Ms. Barillas and several of her Spanish students took a trip to Costa Rica where they were immersed in Costa Rican culture, food, and of course, the Spanish language . It was an amazing experience and everyone was able to see all of the major parts of the country as they traveled from city to city experiencing all of the wonderful things Costa Rica has to offer. The food, the people, the adventures, and everything else about the trip was amazing. 

The students took a trip to Doka, a local coffee plantation that is over 100 years old. They were able to learn how coffee is grown, picked, and produced, then of course, they were able to sample all of the different coffees produced. The group also went to Arenal Volcano and hiked the 1968 lava trails, paths of hardened lava rock formed during the 1968 volcanic eruption. They were able to go kayaking and swim in a lake made by a volcanic crater. 

One evening was spent swimming in a natural hot springs resort and then the next day they swam in the ocean and sunbathed on the black sand beaches of the Pacific West Coast.  

They went on a crocodile safari where they were able to get up close and see massive crocodiles and other wildlife on the river. The students got a chance to see more wildlife when they volunteered at Natuwa, a local wildlife rescue center and also when they visited Manuel Antonio National Park. Although the trip was long, and there was not much time for relaxing as everyday was full of adventures and activities, everyone who went on the trip had an amazing time and an unforgettable experience.