All posts by Gloria Parrott

SPC Costa Rica: My expectations for this trip were exceeded in every way.

Costa Rica (Vet Tech) 2025, Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

Traveling throughout Costa Rica with the SPC Vet Tech group was an unforgettable experience that I will always cherish. The program did a fantastic job of balancing our two-week stay with hands-on volunteer work and excursions that fully immersed us in the local culture. Our travel from place to place was made seamless thanks to our amazing bus driver, Edwin. The long drives passed quickly due to our fantastic guide, Ana. Her vast knowledge of Costa Rica, ranging from its history and ecosystems to its agriculture, made the trip even more educational than I could have expected. She truly became one with our group and I’m so grateful we were fortunate enough to have her with us on this adventure.

During our time abroad, we had the opportunity to volunteer at four different animal sanctuaries and rescues. The first three were dedicated to Costa Rican wildlife where we learned a great deal about sloths, birds, monkeys, and more, all while caring for them up close. Our tasks included preparing food, feeding, cleaning enclosures, repairing them, creating enrichment, and assisting with anything else the facility needed. Some of the locations also offered valuable insights into the veterinary side of animal care which was an excellent addition to the experience. A recurring issue that many of the wildlife faced was electrocution from power lines as it was one of the most common injuries we saw across the sanctuaries.

The last rescue we visited focused on domesticated animals like dogs, cats, and horses.
It was a nice way to end the trip by working with animals we were more familiar with.
Between our days at the animal sanctuaries, we were lucky enough to partake in a variety of excursions that showcased other aspects of Costa Rica. We visited a coffee plantation, explored beaches, hiked to waterfalls, soaked in hot springs, attended a theater performance, and participated in a chocolate workshop. Each experience was unique, and it was also great to have some free time to explore the local markets or try new restaurants. There didn’t seem to be a moment that went to waste and so many unforgettable memories were made alongside a wonderful group of people. I can honestly say that my expectations for this trip were exceeded in every way.

– Kelsey, SPC Costa Rica Vet Tech Study Abroad Program, July 2025

SPC Costa Rica: The Journey

Costa Rica (Vet Tech) 2025, Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

Two weeks flew by in the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica—far too short a time to take in all its beauty and biodiversity. During my journey, I had the privilege of visiting four unique animal sanctuaries, each dedicated to protecting, preserving, and rehabilitating wildlife. In this post, I’ll share what I learned about the challenges these sanctuaries face, the inspiring work they’re doing, and the opportunities for meaningful support and involvement in their missions.

A Tour of Compassion

Each sanctuary I visited was a safe haven for animals rescued from abuse, neglect, environmental disasters, or illegal trade. I met sloths rescued from powerline electrocution, monkeys who had been kept as illegal pets forced and abused to work for tourist entertainment, macaws rescued from a life of minuscule confinement, injured and abandoned street dogs, and a multitude of birds saved from smuggling operations. The staff—often underpaid or volunteering—worked tirelessly with minimal resources. Despite the hardships, their dedication to animal recovery and rehabilitation was unwavering. These animals were not just being housed, they were being healed emotionally and physically, often with the goal of rehabilitating and where possible releasing them back into the wild.

The Challenges on the Ground

  • While the work being done is nothing short of heroic, nearly every center faced similar, serious challenges:
  • Underfunding: Most sanctuaries rely on donations or small grants, with little to no help from the local government.
  • Overcrowding: The rate of rescued animals far exceeds available space and staff capacity, making quality care extremely difficult in most cases.
  • Limited Access to Veterinary Care: Many sanctuaries are in remote areas where getting access to skilled veterinarians, medications, tools, equipment or even basic lab testing can be a logistical nightmare.
  • Legal and Political Barriers: zero government intervention, aid and funding with strict laws and regulations for animal interactions ands transport making the work of the sanctuaries at times almost impossible.
  • Illegal Pet Trade: Despite laws in place, the exotic animal trade still persists. Many animals at these sanctuaries were confiscated from private owners, unable to be released due to dependency or trauma.
  • Tourism: Sanctuaries are trying to reduce the interaction between humans and animals to improve the chances of the animals’ success in the wild. Once initiative is promoting “Stop animal selfies” and only use minimal tourist engagement without selfies. However, it is hard to bring people to sanctuaries without an attraction therein lies a devastating conundrum which leads most motives of Costa Rica sanctuaries falling sort of true wildlife restoration.

