Mission Statement
Costa Rica Explorations provides students of all ages with a cross-cultural experience in which they can gain a more compassionate perspective of the diverse cultures of the world.
Using an experiential hands-on approach, through community service projects, homestays, & adventure travel, participants are able to develop greater self- confidence, leadership techniques, independence, and team-building skills. We strive to open students' eyes to their own capabilities of being able to make a positive difference in the world.
We believe that education is knowledge and that knowledge is acquired through real-life experiences.
Testimonials
Cory Smith
Spanish Teacher
Pierce Middle School, Milton MA
"Since being back at school the kids have been sharing in their classes
and I have heard nothing but positive comments from all the other teachers.
Definitely doesn't happen on every trip, especially to another country!
I'll definitely keep you in mind for future years..."
Christina
"Thank you so much for making our trip so memorable. When I got home and started telling my parents about it, I realized it was the only trip I've been on where I felt so at home and welcome everywhere I went. It was nice not to be doing touristy things all the time and just enjoying the country. I can't thank you enough for everything you did for us and all of your patience (!!) with our questions! Good luck with your trip in the summer, I'm sure you'll have another good one. Thanks again for everything."
Lea
"John, thank you so much for everything you have done for us. Without you guiding us through this trip, we would definitely not have enjoyed it as much. You were a leader to me, but most importantly you were a friend to me. You were always able to make things exciting, even if it was scrubbing the walls. Thanks again, and I hope to see you again."
Will
"Thank you for being our guide during our stay in Costa Rica. It was an amazing experience and I learned a lot about a different culture! I also learned a lot of small facts from you that added to my understanding of Costa Rican culture. I plan to keep in contact with my host family and to maintain a new friendship. I also think my Spanish/ acting skills have improved greatly and I thank you again."
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Philosophy
We attain our goals by incorporating three equally important components into each program. Each of these components plays a key role in the student's personal development and cross-cultural experience while traveling abroad with Costa Rica Explorations.
International Community Service Projects. The students are able to experience firsthand their ability to help communities in need internationally. Costa Rica Explorations teaches students that when planning a service project each project should be tailored to the unique needs of the community. All groups must be equally invested in the project. Students are encouraged to fundraise beforehand. This money is used to purchase the supplies for their project. The goal of the service projects is to help the community, but also to teach students skills that they will be able to apply within their hometowns. Our hope is that they look at the needs of their own communities and with their newly learned skills, develop projects to help their neighbors at home.
Language & Cultural Immersion Homestays. The homestay phase integrates each student into the natural, everyday way of life of the local community. The students eat three meals a day with their families, engage in daily routines, learn how to communicate in the Spanish language, and teach their families English words and phrases. It is a true intercultural exchange. Through their homestays, students not only learn Spanish, but they also learn a different way of life. They gain a mutual understanding and respect for diverse cultures. Their families, in return, have the same experience.
Individual and Group Development. While the students are participating in adventure day trips, educational field trips, homestays, and/or community service projects, they are challenged to evaluate their individual growth as well as their ability to work within a team. Students are aided through this process by setting attainable personal and group goals. These goals are realized through workshops, team building activities, and leadership development exercises. Students process their experiences and grow through regular group disscussions. They are encouraged to analyze their personal development by means of reflection and journal entries.
Founders
John Rabenau
John has been leading groups of students of all ages on service project
based trips through Costa Rica and Central America for over 3 years.
He is a continuous student of experiential education and is a strong
advocate of service based learning. John was born in St. Louis, MO
and attended Miami University in Oxford, OH. He graduated with two
business degrees and has worked in various small businesses and projects
all over North and Central America. Before then he spent time in the
Florida Keys and Outer Banks of North Carolina. He lived in Turrialba,
Costa Rica for over 3 years.
John has worked in the outdoor education industry for
the over 5 years, working as a lead instructor, guide specialist,
trip coordinator and trip designer for Breakthroughs Abroad and The
Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound School. John also worked as a
guide for various adventure travel companies in Costa Rica and has
received a great deal of formal safety training. John has his Wilderness
First Responder (WFR), Swift-Water Rescue, and Vertical Rescue Training
certifications. John speaks Spanish fluently.
Molly Alden
With such a friendly smile and warm personality it is
no wonder that Molly's passion in life is teaching. Throughout her
career she has worked with countless different types people in a myriad
of settings. Molly is currently teaching 2nd grade in Park City, UT.
She recently returned from Costa Rica where she taught
4th, 5th, and 6th graders math, science, and English for 3 years in
a bilingual elementary school in Turrialba, Costa Rica. During her
summers she co-led Community Service Abroad trips for high school
students in remote villages in Costa Rica.
Molly was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana.
She received her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Miami University
and her Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Boston College.
In Boston, she taught within the Public School System, worked as a
Program Educator for the New England Aquarium, and served as a ChildCare
Counselor and Coordinator for children and adolescents with severe
emotional and behavioral problems. Molly has enjoyed participating
in outdoor activities all of her life. She thoroughly enjoys mountain
biking, hiking, camping and staying fit. Her favorite things about
living in Costa Rica are the lifestyle of her Spanish-speaking community
and the appreciation of nature that exists around her everyday.
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