Why EcoTeach? | Testimonials


We strive to provide a highly unique, fun-filled and meaningful experience that helps to both change our travelers and the places they visit.  So you can imagine how fulfilling it is for us to receive the feedback below:

ALABAMA: I have to admit that even though I had very high expectations about our trip to Costa Rica, I had no idea how rich the experience would be!  You've probably heard it all from each group that has participated, but...WOW!!!!!  Our group shared their journal entries on the last night and I was so pleased that the message of "conservation of our natural resources" got through to everyone.  At brief times it seemed that we were just on a fabulous vacation, but EcoTeach has planned activities in such a way that by the end of the trip all of the pieces (endangered species, clean water, deforestation, humble & gracious people, recycling, pollution, education, aesthetic appreciation, food, and patience) all come together to form a strong and lasting message about the environment.


BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA: This was my first experience as a trip leader and once I arrived in Costa Rica I can say that I felt 100% that our trip was well organized, educational, unique, and most importantly, safe. My goal was to share with my students the joys of travel and the intercultural and environmental aspects of life in Costa Rica. I found the pacing set by the itinerary to be perfect and very tight. We had an excellent balance of “real-life” interactions with Costa Ricans, which touched emotional cords as well as high-adrenaline, “extreme-sport” excursions which were well suited to this age level.

CALIFORNIA: For the students and adults of this group the tour was an experience of a life time. I want to compliment both the Seattle and Costa Rican staff for your superb organization and attention to details. Every aspect of the tour was extremely well though out and planned.

GEORGIA: I just wanted to let you know that we had a fantastic trip.  It was an unbelievable experience that none of us will ever forget.  I was so impressed with EcoTeach and how smoothly everything ran.  Our guides were outstanding and absolutely made the trip for us.  We all want to come back...in fact nobody wanted to leave.  Thanks for all of your help in preparing for the trip. 

INDIANA: What stands out – When people ask what made it so wonderful (i.e. "What stands out?") it's really difficult to answer. What stood out was the incredible variety and range of activities, accommodations, sights, experiences, and people. What stood out was our incredible tour guide Karla, without whom this would have been a very, very different experience. What stood out was the warmth and sincerity of the Costa Rican people with whom we stayed. What stood out was the beauty and the poverty. What stood out was grasping the fin/flipper of a 750 pound leatherback turtle as she laid 106 eggs and then watching her struggle to get turned around and back into the ocean. What stood out was releasing 27 hatchlings back into the ocean. What stood out was pouring our energy and positive thoughts into almond trees as we planted them in incredibly orange dirt under incredibly hot skies. It's simply impossible to say, "This is what stood out.

LOUISIANA: These experiences have changed my life. I know I have learned more about the ecosystems we ventured into than any of the books I have read. My teaching will be better because of my experiences.

MAINE: The organization of the trip was incredible and of course that allowed us to see and do more than we ever could have done on our own.

MASSACHUSSETS: I can’t thank all of you enough for our extraordinary experience in Costa Rica.  As one who has traveled to Central America four times, including two trips to Costa Rica with students, I can say with unwavering confidence that EcoTeach has the best designed, most authentic, most enriching and most fun program available anywhere in the region.

NEW YORK: I want to thank you so much for an absolutely wonderful trip.  It was much more meaningful and amazing than any of us could ever have expected.  The students had the time of their lives, and none of the importance of what we were there to do was lost on them; they enjoyed "roughing it" at the turtle station, staying with the host families, and visiting Don Juan's organic farm far more than they enjoyed being an "American” at the resorts. We all agree that the trip was perfectly planned and executed.  Thanks!!!

OREGON: I want you to know how highly the adults in our group regarded EcoTeach and its philosophies and practices. They could not say enough good things about the trip. The kids, of course, had a great time; the fun-factor was definitely very high. It really is a rare treat to have so much fun while having such important experiences.

TEXAS: The most unanticipated experience of our trip was the effect that it had on the students.  After seeing a country away from the usual tourist traps, the students felt as though previous travels to other countries had been missing something.  For the first time, my students seemed to grow out of being a typical WHS student expecting to be coddled and became mature adults looking to experience a country as the native-born people do. 

WASHINGTON: A week later and I am still stunned by the wonderful time we had with EcoTeach in Costa Rica. I don't know how you guys do it! I've taken a total five student trips abroad (the Baja, Nepal, France) over the last 10 years and the quality has been from poor to great. EcoTeach deserves a great+! From the food to the activities, to the guides EcoTeach provided a once-in-a-lifetime experience.