Winter Break 2024 Participant
For architecture students, I would say that the site visits and popular attractions we visited were extremely helpful and informative. We visited several amazing examples of architecture, includes homes, hotels, and businesses. We visited areas around Costa Rica that attract many tourists, such as San Jose's mini "China Town". We also visited many nature/animal conservatories and scenic areas like waterfalls, volcanoes, and even coffee bean farms. Visiting these places really opened my eyes to different styles of design that are utilized in different ways throughout the world, and how important the intertwinement of nature and buildings is in Costa Rica.
Winter Break 2024 Participant
This program moves all around Costa Rica, and some places we stayed have a much cooler climate than you would expect. The nights also tend to cool down, so packing some warm clothes is important! Be prepared to walk a LOT. Take a smaller bag to carry what you need for a day around. Be prepared to pay for almost every meal. Getting sunburned is easy, and while you might think it would be nice to go back to Lawrence with a fresh tan, it is NOT worth it - being stuck in an airport and a plane and coming back to sub-zero temperatures already sucks, and it is ten times worse when you're burnt. Also, be prepared to stay in hotels that are of a lower quality than ones in the United States. Staying at a variety of hotels/hostels/resorts is part of the program experience, so be ready for some good and not-so-good stays!
Winter Break 2024 Participant
My favorite part of this program was its emphasis on nature. We went on multiple hikes and excursions in nature, exploring Costa Rica's biodiversity across the country. I have a deep passion for the natural world, and being able to participate in a study abroad experience that allowed me to explore that passion in the context of my major was very valuable.
