COIL Trip to Costa Rica
EOP Blog
Day Seven
May 23, 2026
We are back in San Jose as I write this post. We spent most of today, our last day, as a free day in Jacó Beach. Half of the group went zip lining in the rainforest, while the other half took an ATV tour to a waterfall and swimming hole. We weren’t able to bring phones or cameras on our tours so there are no pictures of our adventures. But our memories will be with us forever.
After we returned from our adventures, everyone did their last-minute things they wanted to do at the beach. It was amazing to see how comfortable everybody seemed to feel wandering around a city in a foreign country at this point.
The best part of our day was our celebratory final meal together on our way back to San Jose. We met Julia, Marco, and Gabe from U Peace at a very cool local brew pub. We shared delicious thin crust pizzas and vibrant conversation. Julia and her staff acknowledged the hard work of our students and gave each student a certificate of completion.
At the close of Julia’s certificate ceremony, Tunde, John, and I had an opportunity to speak as well. We reminded the students of the courage it took to come on this trip when many of their peers were unwilling. We acknowledged how open they were to new experiences, new food, and a new culture. Most of all, we honored how they looked out for each other and bonded as a group.
As Tunde closed the remarks for the evening, he said something to these students that will stick with me and hopefully them as well. He told the students that he knew they would do great things and that we all believed in them. He ended his remarks by telling them that what is evident from their work on this trip is that for each, and every one of them greatness lies within. I couldn’t agree more.
Day Six
May 22, 2026
Today we traveled to Tarcoles Beach to meet Jeanette, a fisherwoman and small business owner. Tarcoles Beach is home to a fishing cooperative where nearly 30 independently owned boats bring their fish every day. The families that rely on fishing as their livelihood count on this cooperative and what it does to help move their catch to market.
When we arrived, Jeanette and her employees had us push two large boats into the water so we could go out into the Pacific and fish. We used a coiled line with shrimp attached, trying for an hour and a half to catch fish. None of us were lucky, but we enjoyed being out on the water and learning about this style of fishing from our guides. A few of us even jumped into the water to enjoy a refreshing swim.
After our failed attempt at fishing, we returned to the beach, sat in chairs under an awning, and listened to Jeanette describe how she battled large commercial fisherman to create a protected sustainable fishing culture. For years, the commercial fishing companies were trolling the full coast of Costa Rica and leaving no fish for the small fishing villages and cooperatives. Jeanette, through the cooperative, lobbied the government in San Jose to create a protected area on the Pacific coast where overfishing needed regulation. While she did not get as much coast protection as she’d hoped, she was satisfied with what she got and worked hard to see that the regulations were enforced. Within a few short years, the culture changed into one of shared waters and sustainable behavior.
The real reward for Jeanette came when other cooperatives around Costa Rica followed her model and lobbied for their own protected stretch of coast as well. That has dramatically changed what could have been a disaster created by the commercial fishing companies.
We toured the cooperative and got to see some of the fishermen preparing the catches they made that day. We then walked to a restaurant a few blocks away from the beach and were treated to an amazing lunch of fresh fish caught that morning. The students were a-buzz with excitement about how Jeanette was the first to push for change and create the model, allowing for others to follow her lead. Some of the students were talking about things they wanted to change and wondered if they could be that first person to start a chain reaction. It seems Jeanette may have inspired a few other revolutions today.
Day Five
May 21, 2026
Doing good feels good
When we set out for the day today, we knew that what we were about to do would be hard both physically and emotionally. We boarded the bus earlier than usual and drove a half hour north to the Tarcoles River intersection with the Pacific coast. There is a commercial wildlife tour base in this location. They partner with Mareblu, an environmental foundation, allowing them to meet groups of volunteers at their site. In return, Mareblu and their volunteers clean up the river that facilitates their tourism.
Geronimo, the founder of Mareblu, is a passionate change maker. We learned about the organization briefly before boarding a boat with Geronimo and his team that took us to a low tide beach where plastics from the river wash up. When we arrived, we were overwhelmed by the volume of the materials lying everywhere. Each of us could notice at least one thing, if not ten, that we use every day. The consequences of careless consumerism hit us right in the face.
