Costa Rica Field Study: Introduced me to Myself, Changed the Direction and I Cannot Wait to Return Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The study experience I had was a field study in the heart of Costa Rica. Our workload covered a variety of disciplines, such as field collection, article readings, case studies, and debates. The grading system included participation, a final project and homework assignments. I had a unique experience because I was the only American in my program that attended school outside of America. I attend Franklin College Switzerland which is a tiny private, American international school in southern Switzerland. I came to Costa Rica with strong opinions and critics of environmentalism, sustainable development and the international system. I was extremely impressed by my professors in the study abroad program. They were experts in a variety of environmental fields and helped me realize how strong the environmental movement is in Costa Rica.

On-site administration of your program

My expectations were above and beyond met. My field study experience changed my life, to put it simply. I have never felt so at home and so far from home at the same time. I cannot wait to return and conduct further research for a greater amount of time. The program size was less than 30 students with 4 professors, a program director, intern and student administrator. The School for Field Studies is a very organized program, and being as large as it is, I was surprised by the level of intimacy and close personal relations they achieved.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The School for Field Studies incorporates weekend trips to local communities and retreat centers. I am sure it is unique to every program. On my program we stayed in a sustainable center that was an educational place for tourists. We stayed in log cabins, so I felt it would be wrong to say "Hotel" even though it was a logging center. Also, I not only lived with Americans and international students, but all of the faculty as well. We had separate living quarters, of course, but it was like one big family. Professors, the center director, their families, maintenance staff and administration all lived on the property. The neighborhood was very small, friendly and safe. I did need to buy some products to settle, but only because the center is working hard to become Rainforest Alliance certified, and asked that we buy biodegradable shampoos, detergents, etc. These products are easily found in town and they also assisted us on obtaining those products. Classes were held in the dorms and nightlife was a ten minutes cab ride or a 30 minute walk into town.

They accommodate all dietary restrictions. The quality of the food is honestly something I miss EVERYDAY! Everyday. I felt so healthy and enjoyed everything new I tried. We had a new type of exotic, local fruit at every meal. The cooks would make a special cake for every birthday that occurred. Every afternoon there was cornbread or coffee cake to go with the afternoon Costa Rican coffee! There were one or two restaurants we ate out at but honestly, we enjoyed the food on campus so much more, and it was free!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The fourth of July occurred while we were in Costa Rica, and the center totally wanted to through a celebration. It was also our last night but we got to celebrate our country's independence, too. It was held in a special cultural center. Everyone in our program attended, we danced, ate wonderful food and watched a slideshow of photos. We visited four national parks as field trips. Our professors, cooks and center director gave us salsa dancing lessons, art lessons and cooking lessons.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health issues were addressed on a highly educational level. They were addressed as an awareness issue, because we were surrounded by rainforest. You need to be educated and aware of your surroundings and really need to make adult decisions when you do not always have administration by your side. No vaccines were required but some were recommended. Water became non-potable in the evening, but they were very accommodating with water tanks in our dorm.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I could practice Spanish with anyone on the campus, and it was highly encouraged! All our professors spoke English, but many of the faculty and other site directors only spoke Spanish. They were very friendly and patient with us because they wanted to share their language and culture with us. It was highly rewarding even when I simply ate dinner with Spanish speakers and attempted interaction. I felt a deeper level of connection, enthusiasm, happiness and respect from the individuals who appreciated my efforts.

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• Other
• Dorm
• Host Family

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• Other
• International Students
• Americans

• Location
• Filed study
• Professors

• Nothing