The sense of respecting biodiversity, ecosystems and conservation are an innate qualities found in all the local people. The excitement of walking through the jungles and rainforests can only be described as euphoric. The wildlife providing glimpses of colour and noises echoing through the distance. The country provides a real sense of appreciation for how possible it is to live a normal life at one with nature.
I firmly believe that travel is an important part of education, not just in conjunction with biology, or any other academic subject for that matter. It teaches us skills that cannot be learnt in a classroom.
It gives us a desire for adventure, for curiosity, and a wealth of opportunity to learn from the experiences of people who we would otherwise never cross paths with. It allows us to appreciate what we have and yet crave what others have. It gives us the courage to venture out of our comfort zones and to break the cycle of routine.
What the Costa Ricans share with us is more than just their interpretation of biology and the living planet. They also share their language, culture, history and community spirit. I have visited this country a number of times, and every time I leave I have encountered experiences that change me as a person, giving me a fresh appreciation for the simpler things in life.
I was asked to describe my favourite moment on this Schools Worldwide trip, which is impossible – there was no one moment which stood out as being any more special than the others. Every experience was incredible.
Probably the most majestic moment was visiting Ostinal Wildlife Reserve and being privileged enough to witness turtles hatching and making their way to the ocean for the first time to embark on their epic journey of survival. I stood on the top of the lava fields on Arenal Volcano and looked out at the miles beyond. I danced with the children of Sonafluca Elementary School, taking me back to the simplicities of life as a child, and mustered up the courage to zip line through the cloud forests of Monteverde. I experienced the exhilaration of speed and took an opportunity to snatch a few moments, alone, in the clouds with the wildlife.
When I think back though, there was more to my experiences in Costa Rica than just these few examples. The biggest lessons I have learnt from the trip were perhaps the ones I did not expect to be taught – accept every challenge, seize every opportunity to grow, and embrace every moment.
Contact us to discuss your school biology trip to Costa Rica - a country full of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, potential friendships and endless memories.
