Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

Overall, my time abroad in Costa Rica has been one of the greatest experiences of my life! Studying abroad has enabled me to meet so many amazing people, learn more about the country and culture, and travel to many beautiful places.

One of my favorite trips so far has been Manuel Antonio with dense forests, beautiful beaches, and many interesting tropical organisms. I also loved visiting La Selva Biological Station for my Tropical Forest Ecology class, learning to surf in Santa Teresa, skating with locals in Playas del Coco, hiking the Poas and Arenal Volcanos, ziplining over the canopy in Monteverde, and learning about the Huetar people and their culture.

In addition to this, I’m enjoying all of my classes as they have provided me with exposure to many new interesting topics that I hope to pursue in the future. Specifically, my Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems class has taught me about many practical agricultural methods that I hope to implement and continue learning about when I return to the United States. I also enjoy the assignments I’ve completed for various courses as I’ve gotten to learn more about a variety of interesting topics while developing valuable skills. I’m also excited to visit the permaculture farm at Rancho Mastatal, the sustainable cocoa farm at Puriscal, and Cuajiniquil where I’ll get to analyze ocean water samples and learn more about marine biology in Costa Rica. This experience has also aided greatly in my personal, as well as professional, development and has changed my perspective in many beneficial ways.

Lastly, I would like to thank Ingrid H. and George L. Speros for their generous assistance in funding my study abroad program and experience! I can not thank them enough as this experience has undoubtedly changed my life in a positive manner and inspired me in many ways as I move toward the next stage in my life.