So far, we have completed a week of classes, have visited Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and completed the first field lab in Bajo del Tigre looking at patterns of beta diversity in fungi. In Monteverde, we stayed at the beautiful Monteverde Biological Station immersed in the cloud forest, trekked through the continental divide, got soaked in horizontal rain, and moved from the very wet Caribbean to the very dry Pacific Slope across the continental divide, where we saw dancing, long-tailed manakins and noisy, three-wattled bellbirds. The sounds of the cloud forest mixed with the sound of questions from students and professors, seeking explanations to understand this very complex and fragile ecosystem.

We are off to a good start, and can’t wait to see what awaits us on the oncoming field trips.
- Gerardo Avalos, Center Director

Student Reflections
The program this far has been much more exciting than I expected it to be. Each day is full of different activities, each of which tie together to help me understand the aspects of sustainability in Costa Rica. I have enjoyed the lectures and discussions, especially because many of them are on topics that I know little about but am very interested in. I have had almost no prior instruction on environmental economics or the management of tourism in parks, which has made these lectures particularly informative. The lectures have also provided background information that has been very important for application in the field. Although I have enjoyed all of the activities, the best day for me so far has been the hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Seeing the cloud forest was an amazing experience because of the dense vegetation and abundant wildlife. The types of plants present in the forest were nothing like what I am used to in the temperate forests of Connecticut. I loved being able to learn about the plants I was seeing directly in the field instead of in the classroom. I also really enjoyed the field exercise in Monteverde the following morning. It made me very excited for the Directed Research part of course as well because it was so interesting to collect data in the field. I can’t believe how quickly the past week has gone and I am really looking forward to the rest of the program.
-Leah B. Herity, University of Connecticut/Storrs

So far, my time in Costa Rica has passed quickly but has been very rewarding. I have really enjoyed the academics of the program here and the staff is very friendly and accommodating. The professors not only know their subject matter well, but they are also extremely passionate about what they teach, which encourages me. Meshing the three disciplines of economics, biology, and history has enlightened me on more effective and efficient ways of approaching and solving environmental issues. The field trips are very educational and expose the fragility of the diverse ecosystems in the different types of forests here. My lab partner and I were collecting fungi the other day and a group of curious capuchin monkeys came near and watched us for quite some time; it was a rare and unforgettable experience.

The Costa Rican community is very welcoming. The soccer games with the locals are both challenging and fun. Soccer is a great way to move around after some lectures while experiencing a large part of the culture here. People here are friendly and always willing to help. I am even a little rusty on my Spanish, but communication has not been a problem. The Spanish-speaking cooks at the center are extremely patient and work with us when we have trouble communicating. I’ve also really enjoyed the dance lessons we have had here. Dancing can be intimidating, but I have found that it is a great workout and confidence booster. Everything here has truly been great, even having rice and beans available for every meal has not gotten old. The food is fresh, the view spectacular, the community friendly, and the education is eye-opening. I know this is an unforgettable experience that will prepare me for my future pursuits!
-Brandi Amor, Baylor University

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