PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM
Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!
Here are a few things to know and expect:
- Blog posts are written by onsite program staff and/or students and sent to our Headquarters team who will post the blog on this page.
- We typically receive 2-3 blog updates per week from each program, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post every day – that’s totally normal.
- Blog updates received late in the evening or overnight will be posted the following day.
- Blog updates received on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
- Due to many factors such as internet accessibility, program staff aren’t always able to send photos, so some blog posts may contain text only.
Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.
For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.
-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team
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BLOG POST FOR JUNE 13 & 14
Hello families!
Our first two days have been quite eventful with arrival day and getting to know one another. Everyone is settling in nicely and we are looking forward to an awesome three weeks ahead! We’ll send along a more detailed post as soon as we can, but here are some pics from our first couple days here in Costa Rica.
See you soon!
Kyle and the GLA Costa Rica Team
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 15
We started the day with a bright morning! We had the option of mouth-watering pancakes or appetizing rice and beans (gallo pinto). After breakfast we took a bus ride to a beautiful volcano hike that was 5 miles long! At the peak we could see a laguna in the crater of the volcano.
After that we made a pit stop at a traditional Costa Rican restaurant for a dish called ‘Casado’. After lunch, we made the drive to our Home Base where we’d be spending the next few weeks. We had scrumptious spaghetti with enchanting meat sauce. Afterwards we had mentor groups with Kyle and talked about goal setting, then wrote a letter to ourselves talking about our expectations for this program.
– Margot and Adilene
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 16
Today was an interesting day, in a good way. We met all the kids at the local school where we’ll be doing our service work. Everyone asked us for autographs and hugs. It was almost like we were celebrities! One group started the painting prep work while the other helped teach in the English class. Next, we went shopping at a local supermarket and got everything from plantain chips to knock-off Oreos. Then it was downtime along with a fun scavenger hunt looking for flora and fauna around the Home Base.
Later we stepped out of our comfort zones with a dance class. We danced Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue which was really fun and really tiring. Some of us went for a swim in the lake after. For dinner we ate taquitos, fries and gallo pinto, with homemade juice. Next in mentor groups we talked about our personality types before getting ready to go off to sleep.
-Jacob & Kajsa
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 17
Today was super fun and busy! We woke up bright and early and headed to the school to start service. There we split up into two groups again where four of us went to go play with the children during a gym class, playing pulpa (octopus in spanish) and musical chairs! The other group which was three people worked on painting and sanding of railings and doors along the walkway to make the school more bright and colorful!
For lunch we ate fish, rice and beans, and some yummy taquitos! Then we headed off for our chocolate and coffee tour at a local farm where we learned about how coffee and cocoa beans are grown. We were able to taste some freshly ground coffee as well as some tasty dark chocolate with multiple different additives such as coconut, cranberries, and peanut butter! Also we learned about and tasted fresh sugar cane. We even got to see a sloth curled up in a tall tree towards the end of the tour!!
After a tiring day we headed back and ate some delicious burgers, fries, and soda learned how play a fun card game called Set. This was such an eventful and fun day and we were able to try so many new things as a group!!
– AJ & Grae
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 18
Today was one of our most exciting days yet! We started with a slightly later morning and headed to a local school to celebrate Costa Rica’s Earth Day. The school was full of energy, and we spent the morning playing games, singing songs, and joining a parade with the younger students. They even honored us by playing the US national anthem. It was a fun and meaningful way to connect with the children.
After returning to our homestead, we enjoyed lunch and spent the afternoon swimming in the lake and playing cards during our free time. Later, we joined a cooking class with Don Alfredo and learned how to make traditional Costa Rican empanadas which became our delicious dinner!
In the evening, our mentor group dove into a discussion about Costa Rica’s pineapple industry and its environmental impact. We ended the night with even more card games. Perfect mix of culture, service, and fun!
-Gigi
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 19
Today was a fun day! We started off with some volunteer work at the school, finishing up the prep work for painting tomorrow and next week. Afterwards, we had a very interesting discussion/debate about the ups and downs of the pineapple industry in Costa Rica in preparation for our tour of a pineapple farm. We also went swimming in the lake, played a lot of card games, and went for a walk to a local pulperia. The day culminated in the comforting simplicity of hotdogs for dinner. We Afterwards Marbella taught us a lesson on the Spanish verbs ser, estar, y tener. Hopefully we will be able to learn more soon!
-Kajsa & Adilene
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 20
Today was a cool and interesting day. First, we woke up and had some delicious gallo pinto and eggs, and did some service work at the school along with teaching the kids how to say the parts of the body in English. After, we went to a small market and bought some Costa Rican candy and snacks. After, we returned to the home base for lunch of pork chops, gallo pinto, and a salad with some steamed vegetables.
Then, we took a trip to an organic pineapple farm. We got to pic our own pineapples in the field, took lots of picture, and we even ended up seeing toucans and colorful parrots (it was almost like the movie Rio). After, we returned to the home base for movie night and we watched Jumanji. After everyone had winded down it was time to sleep.
