Hola,

is my 8th program that I have completed as a Program Manager. I enjoy these programs as I meet phenomenal students and amazing staff. I can safely say this has been the busiest program I have been associated with.

We met roughly 25 days ago. Over that time, we have witnessed new friendships develop and observed student relationships improve with their teachers. The students have become expert travelers.

If the students are disappointed that the program is over, that’s a good thing as it means we as a staff have done our jobs and the students have fully immersed themselves in the program.

I am hoping the students have created friendships that will continue for many years, maybe a lifetime. They have had the opportunity to participate in many amazing excursions that have created great memories.

To the staff, Angela, Sarah, Dave, Jake, Nicole, Mimi, Paul, Shane, Gabi, Cassie and Mary. You are phenomenal educators!

I would be negligent to not thank our Costa Rican hosts during this adventure. Mariam, Erik, Olga, Wendy, Leah, Orlando and Mario Jr. You have done Mario Sr. proud.

As always be safe, enjoy the experience, and make smart decisions.

Pura Vida,

Jeremy and Ang

Wow! Can you believe that our 25 incredible days together in Costa Rica has come to an end? Over the past few days, students spent time meeting with their teachers, studying for exams, and writing their exam. Then, the fun began as we hosted our final banquet! We all started by having dinner together at a local restaurant, and handing out some awards. Next was our beach bonfire (marshmallows included)! We ended the night with an awesome pool party back at the hotel. It was a great way to finish off an unforgetable program. 

Pura vida forever! 

– Your 2024 GSA Costa Rica Staff

Hola!

We had our last two optional excursions take place today. Our second group of students headed out to Tamarindo to visit Halfway Home, a local animal rescue. This organization takes in neglected and abandoned animals with the goal of finding them a safe and loving home. Students got to walk, wash, and play with these amazing dogs. Then, our hosts Mariam and Erick, led students through a Costa Rican cooking class. They got to use fresh ingredients to make mango salad, guacamole, salsa, tortilla chips, and plantain chips. It’s safe to say that the final product was delicious!

Students are now preparing for their final exams on Friday.

Pura vida,

– Your 2024 Costa Rica July GSA Staff

Hola!

Today, we sent off our second group to the Playa Conchal excursion.  Students spent time relaxing, swimming, and playing sports on the beautiful white, sandy, crystal-cleared water beach.  Afterward, they had the chance to go banana-boating back in Playa Del Coco!  It was a great way to de-stress amidst final projects and leading into exams.

The students who remained in Playa Del Coco spent the day by the pool and beach working on final assignments and preparing for their exams on Friday.  Only a few more days of our 2024 Costa Rican adventure!

Pure vida,

– Your GSA Costa Rica July 2024 Staff

Hola, Happy Monday!

Today we had a very buys start to the week.  In addition to completing some final projects and tests for classes, we had our group B snorkelling excursion and our second wildlife sanctuary excursion.

The snorkelers took to the open waters and sailed off to a secluded beach where they snorkelled, paddle-boarded, and enjoyed some fun under the sun.  They saw some incredible aquatic wildlife, including a massive sea turtle!!

Then, we had our next group excursion to Bijagua Ranas for the wildlife sanctuary and waterfall.  The group spent the day exploring the wilderness that inland Costa Rica has to offer.  They saw an array of wildlife, and even fed the monkeys!  Next, they brewed fresh coffee straight from the bean, made their own chocolate from cacao, and created a drink from fresh sugar cane.  It was a very diverse experience, and the students had a blast!

It turned out to be another beautiful day in Coco, so of course, some of the group finished off the evening with ice cream!

Pura vida,

– Your GSA Costa Rica July 2024 Staff

Hola!

Today was a Sunday funday in Playa Del Coco for our group, with various excursions taking place and students getting some school work done too!  We had our first Playa Conchal beach excursion, where the students spent the day relaxing on the beach.  Playa Conchal hosts crystal clear waters and soft, white sandy beaches, which made for the perfect location to chill out and catch up on some school work! Afterward, the group hit the waters for some banana-boating.

Also, we had our PADI scuba divers go out for their final two dives to complete their certification.  They explored the sea floor and practiced their final skills just off the coast of Playa Del Coco, all of them passing and completing their certification!

Lastly, we were treated to a stunning sunset this evening, so the students flooded the beach to capture the moment.  The pictures simply do not do the colours of the sky justice!

Tomorrow, we begin our final week of classes, and continue to finish up some last excursions!

Pura vida,

– Your GSA Costa Rica July 2024 Staff

We are back in Coco and the past two days have been busy! Upon our arrival, students got to work on some course work and enjoyed some pool time. Then, our Group B students had the opportunity to visit Rio Celeste Waterfall and Bijagua Ranas Wildlife Sanctuary. At the Sanctuary we enjoyed some Costa Rican wildlife and traditions in a natural setting! The highlight was definitely seeing a baby sloth. Students also enjoyed making chocolate from raw cocoa, brewing fresh coffee and making fresh sugar cane! A great day living the pura vida! 

– Your GSA Costa Rica July team 

Hola!

Today was a full day for our group at the base of the Arenal volcano.  The students spent the day studying, enjoying the pools and hot springs, and of course riding the water slide!  Additionally, we sent two more groups of students out to attend their volcano hike excursion.  One of the groups got a full glimpse of the Arenal volcano, without any cloud coverage!  Allegedly, only 10% of people get to see the volcano without cloud coverage, what a treat for our group!

We will depart tomorrow to head back to Playa Del Coco for the last leg of our program.  It should be a fun-filled week with classes finishing up, excursions, and our final banquet!

Pura vida,

– Your GSA Costa Rica July 2024 Staff

Today was a very busy day for our program! We had multiple excursions and lots of class as well! Another group of students took part in our paddleboard yoga activity, which was a beautiful morning out on the water at an isolated beach all to ourselves! Additionally, we had our full discovery scuba diving excursion, where the students walked out from Coco beach to depths of up to 40 feet, exploring the world beneath the water! Also, we had our community service excursion where students had the chance to gain some volunteer hours by helping out at a local dog rescue shelter!

On top of all of the excursions, we had classes, of course. The students in the English classes took part in their Eco-pitch assignment where they had to pitch a business idea, ‘Shark Tank’ style, to a panel! Later in the evening, the classes hosted a pool movie night under the stars!

After all of this excitement the past few days, we will take our adventures to a new location tomorrow as we depart for Arenal!

Pura Vida,

Your GSA Costa Rica July 2024 Staff