2025 Costa Rica - Menlo Abroad

Our final day in Costa Rica began with a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, and a few of us couldn’t resist one last visit to our favorite spot, Aroma Café in Cahuita, for a delicious coffee. By 9:30 a.m., we were on the bus and headed back to San José for the last leg of our journey. The ride was long, six and a half hours, but filled with good vibes. We played music, sang along, shared snacks, and enjoyed the scenic views one last time. Some of us even managed to catch a nap on the way, much needed after such a full and active week. We made a few pit stops for snacks and had one last Costa Rican meal of classic rice and beans. We arrived at the Adventure Inn in the afternoon, where we had time to relax before wrapping up the trip with our program evaluations for World Leadership School. (Easy task, they’ve been amazing from start to finish!) Dinner at the hotel was a crowd-pleaser: burgers, pizza, and pasta were perfect comfort food before our very early departure. With a 3:00 a.m. airp...

Most of us set our alarms early, hoping to catch the sunrise over the Caribbean Sea at 5:09 a.m. While thick cloud cover blocked the view, we still soaked in the moment together, enjoying the sound of the waves crashing along the shore and each other’s company. After a delicious breakfast, we boarded the bus to Refugio Nacional Gandoca-Manzanillo , where the real adventure began. High in the trees, we spotted a baby sloth (yes, baby sloth!) and even watched a few black hawks feasting on fresh crab. For those with cameras, the dramatic rock formations along the coastline were a dream come true. Everyone was deep in the creative zone, capturing the raw beauty of the Caribbean. We kept our eyes peeled for the famously mischievous white-faced monkeys, known for swiping snacks straight from backpacks. No monkey encounters this time, maybe next trip! Later, we explored Puerto Viejo , a charming seaside town filled with restaurants, cozy coffee shops, and plenty of local shopping. Fueled u...

This morning, we said heartfelt goodbyes to our homestay families. For many of us, it was emotional tears were shed as we parted from the people we had grown so close to, especially the children. Though our time together was short, the bonds we formed felt deep and lasting. We’ll carry those memories with us for a lifetime. After lots of hugs and final goodbyes, we set off toward the Caribbean coast. Our destination: the laid-back beach town of Cahuita. Upon arrival, we enjoyed a delicious lunch featuring authentic Costa Rican Caribbean cuisine, rich with coconut flavors and island spices. The afternoon brought some much-needed relaxation. We splashed around in the pool and soaked in the stunning ocean views. Later, we found quiet spots around the hotel grounds to write reflective essays, capturing thoughts and emotions from the journey so far. In the evening, we ventured into town for another fantastic meal, followed by a return to the hotel for one of the most meaningful moments of t...

Our final day in Chilamate was one to remember, filled with hard work, heartfelt goodbyes, and plenty of celebration. At each of our project sites, we wrapped up with a deep sense of pride. The school group completed a vibrant mural featuring soccer balls bouncing across the back wall of the school, a playful and energetic design that reflects the spirit of the students. They worked incredibly hard on it, and the final result is something the entire school community can be proud of. The principal was deeply thankful, noting how the mural brings life to the campus and gives students a renewed sense of pride in their school. The women’s cooperative group finished strong as well. It was an inspiring experience to collaborate with the local women on their individual projects, from crafting to entrepreneurship. The exchange of stories, skills, and laughter made for an unforgettable connection. Over at the farm, the team put the finishing touches on the benches they painted earlier in the...