort zone and going somewhere you've never been, because in the end you won't regret it, not a single minute. From zip lining to hiking and seeing wildlife upclose where you could almost touch them was such an amazing experience and I hope everyone gets the chance to do what I was so kindly given by the Experiment. If it wasn't for my scholarship, my summer and myself as an indidvidul would never be the same. I got a lot of bug bites but hey its all part of the experience, so was eating termites, playing soccer with locals, and exploring the many beaches Costa Rica has. Every second I was there is a second I'd like to relive.

As a student who has never ventured outside of the United States, I can say that without a doubt Experiment in International Living's overseas programs have provided me with one of the most inspirational and educational experiences of my life. Each of the different programs focuses on a theme that is well integrated throughout the program alongside exciting activities, informational tours, and life changing home stays. From the moment I arrived at the airport, the group leaders and members all worked to create a safe community among themselves and allowed for the other high school students and me to connect with not only each other but with people of different languages and cultures. The trips are detailed so that in everything you do you are enlightened about the world you are in and the ways of living of other people. Whether you are doing a home stay or simply participating in a tour, you are constantly learning something new while also having fun experiencing the adventure with other students around your age. Though most people come having fears about going overseas, most end up having more fear having to leave the overseas communities that they have grown accustomed to after experiencing their way of life and learning so much. After returning from my own trip I have worked to raise awareness of the program in my high school and even helped some students apply because I believe that without a shadow of a doubt that the lessons I learned from participating were life-changing and not things that can be learned in a classroom. I strongly recommend The Experiment in International Living's programs to any high school looking to widen their knowledge of the world outside of the United States and truly come to understand just how similar they are to young adults their age in other countries. Sincerely, Omar Hargrove