Bullis Blog | Global Studies Trips

Greetings Bullis families and community! It is our final evening in Costa Rica, and emotions are bittersweet. As mentioned yesterday, the groups switched itineraries today to plant trees, complete a waterfall hike, take surf lessons, and frolic on Playa Chaman. Then it was time to travel by bus to San Jose, and stop for souvenir shopping on the way. We ended the evening by celebrating and reflecting on the trip with our Global Works leaders, Mrs. Hannah White, and Dr. Weinstein-Sears. There were many different emotions - sadness at the thought of leaving, joy for the memories made, confidence from stepping outside their comfort zone, and an eagerness at the thought of reuniting with families.  Here are two reflections on our final day and the trip as a whole: Cayla G. '30 writes Today was our last full day in Costa Rica, and it felt really bittersweet. In the morning, my group headed into the rainforest to plant trees, which made me feel like we were actually helping the envi...

Hello Bullis community! Students were up early this morning to spend an eventful and fulfilling day exploring beautiful Uvita. One group took surf lessons and enjoyed the sun on Playa Chaman, while the other group participated in tree-planting to support Costa Rica's ecosystem and a refreshing waterfall hike. Both groups came together at night for salsa lessons and karaoke!  Everyone had a phenomenal time, and here are three reflections about the day: From the perspective of Sophia L. '30  Today was a great day! When we woke up, we heard the chirping sounds of multiple animals. On our way to the beach, we saw scarlet macaws! When we got to the beach, we split up into two groups to surf the waves! Surfing was exhilarating and exhausting at the same time. After a little rest in the hotel and lunch, we reconvened for our second beach trip of the day. Then it was time for dinner! After dinner, we learned some Salsa dancing, and I got to sing karaoke! It was a really cool exp...

Greetings from Uvita! The time to say goodbye to La Fortuna and Volcano Arenal has come. Students had their final breakfast at La Montana de Fuego, set off for zip-lining, and boarded buses for a cozy ride to Uvita. Here are a few words from our adventurous students about today's experiences. Mari W. '30 reflects on the day Today, we packed up our things from La Montana de Fuego to get ready for our next adventure. We got on the bus with all of our stuff and headed down to some zip lines! The zip lines were scattered across the forest, and we were high in a canyon full of trees and the view of a beautiful lake. The zip lines were fast, and we were zooming through the forest! There were seven zip lines, and they were long enough so we could enjoy the view, solo or in duos with our friends. After facing our fear of heights, we got some snacks and got back on the bus for our ride to the Pacific side of Costa Rica. The bus ride was long, but the views made up for it. After tak...

Hola Bullis Community! Another beautiful and action-packed day in La Fortuna comes to a close! As mentioned yesterday, students were able to switch itineraries today. All of the students were eager to participate in community service, cheese-making, and white-water rafting after hearing from their peers how wonderful the experiences were. Our nightly closing circle provided students the opportunity not only to reflect, but to use their newfound knowledge about Costa Rica to approach challenges the next day with confidence, problem-solving skills, and a greater sense of teamwork. They are truly traveling with purpose! And as a special surprise, our amazing Global Works leaders organized a traditional Costa Rican dance performance! Not only were students able to witness internationally acclaimed dancers perform, but they were also invited to dance along with them at the end of the performance. Here are three reflections on today's events from our young globe-trotters:  From the...

  Hello again, Bullis community! It has been an eventful, insightful, and collaborative Day #2 in La Fortuna! One half of our students experienced the value and impact of serving a local community and learned about the process of cheesemaking from a local entrepreneur. Across the way, the other half of our group conquered the thrilling rapids of the Balsa River, went souvenir shopping, and enjoyed some relaxing time at the hot springs. We ended our day with a thoughtful, reflective closing circle to ground us in our experiences. Students had quite a bit to say about these experiences:  Z oe A. '30 writes: Pura vida! Overall, today was a great day! Because of the time difference, I woke up early, but breakfast was at 8:30 AM, so I relaxed in bed and chatted with friends. When it was finally time to get ready, my roommate Sammi and I got out of the door swiftly and took a longer route to enjoy the morning scenery, including Volcano Arenal. My first day of breakfast was gre...