Everyone immediately got to work picking up plastic and putting it into large white bags which would then be dumped into larger white bags. Mareblu set up a tent with water and snacks for those that needed a break. I did not see our students take many breaks. They were all anxious to clean up as much as they could during the two hours that we had to work.
It is worth noting that the temperature was 98° with a feels like temperature of 111°. As we sweat through every piece of clothing on our bodies, we kept working and working to try to make a dent in the mountain of plastic. Mareblu hosts volunteers all throughout the week, week after week, month after month to try to prevent this plastic from making its way into the ocean.
In the end, we collected over 400 pounds of plastic. I have never been prouder of these students than I was today. The conditions were tough and no one complained. In fact, everyone said that they enjoyed doing the work because they knew they were making a difference. The tour company was so appreciative of our work. We were treated to a free tour up the river, where we saw some of the largest crocodiles on the planet. We also saw countless species of fabulous birds and an iguana or two.
I think the thing that surprised me the most, was how disappointed the students were when we ran out of time. The tide dictates how long volunteers can be there. Despite the heat and the back breaking work, if we could have stayed longer, each student would have kept going. We all have much to be proud of in the students our community has built. They all have much to be proud of in the people they have become. I could tell on the bus ride back that each and every one of them felt good because they knew that day, they did good.
Day Four
May 20, 2026
Early this morning we packed up our bags and boarded the bus. We headed toward the Pacific Ocean with a morning stop at a family owned. Coffee farm called El Toledo. Our visit to the coffee farm delivered many surprises, including a sustainable coffee farmer who loathes the term “organic.” and who thinks we should be growing less coffee. Gabriel challenged us to consider what sustainable farming really is and what goes into our daily cup of coffee.
Gabriel explained how coffee farms seek the organic label so that coffee proceeds reap greater profits. While many times the organic label is deserved, it is also often purchased or obtained through some other form of corruption. Gabriel explained that his family is running an organic farm not for this increased profit, but because the chemicals they were using made his father sick. In fact, he is no longer using the organic label.
Perhaps the most interesting part of our coffee visit was when Gabrielle worked to convince us that drinking coffee is actually a non-nutritious waste of resources . It seems that the coffee bean that goes into our machines represents .0001 of the harvested fruit. It has no nutritious value and serves little purpose for our bodies. His mission has been to encourage farmers to use the whole fruit, including the skin to minimize waste. We tried tea made out of dried coffee berry skin, coffee berry, marmalade, and even coffee berry wine. We were all amazed at how delicious the other parts of the coffee fruit are.
Gabriel led us through a coffee tasting and then we toured the farm. He showed us how growing many different things on the farm and not just coffee, enables his family to create the kind of biodiversity that allows for year long growing. We ate turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger right off the plant. We saw bananas and avocados growing side-by-side with coffee plants
After this incredible and informative hike through the farm we enjoyed a delicious lunch on the farm porch overlooking the mountains. When it was time for us to return to the bus, it started to pour. Many of us left our rain gear back at the tasting room. This turned out to be nothing to worry about as Gabriel quickly grabbed his machete and hacked off enough banana tree leaves for each of us to have our own natural umbrella.
We ended our day with a drive to our new hotel, some pool time, a walk to the beach, and dinner on the strip. We were treated to a sighting of a pair of scarlet macaws in the tree just outside our hotel. It is significantly more humid here at the coast. We have a beach cleanup tomorrow, which will prove to be interesting in punishing heat..
So as we wind up our day, we retire with a reminder that we should not give our food labels more credit than they deserve and seek to know more about how our food is grown. We have learned the important lesson of research, understanding, and the extraordinary importance of biodiversity to the future of healthy food.
Day Three
May 19, 2026
Perspective is everything
Today we started our day by visiting Cedes Don Bosco. This is a technical high school in a poor community in San Jose. The high school was created so that students in this region could have a better chance at improving their socio-economic situation. Before coming to Costa Rica, we worked with an English class from this high school for six weeks. We had a cultural competency module via Zoom, and using content sharing technology. We were beyond excited to meet the students and faculty live!
