About Us
Sustainable Solutions to Real World Problems
Engineering Abroad is a club at Cabrillo College dedicated to using engineering skills to make a positive global impact. Each year, we travel to rural regions to volunteer on sustainability-focused projects such as solar panel installation, water filtration, concrete construction, and water storage solutions.
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This summer, we’re returning to a community in Costa Rica we’ve partnered with for the past several years. Together with local residents and the Dream Volunteer organization, we’ll be building a concrete reinforcement wall and installing a bioswale—an eco-friendly water filtration system designed to improve water quality and sustainability. Through collaboration and hands-on work, we aim to create lasting change and strengthen the bonds between communities and students.
Our Story
Over the past semester, our Engineering Abroad team at Cabrillo College has been hard at work preparing for our upcoming Costa Rica experience. Our journey began in the classroom—learning about Costa Rica’s rich culture, values, and environmental priorities to ensure we approach our work with respect and cultural awareness. At the same time, we dove into the technical side of the project: studying construction plans, analyzing site conditions, and gaining real-world experience by visiting local construction sites in our area.
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These efforts are all part of our commitment to bringing thoughtful, sustainable solutions to the communities we work with. Our team is deeply motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact, and we’re honored to return to a Costa Rican community we’ve built strong ties with over the years.
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We are incredibly grateful for the chance to apply our engineering education in meaningful, hands-on ways while working side-by-side with the local community and the Dream Volunteer organization.