KC Board Hears About Costa Rica Trip for HS Spanish Students

By Christopher Miller

BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP – High School Spanish teacher Jessica Whipple spoke with the board Thursday evening regarding a proposed trip for students in Spanish classes to travel to Costa Rica in June 2027.

Whipple said that she chose Costa Rica as it is a beautiful country that has many unique experiences for students to enjoy.

“I have taken students there in the past and it is one of the safest countries in Latin America. I have never had an issue there before and have felt very safe,” she told the board.

The trip would be for a limited number of students taking Spanish in grades 9 – 11.

“I do not have an exact number as it depends on how many students would be interested in signing up for the trip,” she said. “In the past I have taken anywhere from 12-20 students to Spain or Costa Rica, along with one chaperone and two adults from the high school building.”

The price per student includes almost everything such as transportation, airfare, and a tour bus while in the country. 

Some of the highlights of the trip would include a visit to Tortuguero National Park, ziplining, whitewater rafting, kayaking, visiting Palo Verde National Park, and being immersed in a new culture.

“Our experienced, expert tour guide leads the way. They speak the local language, have extensive knowledge of the destinations, and manage all hotel check-ins, meals, and tickets. We will have to do fundraising for the trip,” Whipple added.

Aside from fundraising the trip, students would be responsible for attaining a passport, baggage fees, tips for drivers, snacks and some meals, and any room upgrades.

The tour company, EF Educational Tours, will create personalized fundraising pages on their website for each student to share with their family and friends while they plan for the trip. A Global Citizenship Scholarship of $1,000 off of their tour is given to 100 students a year, according to a slide in the presentation.

Previous tours that students have been involved in include France and Spain.