Studying biology abroad in Costa Rica was an opportunity which completely changed my educational career, along with my overall view of biology and culture. I am so unbelievably lucky to have been able to participate in such an incredible program and experience. Everyone involved, including teachers, trip organizers, and students, were all incredible to work with and significantly enhancing the smoothness and enjoyment of the trip. The trip was non stop packed with a multitude of activities to teach the students every aspect of Costa Rica’s biodiversity and culture. Every day I got the opportunity to learn something new, see something breathtaking, and experience something unforgettable. I would love to get the opportunity to study abroad again, and hope that all students get to experience such a life changing trip during their education.
      While it is hard to compete with white water rafting along the Pacuare river and bat mist netting to learn about various native bat species, my personal favorite part of the trip has to be the walk through the Tenorio Volcano National Park. During this beautiful three hour hike, students got to see all a large array of wildlife, along with many important landmarks of Costa Rica. Seeing the Rio Celeste in person was incredible, along with the joining of the Buena Vista and Quebrada Agria Rivers, and various hot springs. Not only were these beautiful to experience in person, but also provided a feeling you cannot get from a textbook. On top of this, the various wildlife seen on this walk as well as in the entirety of the trip was eye opening. We saw sloths, toucans, basilisks, and my favorite, the eyelash pit vipers we saw in Tenorio.
      
      Thank you for such a life changing experience, this was the trip of a lifetime and I will never forget it. – Sophie, SPC Costa Rica (Tropical Ecology) Study Abroad Program, May 2024