Highlights of Hope

While the challenges are real, the highlights were powerful. I witnessed:

  • A howler monkey learning to trust again after sever abuse.
  • An amputated sloth regaining a fierce lease of life.
  • A mutilated capuchin monkey saved from potential wildlife abuse that was homed with other un-releasable capuchin monkeys creating a family and safety.
  • Enrichment techniques for un-releasable animals to simulate wildlife with reduced human interaction.
  • Understanding of the releasing steps to ensure high levels of success starting with aiding the animal then encouraging natural instincts.
  • Educational programs teaching local communities and children about wildlife protection and coexistence.
  • Initiative that use a monitor released wildlife for research and future development and successful release.
    These moments reminded me that rescue and rehabilitation are only half the mission—education and community engagement are just as essential.

A Journey that changed me

This two-week experience reminded me why I chose veterinary technology in the first place. It’s not just about medicine, it’s about compassion, education, and global responsibility. Seeing the resilience of both the animals and the people who care for them reminded me that even in the face of struggle, hope and healing are possible.
I returned with a renewed commitment to the field, eager to apply what I learned and to be part of the global network fighting for better lives for animals everywhere.

– Penny , SPC Costa Rica Vet Tech Study Abroad Program, July 2025

SPC Costa Rica: I will never forget!

Costa Rica (Vet Tech) 2025, Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to spend two weeks abroad in Costa Rica. The focus of the trip was wildlife medicine and conservation, and I had the most amazing time! I have a B.S. in wildlife ecology and conservation that I earned before starting the vet tech program, so it was a dream to find a trip that combined my two loves: conservation and veterinary medicine. Over the course of 14 days, we volunteered at four different sanctuaries, learning about the care of the animals and the challenges facing wildlife conservation in Costa Rica. We got to work hands-on with animal care professionals preparing diets, cleaning enclosures, creating enrichment, and so much more.

One of my favorite experiences from the trip was being up close and observing the veterinary team at the Kids Saving the Rainforest project as they treated two sloths that had recently undergone limb amputation surgery. The vet team let us close and ask a ton of questions while they talked us through the treatment and the recovery for sloths when they undergo this type of surgery. Both were wild sloths that will be released into the wild after some rehabilitation. The doctor we worked with explained how common it is for arboreal animals like sloths and monkeys to get electrocuted by grabbing electrical wires, thinking it is a branch. Luckily for our patients, they were brought in for care, and because of the help they received, they not only survived but can now be released back into the wild. I especially enjoyed this experience since it was a perfect cross-section of medicine and conservation.

Overall, I had an absolutely amazing time! I made so many new friends, learned so much, and had so many new experiences that I will never forget.

– Olivia, SPC Costa Rica Vet Tech Study Abroad Program, July 2025

SPC Costa Rica: I left with new friends, unforgettable memories, and a clearer sense of purpose.

Costa Rica (Vet Tech) 2025, Scholarships, Travel

Spending two weeks in Costa Rica was nothing short of life-changing. Each day brought a new adventure, hiking through national parks, relaxing at the hot springs near the Arenal volcano, visiting the stunning beach at Manuel Antonio, and watching the sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. Being surrounded by all these ecosystems deepened my understanding of and appreciation for the importance of conservation.

Another highlight was our work in wildlife refuges, where we got hands-on experience caring for rescued animals. We built habitats, prepared specialized diets, and created enrichment activities to support their rehabilitation. These experiences showed me just how committed Costa Rica is to protecting its biodiversity. We learned about biological corridors which are pathways that connect fragmented habitats allowing animals to move safely across regions and thrive in the wild in different parts of the country avoiding human interaction.

We also discovered that in Costa Rica, it’s illegal to own endemic wildlife as pets. Many of the animals we worked with had been rescued from illegal captivity. It was heartbreaking to hear their stories, but inspiring to see their recovery. We learned so much about sloths, kinkajous, parrots, and other native species. Their behavior plays a key role in determining whether they’re ready to be released back into the wild. Sometimes, just watching how they climb, forage, or interact can be the ticket to their freedom. I deeply admire the dedication of the refuge teams. Every animal is given a second chance at life; a real opportunity to return to the wild and live the life they were meant for.

This study abroad trip was so much more than just traveling. It reminded me why conservation matters and how every species plays a vital role in its ecosystem. More importantly, it resparked something in me; something I had lost sight of. I always wanted to be involved with wildlife rehabilitation and conservation, and I was given that opportunity.

