Trip Theme: “Nemirovsky and Bohnett: Assisting Communities With Local Sustainability Projects”
Apply: CLOSED
Deadline: October 15, 2018 @ 11:59 pm (or until we receive the first 40 applications, whichever comes first)
Trip Dates: December 13, 2018-December 20, 2018
Description:
Journey to the expanses of deep rainforest and jungle, towering volcanoes, and stretches of beaches that embody la costa rica. Renown for its incredible biodiversity, Costa Rica’s jungles hold a remarkable 500,000 species including a wide variety of birds, monkeys, frogs, sloths, big cats, and reptile species including the world’s fastest running lizard, the spiny-tailed iguana. Travel to this part of the Central American isthmus and experience its natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
ASB Costa Rica participants will stay with host families in the town of Pejibaye, meet the local community and explore the food and culture. Students will be rotating between community services with local sustainability projects within the community of Pejibaye. In the afternoon, we will spend time with local town people, performing cultural activities, and sharing typical dishes.
Participants will also explore the cultural remains from the oldest known settlements in the Turrialba Valley, once home to the original hunter-gathers of Costa Rica. This will include a visit to a farm that has many sustainable practices. Then, we will drive to the entrance of the Pacuare River, mentioned by National Geographic as one of the top five rafting destinations in the world. Experience whitewater rafting on the rapids and then sleep in the Ecolodge surrounded by rainforests, with the sights and sounds of wildlife echoing in the canyons around us. There will also be several scenic hikes (approx 3 miles) through the rainforest and a tour of an indigenous family farm.
Live la pura vida, the pure life, and volunteer with us as we learn to preserve the culture and natural environment of Costa Rica.
Trip Leader(s):
Tyler Benateigha is the Residential College Coordinator for Nemirovsky & Bohnett Residential Colleges. Tyler grew up in Longmont, Colorado and studied History at Colorado State University before earning his master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs at the University of Connecticut. Tyler has a passion for working in Residential Education and helping create communities where residents feel they belong and can be successful. In his free time, Tyler enjoys spending time with his partner and his dog, both of whom live with him at USC! Tyler’s favorite sport to play is volleyball but also digs football and ultimate frisbee. He enjoys many TV series including Game of Thrones, House of Cards, Sense 8, Parks and Rec, and more! His other passions include puns, pizza, guacamole (one of the few things he is good at making), secret handshakes, dancing,
Kevin Villalta is the Residential Community Coordinator for the Graduate and Family Housing West. Kevin has worked for several years within the residential education programs at UC Santa Barbara and Cal State Northridge. Kevin also has experience in the field of clinical social work having provided mental health therapy services for children, families, and adults from underserved communities in LA County. His passions within residential education include health promotion, first-generation student success, social justice education, and student leadership. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys attending live concerts, exploring art museums, traveling, bowling, and karaoke with friends and family.
Approximate Cost: Free – Note: this trip is reserved for Nemirovsky and Bohnett College Residents (Cancellation Fee applies if you drop from the trip after confirming your acceptance)