Today was our final day in Coco, and the end of an unforgettable journey.

We finished our last classes and exams, then got dressed up for our closing banquet. We took group photos under a beautiful sunset, celebrated with a fun awards ceremony (complete with matching bracelets and personalized shoutouts), and enjoyed each other’s company one last time.

The evening continued with a musical bus ride to dinner, where we sang a cappella the whole way there! Dinner was incredible – filled with laughs and some of the biggest burgers we’ve ever seen! After dinner, we rode our karaoke buses back to our hotel where we gathered around the pool for a final slideshow of all the memories made.

What an incredible journey. We truly made some unforgettable memories on this program. Thank you to the amazing students who made this month so special, and to the dedicated staff who made it all possible.

Until next time.

GSA Costa Rica July 2025, signing off

Today we had the chance to truly immerse ourselves in the local school environment here in Costa Rica!

As part of our community service, students visited a nearby elementary school where they were warmly welcomed by excited young learners. The highlight of the visit was a vibrant performance where the children danced with so much energy and joy!

After the performance, everyone had the chance to mingle, connect, and share laughs across cultures! It was a powerful and heartwarming experience to witness school life in its most authentic form.

As our time in Coco winds down, moments like these remind us how special this experience really is. We’re soaking up every second of our final nights here.

Tuesdays in Coco mean KARAOKE NIGHT!

Today was another regular day in the routine of Coco. Students hit the books, finishing up their culminating assignments and studying for final exams.

But the evening is where the day really came alive. Students swarmed the beach to play frisbee, hang out with the cutest pups, and witness what was probably the most beautiful sunset yet. There were tons of photo ops, and the moment really hit us… we only have a few nights left.

After dinner, we hit the town singing (literally). Everyone gathered at Coconutz Bar for the most exhilarating karaoke night. We sang our hearts out and danced like no one was watching – it truly was a night we’ll never forget.

Needless to say, we’ll be waking up sore and voiceless from all the singing and dancing!

Today marked our last Monday in Costa Rica!

We jumped back into our classroom routines, with students focused and working hard to finish up their assignments and culminating projects. But the day wasn’t all about hitting the books, Ms. Lee led the biology classes in a hands-on butterfly activity that was just as fun to watch as it was to participate in!

After lunch, it was time to experience a flavourful part of Costa Rican culture with a cooking class! Students worked closely with a local chef to prepare a traditional dish: Gallos de Picadillo de Carne con Papas, served with the refreshing and local favourite drink, Agua de Sapo!

The food was made from scratch, packed with flavor, and of course, made with love.

With full bellies and happy hearts, we called it an early night to catch some much-needed Z’s. Ready to take on another full day of learning and adventure tomorrow!

Today brought an exciting change of scenery: our excursion to Playa Conchal! And wow, what a day it was.

We kicked things off bright and early, heading straight to our first adventure, kayaking! The students spent a few full hours paddling through gorgeous waters, getting a solid arm workout and taking in some truly breathtaking views. The real highlight? Spotting a small gator along the way! (Don’t worry, he was just a little guy!)

Next up was lunch, and it may have been one of the best meals so far. Buffet style and delicious, it gave us all the energy we needed to hit the beach.

Playa Conchal did not disappoint. The sand was soft and pristine, and the water was crystal clear. Students made the most of it: swimming, tanning, and even showing off some acrobatic skills on a massive floating trampoline! We also got to see some horses nearby and treated ourselves to some fresh fruit smoothies!

We wrapped up the day with a relaxing bus ride back to Coco, just in time to catch a beautiful sunset. Then it was off to bed, tired but happy.

Can you believe tomorrow is our last Monday here? Only one week left…where has the time gone?

We love a weekend here at Coco!

Today, we hit the ground running with not one, but two amazing excursions!
One group of students soaked up the sun and snorkeled in the beautiful ocean of Coco. They saw some incredible sea life, enjoyed fresh fruit, and caught plenty of UV rays.

Meanwhile, another group focused on relaxation and balance with a session of stand-up paddleboard yoga. We may have fallen off our boards once or twice, but it was all part of the fun.

We wrapped up our exciting day with a movie night at Coco – There’s nothing quite like watching a film while floating in the pool to end a full weekend day!

Happy Friday!
As we near the end of our time here, students are fully immersed in their culminating activities. They spent their Friday working hard in class, followed by an evening filled with fun and connection!

Tonight, we headed down to the beach for a group tie-dye session! Students had the chance to customize their shirts as a memento of their time in this unforgettable program. For some, it was their very first time tie-dyeing – making the experience even more special.

Afterward, we enjoyed yet another stunning Coco sunset while the students spent their evening frolicking through town, soaking up every moment. What a Friday well spent!

Another morning in Coco!
Today was a hot one! After classes, students enjoyed some well-deserved pool time and worked on their tans. With cannonballs, dives, and poolside laughs, we truly felt like kids again!

Once classes wrapped up, we made our way down to the beach for another breathtaking sunset, and this one might’ve been the best yet. Students soaked up the golden glow, took some sunset photos, and even broke out into impromptu gymnastics on the sand. Coco never disappoints!

After the sun went down, we gathered for a hearty meal, followed by an epic games night! From fast-paced rounds of Spoons to intense, sneaky sessions of Werewolf, the energy was high and the competition was hilarious. Let’s just say… some students have a very convincing poker face!

Everyone is settling into the rhythm of life in Coco, and it’s hard to believe how quickly time is flying by.

First night back in Coco and it feels like home!

We hit the ground running with four students diving (literally!) into an incredible scuba excursion. From swimming alongside turtles and reef sharks to capturing underwater shots in crystal-clear waters, it was an unforgettable experience.

Meanwhile, back in town, students got back into the swing of things: catching up on classes, relaxing poolside, and soaking up the sun. We capped off the day with another stunning Coco sunset before heading out for salsa and bachata lessons! The energy was high, the beats were contagious, and we’re definitely returning tanner and groovier.

What a way to kick off our return to Coco!

Today we said goodbye to Arenal and made our way back to home base — Coco!

It was quite the travel day! We packed up bright and early and hopped on the bus. Along the way, we had the chance to stop at Arenal Volcano for a tour, where we spotted our second sloth of the trip! We continued our hike and, true to the season, got caught in a tropical shower. Nature multitasks.

We were incredibly proud of our students for persevering through the rain and making the most of the wet season. There were lots of laughs, some hilarious photos, and a few puddle jumps that brought us right back to childhood. Eventually, we headed back to the bus and began the journey home.

On the ride, we caught some well-deserved Z’s and enjoyed a bit of relaxation. We returned to Toro Blanco and were happy to be back in the warmth! Of course, we made our way to our favourite spot, the beach,  just in time to watch another stunning Coco sunset.

We’re excited to be back and can’t wait for the next round of adventures in Coco!