When we arrived, we were greeted by the students and staff with excitement and genuine warmth. We participated in an icebreaker and broke up into groups. We wandered around campus and took a tour of the magnificent technical facilities in this six-year high school. It rivals anything that I’ve ever seen in the United States for providing skills to enter the high demand job market immediately after high school. The students graduate with a technical degree, as well as his high school degree. Our students interacted easily with the Don Bosco students. When it was time for us to leave, it was clear everyone wanted to keep in touch with the connections they made.
The second half of our day was equally rewarding, but perhaps a bit more somber. There are many vulnerable communities of immigrants and poor families in San Jose. There are also amazing organizations doing work to help alleviate the oppression of poverty. We visited one such organization called “A Boy With a Ball“. This organization works in a very poor community to bring hope and love to the children who reside there. Their primary focus is making the children feel seen and ensuring they get what they need to complete their education.
When we arrived, we were treated to a lunch made by one of the mothers in the community. Afterward, we learned about how the organization works in the community and where the concept originated. We then participated in a community walk about, a biweekly event performed by organization employees and volunteers. The purpose of this walkabout is to talk to the families and see what needs they might have and to simply show that they are cared for. This was deeply moving for all of us in countless ways.
When we finished our volunteer work, we went back to the NGO for a debriefing and discussion. Our students had many questions about how to stay involved with this organization and continue to help. While the organization was interested in having our help, the NGO leaders very tactfully and purposefully redirected us to do similar work in our own community.
So today’s lesson is perspective. We often think that the United States is the best at everything. However, our visit with Don Bosco showed us that a city in Costa Rica has figured out how to provide a high-quality technical education to the people who need it most, together with a high-quality general education. In the United States, we also tend to think that we are lacking. Our visit with the vulnerable community showed us how much we actually have to be thankful for,and in fact, how much we can give.
Day Two
May 18, 2026
Today we spent the day at the University of Peace, a United Nations University. We worked together to create ground rules for the remainder of our trip and learned all about U Peace from our hosts. Our morning included a hike to the peace monument, on the way to which we saw a toucan in the wild We had a delicious lunch in the university’s cafeteria, which rivals many restaurants in our hometown.
In the afternoon we had two seminars. The first seminar was a lesson on the reasons why many businesses are investing in Costa Rica. The second seminar was about regenerative tourism as the next logical step after Eco tourism. The philosophy is to leave a place better than you found it. The second half of this session was a mindfulness meditation outside, engaging with the beautiful environment at the university. The facilitator explained the concept of biophelia and the human need to be connected to nature.
The main takeaway from this day of learning from and sharing space with people leading the effort to bring peace to our world, is that peace is not just the absence of violence. True peace can only exist when there is climate justice, environmental justice, animal justice, gender justice, racial justice, and human rights.
Day One
May 17, 2026
We are on our way to JFK airport and received our first of what is sure to be many lessons. We had a preplanned stop at the Panera in Middletown for dinner and bathroom break. For various unplanned reasons, we arrived at 8;50 when they were closing at 9. We expected to be greeted with at best mild hostility, and at worst outright rage. But, when 15 people walked in to order at closing time, the Panera employees were kind, patient, and interested in us and our voyage. When our orders were ready and we were packing up to leave, they offered us free baked goods that were left from the day. So lesson 1: expect goodness in people.
After settling in and resting we visited a local butterfly garden and enjoyed a meal on the terrace.
Pre-Costa Rica Trip (May 15, 2026)
Hola, I am Cherie Donnelly, a student at Corning Community College. I am graduating at the end of this semester, and Corning NY is my hometown. My major is Liberal Arts and Sciences: Humanities/Social Sciences A.S. My passion and interest while pursuing my education has always been centered on public interest through law/government, and to advocate for others. I have a strong passion for social justice, environmental protection, consumer rights, and civil rights. As a first-generation and non-traditional student, I have faced many challenges. While it has been far from easy I am proud of myself for remaining dedicated and consistent in pushing through my studies and accomplishing so much while persevering through such difficult times. Now I can finally celebrate the fact that I am graduating from Corning Community College.
