Travel Writing and Costa Rica - KU Honors Program : Reviews (La Fortuna)

I loved when the group spent a few quiet moments at the base of Arenal Volcano. I realized just how much of nature we miss because of our distractions.

My favorite part about this program is the amazing opportunity to experience another world and culture outside our own. Every day was an eye-opener for me, and I was able to learn to have an open mind to differences that I normally wouldn't.

My answer won't be adequate if I limit it to favorites. For twelve days, we were immersed in an idealistic world of exploration. In a way, the experience reminded me of Darwin exploring the Galapagos, though we certainly weren't making new scientific discoveries. I do think, however, we discovered something equally as important-- discoveries on the art of living. Costa Rican natives, or Ticos, view life in the context of "Pura Vida" (the pure life). From learning and experiencing the flora of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, to whitewater rafting, to investigating a roadside fruit stand, to horseback riding, to hearing a coffee plantation owner speak of the intensive process going into one cup of coffee, to the friendships formed among our group of 25, travel writing and Costa Rica changed perspective. It helped us rediscover something often lost in the whirlwind of our busy lives -- each moment is precious and an opportunity to grow.

My favorite aspect of this program was that we were able to learn so much about the country while abroad both in group and individual activities.

My favorite aspect of the program was the numerous opportunities to be outside and active. The zip-lining, hiking, and particularly the white water rafting were incredible experiences. The chocolate tour was also super great with chances to taste the chocolate at the various steps of the production process - with amazing spoonfuls of melted chocolate and choice of various toppings at the end. Also food!!! Some of the best fruit you'll ever have :)

The program is very diverse, and it seems as though it gives a taste of many different ways of life that the Costa Ricans live. I really enjoyed the pacing; each day was jam packed, but there is always time for rest.

This program was such a great way to experience new cultures and new places. Being able to travel to Costa Rica with a group like this was great because it took the stress out of being in a new country because I was with people spoke English and was being guided by people that knew what they were doing. My favorite part had to be going to the beach at Manuel Antonio at the end of the trip. The water was so perfect and the entire area was beautiful!

My favorite part of the trip was the people I got to travel with. The group was full of people with different personalities and experiences, and I feel as though the people there changed my worldview as much as, if not more than, the experience of traveling abroad did. I had conversations with so many good, kind people that I would not have met otherwise, and made friends I've already seen multiple times now back in Lawrence.
The three professors accompanying our trip were fun, knowledgeable, and cared for our fun and safety.

My favorite part of this program was when we were able to go through the city of San Jose and see its beautiful and well-crafted architecture on national buildings such as the National Museum of Costa Rica, the National Bank of Costa Rica, etc.

My favorite part of the program was the people. I had not really found my people while at KU, but the people I met on this study abroad were the people I was looking for. I love the connections I made.

We saw so many different parts of Costa Rica--beaches, cloud forests, stunning sunsets. We hiked up mountains, walked trails lined with coffee beans, and tasted cacao straight from the pods. It felt like we got to know Costa Rica because we saw so many different regions of the country--the Pacific and the Caribbean, the mountains and the rainforests.

My favorite part was visiting Manuel Antonio National Park. It was beautiful and there was so much wildlife. The beach at the end was magnificent. I've never seen ocean water as clear as that one.

I enjoyed touring the chocolate farm and learning more about the ethical cultivation and processing of chocolate in Costa Rica. It was an overall great experience to learn more about the politics, culture, and life in Costa Rica.

I feel rather proud to have taken my first trip abroad with a group of strangers and to have opened myself fully to every opportunity for learning and growing.

I found my time in nature incredibly rewarding in this program. We spent so much time hiking, climbing or just relaxing outside, constantly surrounded by wildlife. I gained a deeper connection to my major, ecology, even though this wasn't a science-based trip.

"Pura Vida" truly describes the Costa Ricans' way of life, and that saying will always be a part of me. Seeing how they live their life has made me more appreciative of what the world has to offer and the people that lives in it. From seeing the breathtaking views to be able to have a basic conversation in Spanish, I am immensely grateful for this opportunity. You learn things that stick with you in the back of your mind that you cannot wait to tell everybody back home and that motivates you to make the world a better place. Even though the trip must end, it never truly ends.

I honestly appreciated how relatively stress-free the program turned out to be. As a novice to international travel, I felt relieved to have so many decisions concerning lodging and food and transfer already made for us. It really allowed for me to relax, take in beautiful scenery, and to be open to each new experience.

I found the act of sharing journals, having meaningful conversations, and connecting with my peers, professors, and people along the way the most rewarding! I made so many wonderful connections.

I loved being able to fully immerse myself in a setting that puts us in the context of the rest of the world, as opposed to being the exception to it.

Utilizing the Spanish language was the most rewarding. As someone who has taken a few Spanish classes in the past, being able to apply vocabulary into a real-world immersion was astonishing.

I learned about the Costa Rican government, their daily life, their access to education, how to be more conscientious of the environment, but most importantly how different life can be anywhere you go in the world, and how important it is to learn about all the diversity that our world has to offer us, and in turn utilize it to improve the lives of others and our own with a new understanding and respect for people of all backgrounds.

You never know when you might need a raincoat!

Wear shoes that you can get muddy!

This program was great for students from all studies. If you are looking to practice Spanish, learn more about biology, study more about indigenous tribes, or learn more about other governments this program can teach you that and so much more. It can maybe even uncover paths that you hadn't though of previously.

While it may seem daunting, experiencing a new culture, immersing oneself in it, and actively being in the moment of all the learning experiences will truly make the experience worth it.

Go with the flow! Even if things aren't going exactly as planned or exactly the way you want, as long as you have an open mind and a good attitude, every experience on the trip will be incredible!

Please take every opportunity you can on this trip to learn about the country and actively participate in your writings and activities. Take the time to get to know your peers and professors so that you are able to collaborate and see different point of views so that you are able to become a more open-minded individual. Also ensure that you bring dramamine for motion sickness and a water bottle so that you are able to stay hydrated!

As an Indian who grew up in America, I learned about the beauty in connecting with others through diversity and sharing my heritage. I also learned how to be inclusive of the environment and the concept of ecotourism. For future students, be open to all experiences and be prepared to have money for souvenirs, because they are all worth it and hand made! Be prepared to expand your mental and physical boundaries in the most positive way possible! Also, you may stay in touch with the people you traveled with after the study abroad experience just as I did! The connections are amazing and life lasting.

I learned that attempting to immerse yourself as much as you can, even if you feel nervous speaking in a foreign language, will get you so much farther. Once you step out of your comfort zone you will gain so much more understanding of the place you're in. Also, don't be shy, you will make so many new friends!

I learned a little bit of everything: how to be a good roommate, how to reduce my carbon footprint, and how to be a better person all around.

I learned that just because something is different, doesn't mean it is wrong. The world is made up of people and places very different from one another and that is what makes it beautiful.

I learned I liked to travel and try new foods and experiences even though it seemed scary.