Lebanon Valley College 2026

Day 1: July 12th, 2026

Today marks the beginning of our adventure in Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida! We arrived full of excitement, energy, and curiosity, eager to discover a new culture and experience everything this beautiful country has to offer. From the moment we landed, we could feel the warmth and hospitality that make Costa Rica so special. This month promises to be filled with unforgettable experiences, new friendships, cultural discoveries, and plenty of adventures.

We can't wait to see what lies ahead as we begin this incredible journey!

 

Day 2: July 13th, 2026

Today we learned how to make chalupas, a delicious Latin American recipe. As we cooked, we also learned the names of the ingredients and kitchen utensils in Spanish, which made the experience both fun and educational. It was a great opportunity to practice the language while discovering new flavors and traditions. Best of all, the chalupas turned out delicious! We enjoyed every bite of this tasty cultural experience.



Day 3: July 14th, 2026

Today we moved to the rhythm of Latin music! We learned how to dance merengue, salsa, bachata, and Costa Rican swing criollo, a traditional dance that is an important part of Costa Rican culture. It was a fun and energetic experience that allowed us to learn more about local traditions while practicing new dance moves. We laughed, danced, and enjoyed every moment together.

By the end of the class, we were tired but happy—and ready to keep dancing!

Day 4: July 15th, 2026

Today we visited Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary, and it was one of our most exciting experiences so far! We finally got to see perezosos up close, and there were so many of them. They were incredibly cute, and watching them move slowly through the trees was unforgettable. We also had the chance to see jaguares and a tapir, learning about their history, behavior, and the important work being done to protect them. It was fascinating to discover more about these amazing animals and their role in Costa Rica’s wildlife. The visit was both fun and educational, giving us a deeper appreciation for nature and conservation. It was a day full of learning and unforgettable memories.

Day 5: July 16th - Day 6: July 17th, 2026

We are absolutely loving Monteverde! It is a peaceful place surrounded by nature, and every day brings something new to discover.These past few days, we have been attending clases de español and learning more of the language every day. It has been exciting to practice our skills and gain confidence in speaking Spanish. Our afternoons have been calm and relaxing. We have enjoyed exploring the town, taking in the beautiful scenery, and watching the breathtaking sunsets that make Monteverde so special. Every day here is a perfect mix of learning, adventure, and appreciation for nature.

Day 7: July 18th, 2026

Today we ventured into the cloud forest and visited the Reserva de Santa Elena, where we explored scenic trails surrounded by lush vegetation, learned about the area's unique biodiversity, and enjoyed breathtaking views through the cool mist and towering trees that make the bosque nuboso so unique. The peaceful atmosphere and rich wildlife made this an unforgettable experience.



Day 9: July 19th - Day 10: July 20th, 2026

The days in Monteverde are peaceful and refreshing. Surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature, we have enjoyed slowing down and taking in the beauty of the bosque nuboso. Whether walking along scenic trails, spotting wildlife, or simply appreciating the cool mountain air, every moment here has been a chance to connect with naturaleza and experience the unique charm of this incredible region. Monteverde’s tranquility and breathtaking landscapes have made our time here truly memorable.


Day 11: July 21st, 2026

Today we visited an authentic finca de café, and as coffee lovers, it was the perfect day. We were welcomed with a delicious lunch made entirely with ingredients grown and produced on the farm. During our visit, we learned about the coffee-growing process, from preparing natural fertilizer to nurturing the coffee plants as they grow. It was a fascinating experience that gave us a deeper appreciation for the hard work, sustainability, and passion behind every cup of coffee.


Day 12: July 22nd, 2026


Today we joined a hike with CPI and had the chance to see the impressive Ficus tree. It was enormous, with massive roots stretching above the ground and forming incredible natural shapes. Walking among these giant raíces was a unique experience and a great reminder of the beauty and power of nature in Costa Rica.


Day 13: July 23rd, 2026

Today was all about pure adrenalina! We soared through the treetops on an exciting zipline adventure, enjoying breathtaking views of the bosque from above. As we glided through the canopy, we were able to admire the beauty of the cloud forest from a completely different perspective, surrounded by the lush greenery and incredible landscapes that make Monteverde so special. It was an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, adventure, and stunning scenery.



Day 14: July 24th - Day 15: July 25th, 2026

After all the adrenaline-filled adventures, these past few days have been a chance to slow down and enjoy a more relaxed pace. We attended our Spanish classes, continued practicing our language skills, and on Saturday we had free time to explorar Monteverde on our own. As our time here comes to an end, we are taking in every moment of the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. These are our last days in Monteverde before our next aventura begins, and we are excited to see what awaits us next.