I am beyond excited to go to Costa Rica with the EOP group, as many of us in the program have never had an opportunity quite like this ever before, and never did I ever dream that I would be included and given this amazing chance to see a new part of the world and be able to learn from it as part of my academic studies. I am excited to see and learn more about Costa Rica’s ecosystems and the biodiversity within the country. I would love to see a sloth but not just one, I want to see a lot of them, especially a baby one, and of course I want to see all of the beautiful birds and just take in the sounds of them all. Overall, I am really just looking forward to seeing all that Costa Rica has. I am also really excited to learn more about their sustainable agriculture. I hear Costa Rica has the sweetest tasting fruits, amazing coffee, and delicious chocolate.
I have always loved learning about different lifestyles from other cultures, and feel it is very important in fostering unity and enhancing communication. I have been dedicating a little bit of time every day to learning Spanish, even though I have only retained a small amount so far. It is something that I want to keep learning and improving on well after this trip. I am so thankful to have this opportunity to gain first-hand experience of viewing, learning, and meeting other students and locals from a different part of the world, and to form a new mindset from what I am used to.
Hello everyone my name is Tabitha Bauer,everyone calls me TT, that started because my god son couldn’t say my name. My house was always that safe haven for my children's friends and they always felt safe and there was no judgement in my house. If they had a problem I was there to talk with them, and now all their friends that are very close call me mom or mama TT. My major at Corning Community College is General Education., I started college Fall of 2024. I was born in Florida, raised in Shirley New York. I am a mother of three. I have a son (27) and twin daughters (24) . I enjoy cooking, baking and learning new things. I waited for my children to finish school to finish my education, so I guess you can say that is one of the things that I have overcome in my challenges. I waited to give the support they needed before I did my goals and challenges in life. Another challenge that I have overcome is trying to separate my time from college and family. Sometimes I feel that it is a little hard but I try my best to give all that I have to everyone including my EOP family. My goal for this trip is to meet new people and learn about their culture, lifestyle, and everything in between, during this opportunity of exploring a new country that I have never been to. I am very excited and can not wait for this adventure that we are going to explore together as a group.
I choose to go on this trip because this will give me the opportunity to explore a different global learning experience. In doing so I will be learning about the different cultures, foods, the environment and meeting new people, and we can learn from each other. The thing that I am excited about for this trip is to learn more about Costa Rica on what it offers. Our vision as a group to help others is very exciting and to explore and learn what they have to offer is the most exciting thing one can give . I have been to a different country before, but I am a little bit nervous about going to Costa Rica because of the language barrier, but I will try to adapt and overcome my fears as we all should.
Hi, I’m Luke Jones! I’m from Corning, New York. I’m a history major at CCC. I’m very excited about this trip! I’ve had a few challenges preparing for this trip… I don’t have a working washer or dryer. I have to clean all my clothes to prepare. I also have to purchase some new clothes as well. This takes time and effort, especially since I haven’t done laundry in a while. My number one goal is to gain a new appreciation for the country. I can see it on a map and hear facts, but it’s not the same as being there. I’m ready to learn more about the culture and intricacies of the nation.
I chose to go on this trip for several reasons. However, the most important is to learn the culture of Costa Rica. I’m very excited to see the local people and their lives. I want to know how it differs from America. I’m the most excited for the food. I love food a lot, and seeing another culture’s food is a huge deal. Food in America is not always the best. I love Latin-based food, so this should be a treat! I’m the most nervous for the language barrier. I know a little Spanish but not very much. I want to be respectful, but it’s hard when I don’t know the language.
I expect a very welcoming culture, in all honesty. From what I learned about the nation, the culture is very kind and friendly! This is very encouraging. Some nations are little apprehensive towards foreigners; thankfully, Costa Rica isn’t. I think I’ll learn a little bit more Spanish. Rather than the textbook-taught version, this is the real deal! I think I’ll be surprised by the beauty. It is one thing to see pictures, but it’s a whole other thing to see it with the naked eye. I’m brushing up a bit on my Spanish so I could at least conduct myself somewhat. I’m also buying some new clothes so I arrive in style!
