Bridge Year Costa Rica – Spring 2026

The past few months in Costa Rica have been full of experiences that have stretched me, grounded me, and helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. As the year came to a close, the holiday season – from Thanksgiving through to the New Year – gave me space to pause, reflect, and take in just how much this experience has already shaped me. 

Thanksgiving: learning gratitude beyond comfort

This year was my first time ever celebrating Thanksgiving. Coming from the UK, it wasn’t a tradition I’d grown up with, but I quickly connected to its heart: gratitude, community, and reflection. Celebrating with our host families gathering made it especially meaningful. Sitting together and sharing what we were thankful for felt simple, but powerful.

At that point in the program, we were about three months in – far enough to have settled, but still very aware of the challenges. Homesickness, the language barrier, and moments of self-doubt had all been part of the journey. Thanksgiving gave me a chance to recognise that gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring those struggles. Instead, it means acknowledging them while still appreciating how much there is to be thankful for. I realised I’m learning to hold both – discomfort and gratitude – at the same time, which feels like an important part of becoming more resilient and self-aware. 

The school Christmas festival: purpose and pride

One of the most special moments of the season was the Christmas festival at the elementary school where I’ve been interning. Each grade performed a dance or short play, and watching the students prepare to go on stage brought back so many childhood memories of my own school performances – the nerves, excitement, and last-minute outfit fixes.

This time, though, I wasn’t one of the students. I was standing to the side, encouraging them, feeling proud as they pushed through their fears and performed. That shift in perspective meant a lot to me. I realised how deeply fulfilling I find it to support others, especially children, as they grow in confidence. It reminded me why I’m drawn to working with young people and reinforced the kind of impact I hope to have in the future – creating environments where people feel seen, supported, and celebrated beyond just academic achievement. 

Costa Rican Christmas traditions: learning to belong

Spending Christmas in Costa Rica was a different experience, and at first I was very conscious of how much it contrasted with Christmas at home. The weather, the rhythm of the days, and the way the celebrations were structured all reminded me that I was far from home. Over time, though, those differences became something I learned to appreciate rather than resist.

What made the season truly meaningful were the traditions I was invited into. I helped make tamales with one of the families in our group, which was such a hands-on and communal process – lots of people working together, chatting and laughing, and really taking our time and enjoying it. In a similar way, attending a posada in someone’s home was a really special experience. Sharing prayers, food, and conversation in such a welcoming space showed me how central community and faith are during this time of year.

Being included and welcomed in these moments helped me feel a deeper sense of belonging, shifting my mindset from comparison to appreciation. I realised that Christmas doesn’t have to look a certain way to feel meaningful – what matters most is connection. This season has taught me to be more open, present, and appreciative of different ways of celebrating, and to find comfort in slowing down and sharing life with others.

New Year’s: reflection, faith, and hope

I welcomed the New Year in a way I never had before – at a church vigil with my host family. The evening was filled with reflection, prayer, shared food, and a countdown to midnight, after which everyone exchanged hugs and blessings for the year ahead. The sense of warmth and community was so moving.

As I stood there welcoming the new year, I couldn’t help but reflect on how unexpected this chapter of my life has been. At the start of the year, I never imagined I’d be ending it – and beginning the next – in Costa Rica. This moment helped me recognise how much I’ve grown in trusting uncertainty, opening myself to new communities, and allowing myself to be changed by unfamiliar experiences. I enter this new year with a deep sense of gratitude for what has already been, and hope for what’s still to come.