By Lily Rutherford

Costa Rica, home to over 500,000 different species and known for its incredible biodiversity, was also host to a group of first-year herbert students participating in a study abroad program this past January.

The program was notably “experiential.” Designed to provide students with an “international context for challenges and opportunities facing the natural resource and agriculture fields,” it was driven by that purpose. The trip allowed students to learn firsthand about the impact of natural resource conservation and ecosystem health from exploring parks and other protected areas.

Herbert students participating in the Costa Rica study abroad program.

Skylynn Pastorello, a freshman wildlife and fisheries science major, had a lot to share about her experience with the FYSA trip to Costa Rica. 

“I really enjoyed Tirimbina and hiking through the rainforest. On every hike in every location I felt like I was learning so much. My favorite part of the trip had to be when we all got to plant a tree while in the Wellness Park. The goal is to create a wildlife corridor between fragmented forests and I just felt so honored to be a part of that.” 

How many people can say they’ve gotten to create a wildlife corridor between fragmented forests? Much less as early as their freshman year of college? Not many. 

Yet, through programs like this one, it’s possible. 

Isabelle Watson, a freshman wildlife management major, had much to share as well. 

“I was in awe of the landscape alone. The wildlife is also so beautiful and unique. To pick out only one experience that had an impact on me and my trip is very difficult, but it would probably be the first time I saw a red eyed tree frog – it even jumped on me!” 

Studying abroad in Costa Rica presents so many opportunities for growth and education, not to mention fun. 

As Pastorello added, “I have to say, outside of all the amazing activities and experiences, what I was most surprised by was how much easier it was to learn and retain information while I was there seeing and experiencing it all.” 

One highlight of the program is its presentation of hands-on experiences in relation to career interests. Giving students the ability to be in new environments while learning in different ways is invaluable. In short, it’s a chance for self and career exploration. 

Stepping outside of a comfort zone can be scary, but also an opportunity to gain new skills and learn about oneself. It allows things someone’s never thought a possibility to happen. 

Relating to this experience, both students offered their thoughts.

Pastorello said, “It was really cool to step out of my comfort zone. I was like three or four feet away from a hawk wasp – wasps that hunt tarantulas – and bullet ants. I think I proved to myself that I could adapt to overcome more than what I initially thought.” 

Similarly, Watson shared, “Costa Rica truly had such a large impact on me, more than I can really express. Before we left for the trip, I was having second thoughts on my major. This trip reignited my passion for nature and conservation. It’s truly a once-in-a lifetime experience.” 

There was so much to be learned from this program, and there’s only more to come in the future.

Stay tuned to learn more about how these students were able to #GrowGlobal through this program in their own words through our Study Abroad Stories series!