Menlo Abroad- Costa Rica 2024

Waking up after a much-needed good night's sleep, we were startled by Justin pounding on our door an hour early because he forgot to change the time on his watch (we have not let him forget this grave error). Nonetheless, we embarked on our first journey: a jungle hike. Our incredible tour guides pointed out everything from poisonous dart frogs to 2-inch bullet ants to iguanas. We are still eagerly waiting to see howler monkeys and sloths! After a third delicious meal at the Eco Retreat, accompanied by freshly cut mangos, guavas, and watermelon, we escaped the peak heat with some well-deserved downtime. Our afternoon activity included meeting four of our host families, who showed us the ropes for everything from milking cows, making tortillas out of fresh masa, and preparing a fried yuca dessert. We were awed and impressed by all these experiences, but the most refreshing part was jumping into the cool river and flipping over an overturned raft. Isha and Jorge

After a long day of travel filled with delays, layovers, and attempts at sleep, we have finally arrived in Costa Rica! Boarding the bus to Chilamate, we surrendered our phones, ready to embark on our adventure. The anticipation for a satisfying first meal at Riverside Pizzeria was palpable; sandwiches and pizza provided a welcome break during the three-hour bus ride filled with song games and lively chatter. Upon arrival in Chilamate, we were all eager to have reached our destination for the day (and to finally take a shower). It's safe to say we are all in need of some sleep and eagerly anticipate waking up tomorrow for our first day of activities! Buenas noches, Rianna and Bodie

 The Costa Rica group arrived safely at SJO.  Stay tuned....

Welcome to almost Costa Rica! We are all so excited to jumpstart this adventure but, of course, also a bit nervous about some things at the same time. Today, we discussed everything from our poop consistency to our fears about the upcoming three weeks. Our group, from different grades and friend groups, began bonding and we are excited to start forming close relationships with one another.  We split into groups by our birthdays, made handshakes, and took awkward holiday card photos. We also chose songs that reflect our feelings about the upcoming trip, including "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley, "Time of Our Lives" by Pitbull, and "La Bamba" by Ritchie Valens. Additionally, we celebrated the birthdays of Lily Nye and Matias Estay by singing a not-so-great rendition of "Happy Birthday."  Now, we are off to packing and panicking about potential items we may have left behind. We are all so excited to begin our three-hour flight to Texas and then o...

Menlo Abroad Costa Rica Students and Parents, Welcome to the final week of Spring semester and the beginning of Menlo Abroad: Costa Rica!  Here are reminders of the orientation and launch dates: 1. All Costa Rica-Abroad students should attend orientation: next  Monday, 5/20, 9:00 am, beginning in Stent Ballroom .  2. Students will be dismissed early that afternoon to prepare for the evening departure,  mustering at, 9:00 pm , United Airlines ticketing counter, terminal 3 (domestic), SFO. Please be prompt. [The first leg is a domestic flight to Houston.] See the Costa Rica Course Preparation Manual for full flight itinerary and other details. -- Peter Brown Global Programs Director History Instructor 650-330-2001 x2238