Day 1
Bienvenidos a Monteverde. CPI is very happy to welcome TAMU students in its beautiful cloud forest campus with its beautiful weather, flora and fauna. The students were given a tour of the facilities and then they were introduced to their families. Everyone was so exited and nervous to meet their Costa Rican families but with a smile on their faces they greet them with a hug and headed to their new home. Tomorrow new adventures await!
Day 2
First day of classes. ¡Muy emocionante! The students met their professors who will be their language guides for their time in Monteverde, teaching them all kinds of important things about Costa Rica and the spanish language. After class they explored the town looking for key points such as the Gulf of Nicoya and the local town seal.
Day 3
After a morning of classes the students headed to the Monteverde Clinic where a local doctor greeted them with a smile on her face, the group received a tour of the facilities and a lecture about the Costa Rican medical system. They ended their day with a lecture dedicated to sustainable coffee production, agriculture and education on sustainability.
Day 4
A morning with lots of fun learning activities passed and the group transformed from students to chefs. Guided by a local chef, the group learned to make one of the traditional Costa Rican dishes ¡Deliciosas chalupas! The teamwork in the kitchen was notable, the group had lots of fun learning how to do this dish and ate with big appetite the master piece they cooked.
Day 5
The perfect day to visit a Costa Rican Veterinary Clinic. The students were able to explore the facilities and analyze the similarities and differences of the veterinaries in their home country. After the visit to the veterinary clinic, the group went to the Hummingbird Gallery to seek for different kinds of humming birds in the area.
Day 6
A blustery, rainy morning greeted us outside, but the students' excitement was undeterred. They couldn't wait to get started on their faroles! With a colorful array of materials laid out on the tables, they eagerly began crafting their unique masterpieces. These faroles would soon illuminate their parade through the streets that night, adding a touch of magic to the festivities.
Day 7
The group had a blast learning about Life Monteverde and getting their hands dirty with some planting! They were fascinated to discover how the organization is making a positive impact on the environment and local community. In the afternoon they paraded with their faroles next to the local community. It was a truly enriching and memorable experience for all.
Day 8
The group's final day in Monteverde was filled with a sense of accomplishment and nostalgia. After a week of learning, exploring, and making new friends, they reflected on their experiences and the lasting impact they had made. It was a bittersweet farewell, but the group left Monteverde with hearts full of joy and an experience they will never forget. ¡Pura Vida, chicos! ¡Nos vemos pronto!