A group of G.M. Dawson students travelling to Costa Rica in March is looking forward to visiting volcanoes, exploring the rainforest, bringing supplies to a local school and seeing wildlife like crocodiles, parrots and monkeys.Many of the 18 students in the travel club made a presentation to the school board when it met last week (Jan. 22), explaining each day of their 11-day itinerary and displaying a large map of the Latin America country.Principal Lorrie Joron said the students have been working really hard at fundraising although they were turned down for a Gwaii Trust grant. She said the group will be reapplying to the Gwaii Trust in February for a reduced amount, and urged trustees to write letters of support for the trip.School board chair Wayne Wilson said international travel has many benefits for students from Haida Gwaii. He told students that many years ago, he had travelled to Europe with a group of students from Queen Charlotte Secondary. Visiting Brussels, London, Paris and Italy had broadened his view of the world immensely."It just changes your whole outlook," he said.Trustee Sharon Matthews agreed, telling the students that the trip would be a life-changing educational experience."I do wish you lots of fun, and a safe journey," she said.The students are set to leave the islands March 19 and return on March 29. They will be accompanied by two parents and Ms Joron.