IOWA State University

Day 1: May 13, 2026

Welcome to Costa Rica!
After a long journey, the group finally arrived in Costa Rica, and we met for the first time at the airport, with lots of smiles, excitement, and first impressions. We made a quick stop for pizza at Giorgio’s and then headed to the hotel in San José.

 

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Day 2: May 14, 2026

 Today we were exploring San José. Early morning start! We headed out for a city tour in San José with David. We learned about Costa Rica — provinces, history, culture — and visited the beautiful Teatro Nacional. In the afternoon, we explored the local market — colors, food, culture everywhere.

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Day 3: May 15, 2026 

First Volunteer Day! 

Time to work. We started volunteering at the school by removing the ceiling from a hallway. It was hard work — dust, teamwork, effort — but all for a good cause: improving the school for the students. Hands dirty, hearts full.

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Day 4: May 16, 2026

 

A very special day: we spent time with 3rd- and 4th-grade students. Through games and dynamics, the group helped the kids practice English (and some Spanish, too!).  We also had fun outdoor P.E. time: soccer, jump rope, basketball, and more. After that, a long but exciting drive to our siguiente destino: Monteverde 🌿

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Day 5: May 17, 2026

Today we visited the Santa Elena Cloud Forest with Deiner. We learned about Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity — truly amazing. Later, we arrived at Finca Life, our second volunteer site. We met Don Guillermo and learned about the history of Café Monteverde. We ended the day working on seedbed cleaning (almácigo work).To close the day, we switched gears into something more fun — cooking and dance classes. Learning local recipes, moving to Latin rhythms, and just enjoying the moment together.New place, new purpose… and a lot of fun to end the day.

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Day 6: May 18, 2026

A sunny day working in the coffee fields ☀️
We cleaned the plantations and used the materials to create biochar — sustainability in action. In the afternoon, we visited Finca Guindon and met Benito the goat 🐐 (fan favorite). We also learned about the Quaker history of Monteverde. We finished the day with an incredible sunset. One of those “wow” moments.

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Day 7: May 19, 2026

We started with a coffee tour with José and Diana — learning about roasting processes and flavors. The big debate: Honey process or Natural? Later, we hit the road to Flamingo, Guanacaste. Beach vibes officially started.

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Day 8: 20 May, 2026

We met Doña Justina, a strong, inspiring mom of three — and maker of the best tortillas EVER. We started by cleaning her yard and began plastering (repello) the walls of her home in Matapalo. In the afternoon, free time at Flamingo Beach 🌊

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Day 9: May 21, 2026


We continued working and finished plastering the house. Later, more beach time and one of the most beautiful sunsets in Costa Rica. Moments to remember forever.

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Day 10: May 22, 2026

Wow… final volunteer day. Full of emotions, gratitude, and effort, we painted a big part of the house. We shared a delicious lunch in the countryside. Then, time to say goodbye to Doña Justina, who was incredibly grateful for everything. You all did an amazing job. Seriously — so proud.

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Day 11: May 23, 2026

Departure day… not the easiest one. But you leave behind: full hearts, a transformed home, and a place that will always welcome you back. This isn’t goodbye… It's see you later.

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