-Jacob & Margot
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 21
Today was a little unpredictable! We had a later start because unfortunately it was down pouring rain and tubing got cancelled. However, it was completely okay because we got to do some bonding and self assessment through an early mentor group session looking out on the beautiful lake! During the self assessment we further shared personal experiences/memories that we wouldn’t have otherwise known about each other!
Right after that, we put our swimsuits on to get ready to leave for the hot springs! Once we got there we had a delicious lunch buffet filled with various meats and rices and then got to swim around in the warm hot springs for a couple of hours! This was such a relaxing experience that was definitely needed after days of long service work!
To end the night, we had a yummy dinner of steak and salad and played some fun board games for a relaxing finish to the day.
-Grae
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 22
Today was also an unexpected day. We got to sleep in until 7:30am and leave for rafting at 9am. After an hour drive, we arrived at the river. Sadly there was a miscommunication and we were unable to raft in the morning. Instead we went to La Fortuna where we exploded the city and shops until it started pouring rain on us. We took shelter in a beautiful local Catholic church; where we were able to watch a part of a traditional service.
We then walked to a local pizza restaurant and shared two jumbo pizzas and bread sticks (very American). Our mentors found a way to make the best of a bad situation by taking us to another local hot spring that was nearby for the afternoon. While we were there we participated in mud masks, games of Marco Polo, and relaxing in the jacuzzi.
When we arrived back to the home base, we enjoyed a Costa Rican/American meal of pasta with red sauce and shrimp. Finally, we ended the night with planning and creating lesson plans for the next day. All though hectic, our group and mentors found ways to rise above the challenges and make the best of the day!
-AJ and Gigi
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 23
Today was a great day! We resumed service at the school, teaching the kids about colors, the days of the week, the months, and the alphabet. After lunch, we went on an amazing tubing adventure through the rapids. Our guides were really nice, and saved us when we capsized (which happened a lot). After a delicious dinner, we talked about the problem of over-tourism around the world, and how we can be more responsible as tourists and travelers.
-Kajsa & Margot
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 24
Today was a magical day. It started off with service at the school today where we continued with our English lesson plans along with painting inside of the office making it look nice for the staff. Next, we made a quick pit stop at the market near the school before returning to the home base for a lunch of burgers and fries. A few of us went for a walk passing some farms and lakes. Then the whole group walked to a neighboring farm. There we milked the cows and petted some of the animals before enjoying a warm glass of hot chocolate and homemade cheese. After, we got back to the home base and had some free time before meeting up for dinner. That night we hung out by the lake playing pool and some games.
-Jacob and Adilene
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 25
It was a busy day! First we started the day off by splitting into groups and teaching a couple different age groups including 2nd, 3rd, and 5th graders. We taught them how to differentiate the various weather patterns in English with a matching game and a lot of good participation! Then we worked hard on the painting of railings and walls inside of the school to begin to renew it!
Right after that, we headed back for a quick delicious lunch then to go rafting! When we got there, we split into two groups of 4 (plus a local guide) and began paddling down the river with various rapids, many of us falling out and having so much fun! We got to do some swimming and they even cut up some fresh fruit for us along the way. We even saw a sloth climbing up a tree!
This was such an eventful day and to end the night we had an insightful mentor group to discuss the impact the service has had on all of us over the past week or so as well as thinking about our values as a person!
-Grae and Gigi
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 26
We started the morning with a typical local breakfast, including coffee from Don Alfredo’s plantations and freshly made juice. Upon arriving at the school for our service work we learned that, unfortunately, the students wouldn’t be there today or tomorrow. The region of Costa Rica had been experiencing unprecedented rainfall, causing landslides and flooding in certain areas. While our zone was less affected, the government cancelled classes for students in the entire province. Our teens were looking forward to two more days in the classroom, but were able to utilize the extra time to really advance in our painting project.
After lunch and some down time, we headed to our next excursion – hanging bridges. Upon arrival, we faced another disappointment… due to the sudden thunderstorm the facility was forced to close, evacuating guests. Typically they operate rain or shine, but in the event of lightening they must close for safety (imagine being on a mountain, wet, on metal bridges in the tree canopies…). The students kept positive and made the best of the situation. We stopped at a giant souvenir shop, a visit to a thrift store (commonly called “ropa Americana” as they receive large shipments of clothes from the US), and treated them to artisanal ice cream.
After a late dinner, we met for mentor groups. The theme was “overcoming negative emotions”, a fitting topic for today. Although the day didn’t turn out as planned, the students faced some important realities that life is full of setbacks (many of which are out of your control), and you must keep smiling and move forward!
-Kyle, International Director
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 27
Our last day of service! We worked hard, finishing up the last painting projects we had left. As part of a dance rehearsal for some very talented high schoolers, they performed for us as a gesture of gratitude for our service, and we even got to try out our moves and dance with them! After a delicious lunch (fried chicken!), we played an exciting game of futbol with some local children. The rain stopped just in time! We wrapped up the afternoon with a swim in the lake.
