It was challenging and fulfilling—essentials for growth. Hiking was really hard and challenging. The hiking portion was really well-done—following through on the curriculum—being taught about where we are, and what we’re seeing. It was physically challenging and I was already in really good shape, and I liked the great views and helpful guides. The course was overall well-balanced, and the transitions between parts of the trip were great. The flow was really good. The SCUBA part was awesome. The dives were really planned out and it was all beautiful. I definitely improved my surfing. Learned how to ride a shortboard, duck-dive and a lot of other stuff. There was a great variety of waves, and the instructors taking videos was cool. I could see what I was doing wrong.

Alan Womble
18, California, USA
Tri-Country Semester Fall 2006

It was a good way to learn about another country and learn new skills. I liked the combination of activities. I loved the homestays in Piedras Blancas, making brown sugar, playing soccer, picking bananas, and making tortillas. It’s a big experience. Sometimes, I didn’t fully appreciate what was happening until afterwards. It was hard as heck at times, but I’m only beginning to realize what I have got out of this experience, so much. Emotionally this was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I got a lot out of it. The whole trip made me put things in perspective. Hiking was really hard, but worth it. I got to do a lot of thinking. Rafting and kayaking was a lot of fun. Surfing was a lot of fun. It was nice having it at the end of the course. There was downtime to think.

Althea Neri
19, Vermont, USA
Tri-Country Semester Fall 2006

My experience was long, challenging and full of memories. It’s hard to pick a favorite part, because I thoroughly enjoyed almost all of the trips, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be the surfing phase. Surfing was good to have downtime to process right before the end of the course. I also liked how it was really challenging. I loved spending time outdoors and seeing the rainforest. It was great getting SCUBA certified. I want to pursue kayaking when I go back home. It was nice seeing Nicaragua, and I enjoy doing community service. Seeing the large plume of smoke rising from the crater and hearing the molten lava of the Masaya volcano was really cool. Making the ceramics was really fun and the family was really nice. I liked meeting all the wonderful families. All of the instructors were good and knew what they were doing. I enjoyed my experience here, and I believe this is a good way to escape your everyday life and problems. No matter how hard it is at the moment, don’t quit. It’s worth it in the end and if you do quit, you’ll always wonder how it would have been. I feel really accomplished and very glad that it’s over.

Andrew Moffly
17, South Carolina, USA
Tri-Country Semester Fall 2006

The variety of things we did and new experiences was fantastic. I especially loved chances to get more involved with the culture in Piedras Blancas. I liked hiking a lot. It was really great.
It can only affect your life in positive ways. Even the bad times on the trip, like being homesick or having a scuffle with a group member, are fantastic learning experiences. I liked it a lot, and my instructors were really fun. Un millón de gracias.

Madison Sheffield
18, California, USA
Tri-Country Semester Fall 2006

It was unlike anything I’ve ever done. It was all challenging, but rewarding. I loved rafting and surfing. The setting was really pretty. As soon as I realized that I could not go home, I sucked it up and embraced it. If you go in with a bad attitude you won’t get a lot out of it. It was great to have a different experience than anyone else I know. It sets me apart.

Lucy Demmerle
19, Connecticut, USA
Tri-Country Semester Fall 2006