My name is Sean McNerlin. I am a full time student with a business major at Corning Community College. It is my first year and my second semester. I plan to go for one more year before my graduation. I was born in Rochester, however, grew up in Elmira. I'd say that Elmira is my hometown, given that I was raised there. I like to do a lot of fun activities like: rock climbing, zip lining, bowling, playing board games, exploring, hiking, snow boarding, and many other things. Some may say that I have far too many hobbies, but I disagree. I'm often working with something so I can't always do the things I love, but whenever I get the chance, I'll be doing something fun.
I've overcome many challenges, but one greater than most would have to be finding the balance in everything I do. For a time I thought that I had everything under wraps and I couldn't possibly get any busier. But It was only recently that I found that I could fit so much more into my day to day life. College taught me proper time management, and for that I am grateful.
Sometimes I feel that I work myself a little too hard, so on this trip my goal is to take a break, explore, and make new friends along the way. I've always loved to explore and try new things. It's a part of me that I feel I don't express often enough. My being on this trip is a chance to let that side of me shine again.
When I visit Costa Rica, I would genuinely expect to see many people speaking Spanish. Costa Rica being a culture of peace, I would also expect Costa Rica residents to be extremely kind. Since Costa Rica is not putting extra money into a military that they don't even have, the resort should be kept extremely well. I have also heard that the people of Costa Rica cleans up rouge litter, so the resort should be pretty clean.
I think that I may be able to learn some Spanish as I look at things in Spanish that I would usually see in English. I think I will learn what people in Costa Rica are like and more on how the people there do things compared to here in the U.S.
What I think may surprise me is the difference in taste of the chocolate there in Costa Rica compared to ours in the U.S. Considering Costa Rica is a home of chocolate production, I would say that the chocolate would taste absolutely amazing. But how amazing is the question. I'm sure there will be other things that may surprise me, but not sure how to pinpoint until I'm actually there living the experience.
I am preparing for this trip by buying the clothing items I may need and making sure everything is set to one place. My bags will very soon be packed and I will soon be ready. I will also be bracing myself for when I go and ride the plane.
I chose to come to Costa Rica for a multitude of reasons. I chose to go on this trip because it is an opportunity to be able to experience a different culture. I have always wanted to travel to such a nice place outside the United States. This feels like it would be a once in a lifetime experience as I honestly thought It just wouldn't happen. The EOP program has allowed me to check such a luxury off my bucket list.
I am most excited for the different experience, the thrill of adventure. I would love to see the culture and what they are all about. I am all for peace and that is what I have heard Costa Rica is all about. I also heard that Costa Rica is the home of chocolate, I absolutely love chocolate. Bread is also something to look forward too, as the bread here in the U.S is cheap and corrupted.
I would say that there would be three things that I would be worried about most: the language barrier as I would not be able to understand or won't be understood, although I have been practicing a little; not knowing where I am to go as I would not like to feel super lost; and, It would also be my first time riding a plane. I can't say for certain that I will be comfortable enough being on that plane. I may or may not have seen too many movies and, as a result, have led me to fear the possibility of wailing babies on the plane.
Despite my worries, I believe that it will be very much worth it and am very excited to participate on this journey.
Hello, this is blog three before costa Rica. I’m not exactly sure what I expect culturally from Costa Rica. I am expecting a level of a barrier due to us being American in general and tourists, but I am also expecting a warm community from the locals. I feel Americans are more judgmental towards other cultures than other cultures. Depending on the individual’s bigotry and cultural competency. I have heard many great things about the locals of costa Rica and I’m excited to interact with the costa Rica hospitality myself. I am also expecting there to be some markets and a good number of people out and about. I think I am going to learn a lot about the costa Rican culture and social customs, in humbling ways or not. I’m quite excited to learn more about Costa Rica’s Environmental impact and agriculture firsthand. I am not sure what I’m going to be surprised by however I do think many things will, I am generally a pickier eater so I could be surprised by the food potentially. I am looking forward to the surprises and knowledge, however. I’m going to be preparing for the trip this week after I move home. In the time between studying for finals and such I would like to pack everything to see how it fits and weighs it before the trip.
