During fall term of 2014, I participated in an online class discussing issues in natural resource conservation, specifically in Costa Rica. I then traveled, thanks, in part, to the Honors Experience Scholarship, to Costa Rica for about two weeks during winter break to put the concepts we had learned into practice.
Our group began in the capital, San Jose, exploring the city, touring museums, visiting local farmer’s markets, and hiking nearby volcanoes. From there we ventured to Monte Verde, where we spent our days hiking through the cloud forest reserve, participating in stream water testing, and helping with reforestation activities. Finally, we traveled to the beach town of Playa Grande. Here we toured sea turtle conservation sites, enjoyed life at the beach, and tried surfing.
What originally began as a group of twelve strangers quickly turned into a great group of friends. We bonded over trying new and exotic foods, run-ins with giant cloud forest spiders, and learning how to merengue. While the trip was so adventurous and fun, the amount of relevant information I learned far exceeded my expectations. Between having a soil scientist, a natural resource sociologist, and a native bird and plant expert as our trip leaders, we had a wealth of information presented to us. Some of my favorite times on our trip were actually the discussions we had after scholarly presentations.
The trip was very valuable because it allowed me to apply my classroom knowledge to the real world. I learned from both my professors and my classmates. The trip allowed me to experience another culture and further encouraged my passion for Environmental Sciences. I would encourage all students to study abroad if they have the chance!
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