Over the week of fall break, Hutchison students branching from grades 7-9 took a trip to Costa Rica, accompanied by teachers Senora Lastra, Senor Salazar, and Dr. Villarreal (Dr. V). The students were offered this trip as a bonding experience and a way to be exposed to Costa Rican culture. Over the trip students visited places such as Tortuguero, Arenal, Manuel Antonio, La Guacima, Alajuela, and San Jose. The trip was filled with bus rides and beaches as the Hutchison girls ventured across Costa Rica. According to the students, the bus rides could last anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours. Although the driving could take up much of the day, they were mandatory to get from place to place. Sophie Clothier states, “it was tiring to have a constant go, go, go mindset but was definitely worth it in the end.”

With the way the trip was planned there were constant time stamps. Students would usually have to wake up at 6:30 sharp in order to have enough time in the day to get everywhere they needed to go. Their day would consist of many activities according to the city they were in. While in Tortuguero the students were taken on a boat tour through the jungle. During the tour students got to see different branches of wildlife like monkeys, birds, and spiders. In Tortuguero, students were also taken to a turtle institute. This was important because Costa Rica (mainly Tortuguero) is one of the largest turtle conservation centers in the world.

While in different cities being able to experience the different cultures and traditions was the main focus the teachers wanted students to experience. When asked what her favorite difference was between America and Costa Rica, Dr. V stated, “They have a different level of service, everyone is so kind and service oriented, while in America not everyone who works is so kind.” Dr. V also stated, “it was nice being able to see the girls experience a new level of independence and be able to try things they may have never done before.”