In alignment with our mission to forge an equitable, sustainable, and joyous future, Hewitt’s travel program invites students to extend their learning beyond the walls of their classrooms, explore unique and interesting places on our planet, and continue developing into responsible global citizens.
This June, Hewitt high schoolers traveled to Costa Rica for a trip focused on meaningful real world and experiential learning. Led by Director of Sustainability Tim Clare, Director of Equity and Community Life Alia Carponter-Walker, and Director of Athletics Walter Rodriguez, the group spent 10 days exploring Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio in Quepos, Dominical, Uvita, Parque Nacional Los Quetzales in Santa Maria, and the capital city of San José. Highlights of their itinerary included kayaking through a mangrove forest in the Quepos estuary, learning about marine biology at Uvita Beach, visiting a sustainable cacao and coffee farm in Manuel Antonio, and ziplining through a lowland tropical rainforest along the Pacific Coast in Uvita. Throughout their travels, students observed the incredible biodiversity that Costa Rica and its tropical ecosystems are known for, including sloths, howler and capuchin monkeys, toucans, and agoutis.
Upon returning home, one student shared, “The trip to Costa Rica was meaningful to me not only because it was my first time traveling out of the United States, but also because it gave me a greater perspective on living a fuller and more sustainable life.” Another reflected, “In Costa Rica, I immersed myself in a vibrant culture. The trip taught me to live in the moment without relying on technology, which helped me connect with locals and learn about their lives. I also formed new bonds and shared unforgettable moments with my classmates, strengthening our friendships beyond school.”