After weeks of working hand-in-hand with the community of Silencio, yesterday we said goodbye and gave thanks in an emotional fiesta de despedida (goodbye party). We invited nearly the entire town to spend the afternoon and the evening together eating good food, exchanging gifts of…

Before we headed off to Silencio for our fiesta de despedida, the Villa group got some last adventuring in. A couple of days ago we visited the Waterfall de Llanos Cortés, one of Costa Rica’s highlights. In addition to the main waterfall, there is a secluded waterfall only…

Time has been a-flyin’ with the Villa crew! Recent days have been full of culture and adventure, including surf lessons at Playa Grande, a visit to an ecomuseum dedicated to the Chorotega indigenous peoples, a ceramics demonstration, a hike to a secret beach, a guacamole…

  We have just returned from one of the highlights of the Middle School Putney Program in Costa Rica: the meeting of the full community of students together at Rancho Margot, a completely self-sufficient eco hotel and farm near Lake Arenal. Rancho Margot spans a…

Hola y feliz día de independencia! Though we’re outside the US, we’ve still managed to have an awesome July 4th. Here’s a quick recap of the last 24 hours: Yesterday evening after an afternoon of stand up paddle boarding, we had ourselves a guac-off. Four…

Set in the rural mountains around Lake Arenal, Silencio is anything but quiet these days. Our days here in the community have been action-packed as we advance on several projects and get to know a place that few people outside of Costa Rica ever get…

8:00: Breakfast at Coco’s What better way to start a Costa Rican Day than desayuno at a local Tico joint? Cocos offers a delicious and dependable array of eggs, fruit, cereal and of course, gallo pinto. Students know they need to fill up for the…

Hello from the playa! Since our last update we’ve been busy with language and exploratory activities. We kicked off our first day as a villa group with Spanish activities in the morning, which typically involve a balanced combination of studies, songs and skits. After class, lunch…

Hola a todos! Before going over yesterday’s excursion, we have some important information: half of our group has just left for the village of Silencio! As its name might imply, Silencio is relatively off the grid, so the students’ internet and phone access will be…

Hello one, hello all! We’re all settled into scenic Playa Hermosa for our orientation. These days have been packed full of getting to know one another, beach & pool time and typical Costa Rican fare over at Coco’s, our go-to meal spot. Orientation started off with making…