Costa Rica: Intro to Pre-Med & Public Health Session 2, 2026
July 14, 2026
Hi families! Today we created our community expectations and got to know each other. We played so many games, most were new to us. After practicing names and a delicious breakfast, we headed to downtown Alajuela. There was a beautiful mural and we got to learn about local history. We saw way too many birds (birda dont pee!) and went to a yummy lunch. We then started our scavenger hunt! We divided into groups of 3-4. During the sightseeing, we met different people and travelled all around the central part of downtown. We went into many shops, practiced Spanish, ate amazing food, and bonded with our groups. We (Ariana and Sandra) can confidently say that every single group, that found it, got so lost in the supermarket. During the scavenger hunt we went to a bakery, ice cream, and historic buildings. We then headed back to Villa Aracari. We hung by the pool, read books, played more games, and had a mini siesta.
Pura Vida,
Sandra y Ariana
July 15, 2026
Hello families! We woke up early today to head out for rafting. Along the way we saw an awesome toucan. After getting into groups of six and learning the rafting commands, we headed out into the rapids. They weren’t super rough, but we still got SOAKED! During our trip down the river, we saw a lot of different kinds of animals, including monkeys and many different types of birds! While no one fell in, there was voluntary swimming down the river. Halfway through, we stopped for pineapple and watermellon then continued to the end. At lunch was raining at lot with thunder and lightning too. After lunch we drove to Crisley’s farm, stopping along the way for more wildlife. We spend the rest of the day hanging out and exploring the farm. Then a delicious dinner and an early bedtime for more adventures tomorrow.
Pura Vida,
Carrigan y Anabella
July 16, 2026
Hola, familias!!
Today we had our first full day at the Casa Crisley Farm. We started the day with a fun new experience for all of us… milking a cow! We later used the milk to make the famous Crisley cheese. We learned about all the history of the farm and how the cheese has been made for many years. It’s so inspiring to be on a farm that has played such an important role in the Costa Rican community. Later we went on a tour of the whole farm and learned about many new plants and how they’re used on the farm and throughout Costa Rica. Many of us got to carry different animals like piglets and chicks, and meet locals. After making cheese and eating lunch we started our wilderness first aid training. We all learned a lot about how to respond to emergency situations and enjoyed doing CPR training. After a day with frequent rain, long trainings and unpredictable weather, we’re all excited for the training and fun that awaits us in the upcoming days.
Pura vida from Catarina and Clare!
July 17, 2026
Hello parents,
Today we explored the fascinating world of first aid survival. Through out the day we learned about the treatment process for wounds, burns, broken bone, and temperature related ailment. Our instructors walk us through the various options available for wilderness first aid. A highlight of the day was learning how to make a makeshift backboard. We used everyday materials to create this. Our hard work will pay off tomorrow when we receive our wilderness first aid certification. For many of us, this training has been very fulfilling and has helped us work towards our dreams in a medical career.
Pura vida,
Copeland y Drexel
July 18, 2026
Hey blog! It’s Ella and Felix coming to you from Casa Crisley. Through Wilderness First Aid certifications by morning, to zip lining 650ft above the Costa Rican jungle by afternoon, our day was jam packed with new experiences. During qualification checks in a “real life scenario” our Global Works team showed how coordinated and connected we have become over just a few short days. “Patients” with spinal injuries, impaled joints, amputated arms, and more were safely evacuated and brought to EMS after which our team was granted certification. The zip lining experience was a thrill due to the immense heights and breath taking view above the tree tops. Screaming, laughing and singing in the misty air made the soaring journey all the more fun. Our day ended with the buzz of singing from the car ride back to home base.
By Ella and Felix
July 19, 2026
Hi blog! Its Jane, Olivia and Hilary. Today was a little bit more of a relaxed day because we moved locations. We said goodbye to everyone in the farm and got on a long bus ride to our hotel. We stopped for lunch and souvenir shopping and we watched the world cup final and had a great time (also pet animals.) We had a nice time settling into our hotel and finished off the day with learning more about the USA health care system provided by Zoe, and had a nice dinner at the hotel.
Till tomorrow, Pura vida 🤙🏼
By Jane, Olivia, and Hilary
July 20, 2026
Hi families! We are stoked to say we begin our first clinic rotations tomorrow. Today we sat through a lesson presented by 2 different doctors – Dr. Rocio and Dr. Marcela. Dr. Rocio taught us the importance of washing our hands the right way, learning how to give stitches and injections. Dr. Marcela taught us about the Costa Rican health care system and the history of Costa Rica. Later everyone joined together and played cards and took a dip in the pool. PS Zoe lost the game “what are the odds” and had to get into the pool fully clothed in the pool 😂. We later ended the night with dinner at the hotel and shared greats laughs. We are excited for the day ahead us and hope we have amazing adventures ahead.