Our last meal at home base was an incredible. We dressed up nice and enjoyed “Aztec soup” of tomato and chicken soup with beans, rice, and fried rice. After dinner we had a karaoke night and a bonfire (s’mores by the dozen!). Today was an amazing day, and we can’t wait for the next part of our adventure!
-Kajsa
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 28
Sadly the day came to leave the home base, our home for the past two weeks. We had one last breakfast (with hashbrowns, yay!) did final packing, said goodbye to Don Alfredo and Ibania the chef and hit the road. We had a long but relaxing drive, stopping for a local lunch along the way. Finally, we arrived at our destination: Tamarindo Beach!
Right away you could feel the relaxed beach-town vibes. We stayed at a local backpackers’ hostel, which GLA reserved entirely for us for two nights. We started exploring the town by foot and went for a long walk on the beach until sunset before dinner at a cool market. That night we relaxed around the hostel before bed to rest up for our big day on the catamaran tomorrow!
-Kyle, International Director
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 29
Today was a day that called for adventure! We started off with breakfast at a small restaurant that served typical Costa Rican dishes. After that, we made our way to the beach for a catamaran excursion. The morning was filled with activities like sunbathing and snorkeling. We even spotted a starfish while exploring underwater! By the time we were done in the water, the crew served us some delicious food to enjoy and we continued soaking up the sun for the remaining time we had on the Catamaran. When it was over, we headed back to the hostel and rested for a couple of hours before walking around the streets of Tamarindo. After stopping at a couple souvenir shops, we made a quick pit stop at a small bakery where we snagged some treats to fuel ourselves up. Before we knew it, dinner time rolled around, so we headed back. We ended the day with dinner and mentor groups that focused on meditation and self-care.
-Adilene and Grae
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 30
Today, we woke up and had breakfast at this traditional Costa Rican place. Next we headed back to our hostel where we were staying to pack for the beach and we swam for about two hours. Next, we returned to the hostel to pack for our long journey to the Robledal Hotel in the primary city of Alajuela. We stopped mid way through to have lunch (casados) at a different restaurant and later we arrived. Then, it was dinner and mentor groups where we discussed goals for the future. Finally, it was off to sleep for the night.
– Jacob
BLOG POST FOR JULY 1
Today was the day many students were looking forward to – ziplining! Mother Nature graced us with lovely weather, giving the green light for an adrenaline-filled morning. We soared through the air, high above the tree canopies while admiring the beautiful mountainous landscapes. Afterwards, we opted to go for a peaceful hike around the park. It was a bit challenging yet rewarding. Some even tried some mandarins (and avocado) we found growing in the wild!
After lunch we headed to the capital, San Jose, for a tour guided by Marbella. We stopped at the Costa Rican Art Museum and saw some interesting works reflecting the country’s history and culture. Then we browsed around the huge Mercado Central, snacking on sweets and candied ginger strips. We walked the main pedestrian avenue and saw the National Theater and several other landmark buildings. It’s always interesting to see the contrasts of the big city versus the rural and suburban zones where we spend most of our program. We returned for a late dinner, free time, and lights out.
-Kyle, International Director
BLOG POST FOR JULY 2
We started our last day together with a tour of local conservation efforts for owls and bees. It was very interesting, and all the gardens were incredibly beautiful! We helped paint some new boxes too. Then we returned to the hotel for some games, including charades (very fun) and time to relax and pack. After dinner there were more games, as well as a heartwarming appreciation circle and a piñata! And cake! Then we said our final goodbyes before going to bed (or to the airport).
-Kajsa
BLOG POST FOR JULY 3
The time has finally come to end our three-week program. We brought the students to the airport in three waves and said one more “¡Hasta luego! “See you later”, not “goodbye”! 🙂
The students, I think, wrapped up feeling great about the program, but also ready to hug their families and sleep in their own beds. Three weeks is a long time for anyone, but our group stayed engaged and close-knit, smiling and laughing until the final hours.
I’m left reflecting on the past 21 days… The valuable service work in a local school and seeing our teens gain confidence and show leadership in the classroom teaching English! The incredible excursions – pineapple farms, extreme tubing through the jungle, even milking a cow to name just a few. The valuable leadership themes we learned about, goal-setting, self-reflection, and analyzing things in a frame of “What? So what, and Now what?” The friendships made between the students, the fun days swimming in the lake and relaxing at the Home Base, adapting to a new culture and environments, and staying positive through life’s uncertainties!
As an educator, one of my greatest rewards is helping students open their minds, and hearts to new things. I witnessed each and every student step out of their comfort zone, try new things, and challenge themselves in many ways. Aside from all the fun memories, I truly hope this experience will have a lasting impact on their lives as they become young adults and global citizens. It may not be obvious right away, but the impact will continue to show itself. As they grow, I hope they carry these experiences, instilling in them humility, gratitude, curiosity, adventure, leadership, and a call to service. Call me cheesy, but I know they all can really “Be the change” in their own communities, whatever that may mean for each of them.
Best of luck to everyone and thanks for a lovely three weeks! Keep in touch. 🫶🏻
-Kyle, International Director
