Written by Central America Overseas Educators, JB and Andy
What’s New?
And just like that, three months of adventure, growth, and connection have come to an end. It’s hard to believe how quickly time has flown since our journey began. As we wrapped up our Central American program, our final days were filled with moments that felt both bittersweet and deeply meaningful. From sunset swims to heartfelt conversations, we made the most of every second we had left together.
Our last few days in Parrita, Costa Rica felt like a dream. The rhythm of the waves became our soundtrack as we spent time unwinding at the beach. One evening, we decided to take a walk during sunset, and what started as a casual stroll quickly turned into something magical. The sky transformed into a canvas of fiery oranges and soft purples, and the water called to us. Without hesitation, we jumped in, letting the ocean hold us in a way that felt freeing and grounding all at once.
Of course, paradise came with a priceโmosquitoes. We became an all-you-can-eat buffet for them, but as we watched the sun dip below the horizon, it felt like the bites didnโt matter. That moment was about us, together, soaking in the beauty of nature and the joy of shared experiences.
From Parrita, we made our way to Alajuela, where the final pieces of our program came together. We organized a farewell activity, giving us a chance to reflect on our journey as a group. It was a space to celebrate how far weโd come, to laugh over inside jokes, and to share the ways weโve been inspired by one another.
But because life has a way of surprising us, our last days werenโt just about planned activitiesโthey were about spontaneity, too. Take the soccer game, for example. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, but it turned into one of the highlights of our time together. The Costa Rican team dominated, winning 4-0, and the energy in the stadium was electric. And then there was Cleo, who not only got interviewed by a local reporter but somehow went viral on TikTok afterward. Seeing her excitement and our groupโs reaction reminded us how even unexpected moments can feel like the most unforgettable ones.
Throughout it all, we talked about what it means to be a global citizen and how weโll carry the lessons of this program into our lives back home. We shared our thoughts on growth, resilience, and what it looks like to live intentionally in a way that builds bridges across cultures. Those conversations werenโt easy, but they were so importantโjust like everything else weโve experienced these past three months.
Top Highlights of the Week
Itโs impossible to sum up three months of memories in a few lines, but here are three moments from this week that left an impression:
Sunset Walk in Parrita
The mosquitoes were relentless, but the sunset was worth every bite. Walking along the shore, laughing, and eventually plunging into the ocean felt like a moment of pure freedom. It was the kind of memory you hold onto when youโre back home, longing for the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sun.
Rayโs Trivia Extravaganza
Leave it to Ray to put together a 40-question trivia game that somehow captured the essence of our journey. From recalling the funny mishaps to reliving the big milestones, it was a chance to celebrate all weโd been through together. Trivia reminded us of the depth of our shared experiencesโand how much weโve grown as a group.
The Soccer Game
The last-minute soccer game wasnโt just a win for Costa Ricaโit was a win for us, too. The energy in the stadium was contagious, and being part of the crowd felt like a celebration of connection and joy. And then there was Cleo, whose impromptu fame added an unexpected twist to the evening.
Challenges We’ve Faced (and Conquered!)
As much as we savored our final days, they werenโt without their challenges. Saying goodbye to the people and places that have been our world for the past three months wasnโt easy. How do you let go of a group that has become your family, or a place that has felt like home?
There were tears, hugs, and a shared sense of disbelief as we watched the video that recapped our time together. Seeing all the momentsโbig and smallโthat shaped our journey was overwhelming in the best way. It was a reminder of everything weโd been through, from the challenges that pushed us to grow to the moments of pure joy that reminded us why we were here.
It wasnโt just the goodbyes that were tough; it was the recognition that we were stepping back into lives that might not fully understand what this experience meant to us. But we reminded ourselves that the lessons weโve learned and the connections weโve built will always be a part of who we are.
Gratitude and Growth
If thereโs one thing that stands out from this weekโand this entire programโitโs the power of connection. Every moment weโve shared, and every relationship weโve built, has been a reminder of how much we need each other.
The students in this program brought so much to the table. Their openness, curiosity, and resilience transformed every experience into something meaningful. And it wasnโt just the groupโwe were shaped by the kindness of strangers, the warmth of our homestay families, and the incredible people we met along the way.
Looking back, itโs clear that this journey was about more than the places we visited or the activities we did. It was about the people we became along the way.
As we close this chapter, we hope the students see the beauty theyโve experienced here as a reflection of their own strength, curiosity, and light. The laughter, the challenges, the magicโit all happened because of who they are and the way they showed up for this journey.
To the students: This program may be over, but the lessons and connections youโve gained are yours to carry forward. Remember the beauty of this experience is simply a reflection of the beauty within you.
Hereโs to the memories, the growth, and the unshakable bonds weโve created. Until next time, Central America!