Another powerful aspect of the trip was the people. Our guide, Anamaria who made history as the first woman to become a tour guide in Costa Rica; shared so much about the country’s culture, history, and environmental efforts. Her passion and knowledge gave deeper meaning to every experience. Our bus driver, Edwin, spoke only Spanish, which encouraged the group to embrace the language and culture. As a native Spanish speaker, I enjoyed translating and helping bridge that gap. It made me feel even more connected to the group and the people we met along the way. Along the journey, we also picked up meaningful words and phrases that are part of Costa Rican culture none more important than “Pura Vida.” It’s more than just a saying; it’s a way of life. It means “pure life,” but it represents joy, gratitude, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the present moment.

Though I only knew Professor Riggs when the trip began, I left with new friends, unforgettable memories, and a clearer sense of purpose. I’ll always be grateful for this opportunity, not just for the academic growth, but for the personal healing it offered. I’ve always wanted to work more closely with wildlife, but somewhere along the way, I lost that focus. This experience brought me back to it.
Costa Rica fue PURA VIDA.

– Nicole , SPC Costa Rica Vet Tech Study Abroad Program, July 2025

SPC Costa Rica: I’m so glad I was able to be a part of it!

Costa Rica (Vet Tech) 2025, Study Abroad, Travel

This was my first study abroad trip, and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Since I’m an online student, I didn’t know anyone else going on this trip. That made me feel a little nervous. When we got to Costa Rica, there was definitely some culture shock. I’ve never been to another country where the first language wasn’t English. I knew that was going to be different, but I didn’t expect it to be as big a challenge as it was. I thought they would at least understand some English. The majority of people sort of did, but there were more than I thought that didn’t understand or speak English at all. I found it interesting that several signs were in Spanish, and underneath was the English translation. It was little things like that that were so different and weren’t what I expected to see.

As far as the experiences go, they were amazing. I had such a great time at each location we worked at. I think that was my favorite part of the whole trip. It was nice that we got to sightsee and experience some of the culture as well. We learned about the growth and making of coffee as well as the chocolate. Those experiences were fun and gave us insight into some of their productions in Costa Rica.

Our guide did a wonderful job showing us around the city of San Jose and educating us on the history of the country. The country is absolutely beautiful. We got to learn a lot about the animals that live there and are native to the country. We also got to see so many of them. We got to see and work with toucans, scarlet macaws, parrots, capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, marmosets, oceolats, sloths, kinkajous, coatis, raccoons, turtles, caimans, peccaries, dogs, cats, horses, chickens, and goats.

We volunteered at four different refuges in Costa Rica. Three of them were wildlife refuges, and the other one was mostly with dogs and cats. They are Refugio Animal, Kids Saving the Rainforest (KSTR), Proyecto Asis, and Lands in Love. I enjoyed all of them, but my favorites were the ones with the wildlife because I haven’t had experience working with wildlife before. I loved learning about the conservation aspect as well. We did a lot of food prep and feeding for the animals. We also cleaned their enclosures, created/provided enrichment, and reorganized an enclosure at one of the work sites. At Lands in Love, which was the dog and cat refuge, my group helped clean some of the cats’ ears and brush them. The second group helped with giving the dogs’ baths, ear cleaning, tooth brushing, nail trims, and drying them. The last group helped with physiotherapy, which is rehab physical therapy for the dogs that can’t walk due to deformities. I really enjoyed the food prep and creating enrichment for the animals.

Overall, the trip was really great, and I felt like I got a lot of experience with the side of veterinary medicine I’m not used to. It was definitely a learning experience; however, I would have loved to experience more of the veterinary side of exotics while we were there. We did get to see a veterinary team perform a bandage change on a sloth that was electrocuted by a power line. We also learned about darting animals for certain medical treatments when it’s challenging to capture the animal. The veterinarian gave us a lecture on wildlife restraint and immobilization. These experiences were all done at Kids Saving the Rainforest (KSTR). I thought they were great, and I wish we had gotten more experiences like that at the other sites, but I still enjoyed all of the experiences I did have. I think this trip had a lot of great opportunities, and I’m so glad I was able to be a part of it.

– Bethany , SPC Costa Rica Vet Tech Study Abroad Program, July 2025

SPC Costa Rica: Significant and Breathtaking

Costa Rica (Vet Tech) 2025, Study Abroad, Travel

The time I spent in Costa Rica was so significant and breathtaking that I will never forget it. Before even the study abroad officially started, I am so incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to explore the capital of San José. It allowed me to find a lot of real local wonders like local favorite restaurants and parts of town. Like, I was able to discover many local parks with statues or art installations. Another favorite aspect of the city I found so interesting when I discovered it was the quantity of Korean culture, specifically, that is present in San José with numerous restaurants and Barrio Chino, a walkable street in the city that’s really themed around it including an arch at the entrance of the area.