I’ve always believed that growth happens when you step outside of what’s familiar but if I’m being honest, I haven’t always acted on that belief when it comes to travel. This trip to Costa Rica is my first time going, and it represents something bigger than just getting on a plane. It’s a moment I’ve been thinking about for a long time.
I’ve always wanted to travel there, with my wife and with friends. Costa Rica has been one of those places in my mind: beautiful, peaceful, rooted in culture, and full of life. So to finally be going is exciting… but it also comes with a mix of emotions. I won’t lie, there’s a part of me that wishes my wife were making this trip with me so that I can experience purpose, growth, and a new culture and country with her. But we’re both ok with me experiencing this trip with the EOP group and Dr. J.
So why did I choose to go on this trip?
Because I didn’t want to keep saying “one day.”
Because I work with students every day, encouraging them to take opportunities, step into the unknown, and invest in themselves, and I needed to do the same.
Because I want to experience a different culture not from a screen or a book, but in real life, through people, conversations, food, history, and shared moments.
And honestly, because I want to feel something new.
What am I most excited about?
I’m excited about the people. The connections. The conversations that happen when you’re out of your normal routine and fully present. I’m excited to see how our students engage. how they grow, what they notice, and how this experience shifts their perspective. That part matters to me deeply.
I’m also excited about the culture. Costa Rica is known for “Pura Vida”, a mindset that centers on simplicity, gratitude, and enjoying life. That resonates with me. In a world where everything moves fast, where we’re constantly chasing the next thing, I’m looking forward to slowing down and being intentional.
I’m excited to step into environments that are different from home, whether that’s learning about sustainability, visiting local communities, or just being surrounded by nature in a way that reminds you how big the world really is.
What am I nervous about?
Anytime you leave your comfort zone, there’s uncertainty. New place, new people, new systems, new culture. You don’t know exactly what to expect. There’s also the reality of being away from family, from routine, from what’s familiar.
Sometimes when we’re nervous, it means we’re doing something that matters.
It means you’re growing.
It means you’re stepping into something that has the potential to change you.
And that’s exactly why I’m going.
This trip is also about modeling something for our students, especially those in EOP. Many of them have never imagined themselves in a global experience like this. If they can see someone who looks like them, who works with them, who believes in them, taking that step, it makes it real.
It tells them: you can do this too.
And it’s about making sure that “one day” becomes right now.
Hello, my name is John Forde and I have a Master of Social Work degree from Boise State University. I am originally from Chicago and my current hometown is Corning, NY. I am the Counselor for the EOP Program and truly did not think that this job would take me to Costa Rica. I am very excited to be going.
One challenge I’ve overcome is earning my master’s degree as an adult while working full-time. It required discipline, time management, and perseverance, but it remains one of my proudest accomplishments. I would like to continue my education by studying Music Theory.
One of my main goals for this trip is to connect with people from Costa Rica and experience the local cuisine. I want to go on this trip because I love exploring
beyond my hometown and want to see as much of the world as possible. Traveling gives me the opportunity to learn how others live and to expand my perspective.
I am especially excited to spend a day at the beach and swim in the ocean. At the same time, I feel nervous about leaving my home and my four cats. My house is older and still a work in progress, so I have anxiety about it when I’m away. My cats are so amazing. I love spending time with them and I miss them deeply whenever I travel.
Culturally, I expect to be challenged by being in a Spanish-speaking environment. However, I welcome that challenge and enjoy learning about different ways of life. I think I may discover that I’m well-suited for a warm, tropical climate and might wish I had visited Costa Rica sooner as it’s been a long-time goal of mine to go there. At the same time, I may be surprised by how much I miss my home, daily routines, and familiar comforts.
To prepare for the trip, I’ve been watching travel shows and YouTube videos about Costa Rica. I’ve also taken my summer clothes out of storage. I will be bringing my swim goggles, which I always travel with since I love swimming in pools, lakes, and oceans.
One meaningful item I’m bringing is my French press coffee maker. I’m excited to try local Costa Rican coffee and I prefer making it strong. Before I leave, I still need to pick up travel-sized sunscreen and a few small containers for my carry-on bag.