By Lily Rutherford
Providing opportunities to learn in hands-on environments, often in a country where some studies are more applicable than in the U.S., these trips can change the trajectories of students’ lives. Not to mention the future of agriculture.
Sydney Hueser, a sophomore majoring in biology, went to Costa Rica as a part of AGNR 491. More specifically, as Hueser is set on the ecology and evolution track, in addition to minoring in wildlife and fisheries management, this course was a perfect fit for her.
As the full title of AGNR 491: Plants, Parks, and People from the Smokies to San Jose suggests, the trip had much to offer students.
Like the sophomore biology major said, the program allowed students to study “various ecosystems and the role they play in Costa Rican society and culture, as well as the work being done for the conservation and preservation of hundreds of species and environments that call this country home.”
Even going beyond agriculture and natural resource studies, this experience created a medium for educating UTK students on Costa Rican society and culture – something that arguably blurs the line between agricultural, governmental, and sociopolitical studies.
In addition to this run down, the program overview itself described highlights including everything from the Monteverde Cloud Forest and a Hummingbird Garden to sightings of toucans, quetzals, and monkeys! An expansive reach for a short-term academic program.
Upon recall, Hueser’s reflection of the trip was colored with enthusiasm. She said, “The trip was everything I expected and more. Everyone we met was so friendly and knowledgeable. I learned something new every day and can’t wait to go back in the future!” With the emphasis she placed on the knowledge of people she met, there’s no doubt the student experience was educational beyond what UT’s campus has to offer.
Beyond this opportunity to learn from people in her host country, there were so many unique, once in a lifetime moments to be found elsewhere throughout the program.
“My favorite part of the trip was when we went to a local pineapple farm. We drove through the farm and learned how to pick the best pineapple, and the impact of these farms in Costa Rican and global economies.
So, not only were students on this trip able to pick pineapples fresh with their own hands, but learn in real time about global economies in a country outside the U.S.
And this is only one of the many study abroad programs the Smith Center supports. If one course can make this much of a difference, imagine what five or ten more programs like this could offer.
In review of her travels, Hueser offered, “There is so much to learn from places different than your own. This experience has shown me what conservation and protecting the environment looks like in other countries. I was able to see the effects of when an entire country is working to protect biodiversity and protect the planet. It was amazing to see a place that uses 100% renewable energy, has constant connections with the environment, and is actively working to educate on the importance of conservation.”
Such a meaningful message from a student studying abroad.
Step out of your comfort zone, try something new. Learn more about how you can grow global through study abroad here!