By Griffin
After working at a Christmas tree lot throughout December, I eagerly awaited the next phase of my gap year adventures. In early January, I embarked on the next leg of my travels, which would take me through Costa Rica.
My first stop in Costa Rica was Puerto Viejo, a small beach town on the Caribbean coast. I spent the first 3 weeks living in this town and attending a Spanish school named “Pura Vida Spanish School.” At the school, I participated in lessons ranging from grammar to conversational skills, and even took part in some Spanish games with my instructor. I also helped out at the school, painting some of their walls and improving their website. Outside of school, I engaged with the town, lifting weights at the local gym and playing games at a nearby beach volleyball court.
After attending the Spanish school, I traveled 10 minutes down the road to the Jaguar Rescue Center, an animal rescue center just outside of Puerto Viejo at which I would be volunteering for 3 weeks. Although no jaguars are present at the center, the facility does boast many other beautiful animals, including macaws, sloths, toucans, and monkeys. My tasks at the center included cleaning the animal enclosures, providing enrichment (or plant/fruit materials) in the enclosures, and washing the animals’ dishes. I would also play games with the macaws, such as hiding nuts and seeds throughout their outdoor playground, thus stimulating them to play and stay active. It was inspiring to see the work that the center does in rescuing and rehabilitating these animal species, and I’m happy that I could contribute a small part to their efforts.
After volunteering at the animal rescue center, I traveled to Heredia, a city to the northwest of Puerto Viejo, to teach English and coach sports at a primary school for 3 weeks. I loved working with the kids, telling them jokes, and playing basketball with them. My host family was also very kind and supportive, and for that, I am forever grateful.
As I reflect on my 9 weeks in Costa Rica, I have many valuable lessons to take with me. Firstly, I’m inspired by how modern life in many parts of Costa Rica is thoughtfully blended with the natural world. From animal rescue centers and sustainable farms, to the burgeoning industry of ecotourism, Costa Rica proves that progress and sustainability can thrive together. Secondly, I loved how close-knit the town of Puerto Viejo felt, with everyone looking out for one another and knowing each other by name—the sense of small-town values was truly special. Lastly, the students at the primary school in Heredia reminded me that in an increasingly globalized world, we are all more similar than different. They listen to the same music, idolize the same pop culture icons, and watch the same TV shows as kids in my town back home. Overall, my time in Costa Rica has been a transformative experience, and I’m grateful for the lessons, connections, and memories that will stay with me for a lifetime.