The study abroad itself was just as amazing. We were able to visit so many sanctuaries during our stay there and I hope we were able to provide a great service to both the workers and the animals while we were there. We were able to see how different sanctuaries went about accomplishing their mission statement regarding conservation and doing what’s best for the animals in their care. With that in mind, what we mainly did there was helping to feed the animals, fixing their enclosures, cleaning their enclosures, or making enrichment for them that varied from place to place. Which was quite interesting seeing how each place did things, even if they had same species.

Otherwise, the second highlight of the study abroad was the visits to the local tourist spots like a local coffee plantation, a waterpark based around a hot springs, a national park with a beach, a theater, a waterfall, and a chocolate factory because it let us really enjoy the country as traditional tourists, including being able to collect souvenirs, while being on the study abroad so it didn’t feel like we missed out on anything by on an educational trip in a different country.

Lastly, the third highlight of trip was my fellow classmates who I was able to share this experience with. I didn’t know most of the people going into this trip which added to the stress prior to the trip; however, I am happy to report that we all got along so well on this trip with many of us trading social media handles before departing for our home towns amidst the admittedly tearful goodbyes. It is really due to them that the harshest parts of the trip when things didn’t go to plan (as things do) or the weather was not kind (because it is the rainforest) that the trip was still enjoyable which gave us all fond memories to look back on, I only hope I was able to do the same for them in return.

– Haeley , SPC Costa Rica Vet Tech Study Abroad Program, July 2025

SPC Vet Tech: Never could I have imagined…

Costa Rica (Vet Tech) 2025, Study Abroad, Travel

Costa Rica, a country rich in history, tradition, and scenery. Never could I have imagined all the fun new experiences and learning I would do on this trip. The first few days in San Jose, we toured the city and visited local attractions such as Doka Coffee plantation, where we learned how the coffee bean is grown and turned into one of the world’s most favored drink. We also visited La Paz waterfall gardens, which have many breathtaking views at multiple different falls if you can brave all the stairs. Our group volunteered our time to many different rescue organizations throughout Costa Rica. While at these facilities, we learned about conservation and rehabilitation efforts. Daily activities include preparing meals and medication for the animals, creating enrichment that provides the animals with environmental stimuli, and working on animal enclosures.

    Food prep includes dicing various fruits, vegetables, and proteins for a variety of animals, including monkeys, cats, and birds, to name a few species. Some of the facilities we volunteered at, we hid part of the prepped food in various toys and enrichment to help promote the act of foraging in the wild. This way, the animals would not become dependent on human hands to feed them, as some of the animals we worked with were in rehabilitation with the hopes of being released back into the wild.

     One of my favorite activities I got to be a part of was watching the medical team change a bandage on a sloth. One of the greatest injuries to wildlife in Costa Rica is electrocution, as power lines are not insulated. This particular sloth had to have its entire front limb amputated and had many other burns due to being electrocuted. The medical team carefully removed the old bandage, then cleaned and flushed out all the wounds, helped promote healing using a cold laser on the area of the amputation, and then re-bandaged the wound.

     The group was also able to enjoy our time in the beautiful scenery that can be found all throughout Costa Rica, from rainforests to volcanoes and waterfalls, to valley lows and mountaintops, and beaches along the Pacific coast. I thoroughly enjoyed waking up to catch a beautiful sunrise and watching the sky be painted in oranges and pinks at sunset. I was also able to enjoy Costa Rica utilizing my other senses besides sight. Including the smell of Coffee at the plantation and the smell of fresh air after the rain in the rainforest. The sound of the rainforest as I fell asleep to chirping birds awakening me each day. I am so glad I was able to be a part of this trip and learning experience. Costa Rica is a beautiful country filled with traditions, history, wildlife, beautiful scenery, and so much more. I can now use the knowledge and experiences I learned and apply them back home at work. Gracias Costa Rica!

– Danae , SPC Costa Rica Vet Tech Study Abroad Program, July 2025

SPC Study Abroad: Pura Vida!

