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