Ryan Wright, International Leadership Studies Major

In the summer of 2007, I traveled to Costa Rica with seven other Marietta College students on a college-sponsored three-week trip. The trip, led by Dr. David Brown and Dr. David McShaffrey (two biology professors), was hosted by the biology department. The trip incorporated a three-credit biology class focused entirely on ecology and conservation efforts in Costa Rica (which was a central topic for everyone’s research papers).

Throughout the trip we visited several cities from the northern, southern, eastern, and western regions of the country, such as; San José, Liberia, Santa Rosa, Monteverde, Puerto Limón, Tortuguero, and Cahuita. Also, our group crossed the border into Nicaragua during one of our river tours.

Throughout the three weeks, we hiked through several rainforests which allowed for us to see amazing tropical flora and fauna. The most memorable experience while hiking the rainforests was the personal interaction with various species of monkeys (the ‘hollers’ being my favorite) and snakes.

Furthermore, for our coursework we completed transects in two of the most diverse rainforests that we hiked through. Also, we had discussions on the required literature on various nights or when it was applicable to the particular place we were in at the given time. Nonetheless, we also had a great time outside of the rainforests doing other activities throughout Costa Rica.

We were able to pleasantly enjoy three different beaches in Tortuguero, Santa Rosa, and Cahuita, purchase great cultural souvenirs in the ‘Mercado’ in San José, canoe, swim around waterfalls, and eat amazingly delicious homemade Costa Rican cuisine.

From the beginning to the end, this trip was a fantastic cultural and biological experience. ¡Pura Vida! Since this trip, I have gone on other college-sponsored two-week trips to Spain, led by Dr. Richard Danford, and Ghana, led by Dr. Ena Vulor.