Pura vida,
Jessie y Jenna
July 21, 2026
Hi families! Today we started off our morning with a buffet style breakfast. Then got right on the bus to head to the clinic 😆. We split up into two groups, one group worked at the mobile clinic/daycare, and the other group worked at the family clinic. In the family clinic we got to experience what its like to work in a pharmacy, follow a doctor, work the waiting room and sort medicine. In the mobile clinic we got to help with the health checks and hand out meds to the kids and workers. After a long day in the clinic we got on the busses and went back to the hotel. Once we got back, we played card games and then ate dinner and ice cream. We had a early bedtime. And are so excited for the upcoming clinic days. Pura vida.
Riley y Lou Lou.
July 22, 2026
Hi families! Today was an absolute blast! We started off our day early, eating breakfast & getting straight onto the bus to the clinic. At the mobile clinic, we saw a wide array of diagnoses, some even ranging to people in need of life saving treatment. In the clinic, we got observe psychological consultations, patient appointments, and I (Sandra) got to do a shot! After clinic we went to Casa Club, a place for adults with physical and/or developmental disabilities. We gave presentations on community guidelines, ways to have fun, and more. We then had a dance lesson and learned multiple styles of dance. Once returning to the hotel, we played games, swam, and read. We had a yummy dinner of pizza, and then relaxed with friends.
Pura vida,
Sandra y Felix
July 23, 2026
Hi Blog! It’s Anabella and Hilary and today we woke up at 6:30 and got breakfast at 7:00 and then hopped on the bus to the clinic. Some of the group went to the mobile clinic a few blocks away where we spent the morning helping patients. In the afternoon we ate lunch and then did a mental health workshop with diagrams and we had a little competition of who could make the best project! We all won. 😢 We then came back, ate dinnner and had a meeting to talk about our plan for the next day
That’s all for now, Pura vida 🤙🏼💕🤔🌶️🕷️🫂😸
See you soon!
By Anabella and Hilary
July 24, 2026
Hola!! Over the last few days, we spent a lot of time working hard in the clinic and helping people around us. Even though we were only here for 4 days, we have learned so much stuff that was helpful for our future. We learned how to work in a pharmacy, how to take vitals, and what happens in an examination room. These last few days were so budussy (cool) and it was amazing getting to meet all the people working in the clinic. They were all so welcoming and helpful! Everyone feels so grateful for this opportunity and we all cherish our time here. Next few days we will be chilling on the beach, get ready to see picture and be jealous! 🤣🤣 After we got back from our last day at the clinic, we all got in the pool together and had a reflection on our time at the clinic. For dinner we got pizza and it was delicious!! Adios see you in 5 days!
By Ariana + Jenna
July 25, 2026
Hello family! Today we changed locations to the coast. We started with a late wake up before getting on the bus. Halfway through we stopped for lunch and souvenir shopping. After that we drove for a while, listening to music and watching the scenery. We arrived at the new hotel and at Mexican food for dinner. After a quick night swim, we went to bed to rest for surfing tomorrow.
😎🏄♀️ Lou Lou & Carrigan
July 26, 2026
Hola famillias!!
Today we had our first full day at the beach. We started at the hotel and had tex-mex for breakfast. After eating we headed down to the beach for our surf lessons! First we started with some training, making sure we knew how to get on the boards, then we split into groups and headed into the waves 🤙.We enjoyed our morning at the beach with our pineapple, watermelon snack break and wave jumping. Then we came back to the hotel and all enjoyed a fun game of marco polo in the pool. Then we had lunch. From there we upgraded our snacks by going to a local supermarket. Later we chilled at the hotel before going back to the beach for a sunset walk. Lastly we got ice cream before heading to dinner.
🏖️🌊👋😗
Pura vida, see you soon
By Catarina and Olivia
July 27, 2026
Sup blog! Ella, Riley and Clare here. 🤙! This morning we planted trees and went to a private and beautiful waterfall. The water was quite splendid and we all had a great time together hiking and basking in the refreshing water. We met an adorable perrito (dog in Spanish) who made us all giggle with its cuteness. The rest of the day was spent in the pool, laughing, blowing bubbles and playing marco polo. Then we had a budussy (super cool) yoga class in the shelter of the rain. Our last full activity day was concluded with some dinner and card games. Pura vida, see ya soon! 🇨🇷🌊❤️🐢
By Ella, Riley & Clare
July 28, 2026
Hello Parents, today was our final day in Costa Rica! We had a long drive back to San Jose and stopped at El Jardin for lunch and last-minute souvenir shopping. Once we arrived at the final hotel of the trip, we did closing activities all together and had a delicious dinner. Tomorrow we will be flying home with lasting memories. We will miss getting to spend time with our new friends. Thanks Global Works and parents for this amazing experience!
By Jesse, Drexel, Copeland.