Day 16: July 26th, 2026

Two weeks in this hermoso country and counting! Today is our last day in Monteverde, and while we are sad to hasta luego to the cloud forest and its peaceful surroundings, we are excited for what comes next. Over the past weeks, we have learned so much, explored incredible places, and created unforgettable memories. Our next destination is Heredia, where we will continue our learning journey and immerse ourselves even more in Costa Rican culture. New experiences, new friendships, and new adventures are waiting for us, and we can’t wait to discover all that this next chapter has to offer

Day 17: July 27th - Day 20 July 30th, 2026

We’ve been settling into life in Heredia, and it has been a wonderful experience so far. The city is beautiful, the people are incredibly welcoming, and we are already starting to feel at home. Our new profesores have been amazing, making our classes both engaging and enjoyable, while helping us continue improving our español every day. Of course, we can’t forget the food! We’ve had the chance to try many delicious local dishes and flavors, making our stay even more memorable. As we continue our journey in Costa Rica, we are excited to keep learning, exploring, and creating new memories in this charming city.


Day 21: July 31st, 2026

Today, we explored the beautiful streets of Heredia after enjoying a delicious lunch at the Heredia Market. There, we discovered tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, piña, and maracuyá, practiced our Spanish, and experienced local culture. During our walk, we learned fascinating facts about the city, including why it is known as “La Ciudad de las Flores.” We also visited the historic Fortín and even saw the home of a former Costa Rican president. It was a wonderful day full of culture, history, and new discoveries in one of Costa Rica’s most charming cities.

Day 22: August 1st, 2026

Today was a day full of adrenaline as we went rafting on the impressive Reventazón River. The exciting rapids pushed our emotions to the limit, making every moment an unforgettable adventure. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, we worked together as a team to navigate the río and enjoy one of Costa Rica’s most thrilling outdoor experiences. It was an incredible day filled with excitement, teamwork, and lots of fun!

Day 22: August 2nd, 2026

Today was a relaxing and unforgettable day at Isla Tortuga. We swam in its crystal-clear waters and enjoyed an amazing snorkeling experience, where we discovered colorful fish and beautiful estrellas de mar beneath the surface. Surrounded by stunning scenery and the peaceful ocean, it was the perfect opportunity to relax, explore nature, and enjoy one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful destinations.


Day 23: August 3nd, 2026

Today was a calm and productive day as we began our final week in Costa Rica in the best way possible: studying and practicing Spanish. Through our classes and daily interactions, we continued improving our language skills while learning more about the local culture. It was a great start to the week and a reminder of how much we have learned during our time in Costa Rica.



Day 24: August 4th, 2026

Today, we explored the streets of San José and learned about the city’s rich history. We visited the beautiful National Museum, where many original pieces from the past, including butacas, chairs, and other artifacts, are still preserved. We also stopped at a historic chocolate shop that has been open for over 100 years before exploring the Central Market, where we tasted authentic helado de sorbetera. It was a great day filled with history, culture, and delicious Costa Rican traditions.



Day 25: August 5th, 2026 - Day 26: August 6th, 2026

Today, we spent another great day learning and improving our Spanish skills. We love talking with our teachers and discovering new expresiones that locals use every day, such as “al chile.”Through our classes and conversations, we continue gaining confidence while having fun learning the language and experiencing Costa Rican culture firsthand. It was a simple but very rewarding day.

Day 27: August 7th, 2026

Today was our last day of classes, and it marked the end of an incredible journey. Over the past weeks, we have learned so much, improved our Spanish, and created unforgettable memories along the way. Our graduation ceremony was very emotional and a little melancholic, as we reflected on everything we experienced and the friendships we made. While it was difficult to say goodbye, we are proud of how far we have come and grateful for all the lessons we will take home with us. It was the perfect way to celebrate an amazing experience in Costa Rica.

Day 28: August 8th, 2026

Our last day has arrived, and it brings a mix of emotions. We are going to miss this beautiful country so much, from its amazing people to its delicious food. We especially loved starting our mornings with a traditional gallo pinto breakfast. Over the past weeks, Costa Rica has become a second home, filled with unforgettable experiences, new friendships, and valuable lessons. While it is difficult to say goodbye, this is not a farewell. It is simply a “see you soon.” Muchas gracias, Costa Rica, for the memories that will stay with us forever.