Costa Rica (Vet Tech) 2025, Study Abroad, Travel

Costa Rica was such an amazing country to visit either as a tourist or as a student. We had an an opportunity to work with a variety of species including, sloths, spider monkeys, capuchins, marmosets, squirrel monkeys, kinkajous, scarlet macaws, blue and gold macaws, hybrid macaws, amazons, turtles, ocelots, lesser horned owls, speckled owls, white tailed deer, peccary pigs, dogs, cats, horses, ducks, chickens, geese, guinea fowl, guinea pigs, rabbits. Treatment ranged from preparing their diets in an enriching way, modifying habitats, collecting food, maintaining habitat cleanliness, bathing, nail trims, ear cleaning, physical therapy, and wound bandaging.


When we were not helping with animals, we were exploring the many things Costa Rica has to offer. We learned about Rica’s rich history, language, unique culture, coffee plantations, cocoa plantations, trade networks, watched a concert by Son de Tikizia, and enjoyed Costa Rica’s rich nature. We were led by an amazing tour guide who provided a wealth of knowledge about their stunning country as well has a sneak peak into a citizen’s life in Cosa Rica. As the natives would say: Pura Vida!

– Arienne , SPC Costa Rica Vet Tech Study Abroad Program, July 2025

SPC Spain: I didn’t just study Spanish; I lived it!

Travel

My trip to Salamanca, Spain was an unforgettable blend of culture, language, and connection. I stayed with a warm, welcoming host family originally from Peru, and my host madre was an incredible cook whose meals—ranging from flavorful stews to traditional Peruvian dishes—became the heart of our daily conversations. Living with them gave me a unique blend of Spanish and Peruvian culture which helped me grow more confident in my Spanish through everyday interactions. Exploring Salamanca’s iconic Plaza Mayor, I felt the rhythm of the city—from its golden glow at night to the lively cafés in the morning. I was awed by the towering cathedrals, especially the panoramic view from the towers, and deeply moved by the sense of history that echoed through the stone streets.

Food was another highlight—various jamons, hornado, vino de roja and, of course, plenty of churros con chocolate made every day a delicious adventure. But more than the sights and meals, it was the immersion that shaped me most. I didn’t just study Spanish; I lived it. Being surrounded by the language, people, and culture made it all feel real and personal. Salamanca gave me not only beautiful memories but also the motivation to keep traveling and studying Spanish. It reminded me that learning a language isn’t only about grammar—it’s about people, stories, and connections.

– Austin , SPC Spain Study Abroad Program, June 2025

SPC Spain: I’ll carry it with me for the rest of my life.

Travel

The three weeks I spent abroad in Spain were unforgettable and truly amazing. I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to travel abroad, experiencing all the places I visited, learning from the things I encountered, and meeting the people I met. The program was jam-packed with activities that immersed us in the language and culture of Spain. Our classes were taught in Spanish, we talked with our host families in Spanish, and we interacted with strangers in Spanish.

The first couple of days were a bit overwhelming in that regard, considering all the new things that were all happening at the same time, but from the first week onward, everything clicked into place. Both my verbal communication and comprehension in Spanish have improved drastically. Our host family was amazing; they were warm, welcoming, and encouraged both me and my friend (with whom I was bunking) to speak Spanish. In addition, I was able to talk to students from France and Germany and compare and contrast the way of life between the US and their countries. Spending time just talking to the host family after meals was incredibly rewarding. It was great to be able to utilize what we learned in class.

The activities! Essentially every day we had an activity either before or after class that gave us a small glimpse into the history and culture of Spain. We danced, visited grand cathedrals, explored neighborhoods, and more. After the first week, I was amazed at how much we had done and seen in just one week. One thing I loved about Salamanca (and miss) was the walkability of the city. I loved walking everywhere and seeing all the beautiful architecture; the intricate facades of the buildings, the cobbled roads, and the glow of the buildings at night made walking and exploring the city really enjoyable. Oh, and walking we did. Lots of it.

Another thing we did lots of was eat ham. Ham chips, ham croquettes, ham ham ham. The abundance of ham in meals was a culture shock for me. On top of the daily activities, we also had excursions on the weekends. We visited Segovia where we saw the Alcázar de Segovia and a Roman aqueduct that’s almost 2000 years old; Avila, where we walked on the walls surrounding the city; La Peña de Francia, with breathtaking views; Alberca, a beautiful small town; San Sebastian, with the mixed people and architecture; and finally Biarritz, for the beach. On this trip, I experienced so many new things, met great people, saw amazing places, and learned so so much. I can’t emphasize enough how much this trip meant to me and how I’ll carry it with me for the rest of my life.

Thank you to all the people who made this trip possible. Thank you, SPC!

– Kai , SPC Spain Study Abroad Program, June 2025