Aaron A. Conrad, Summer 2016 Participant
My favorite part of this program was getting to interact with the social work students and professors with the University of Costa Rica. Learning about their emphasis advocacy, the focus on human rights above all else and the promotion of a culture of peace was very eye opening when compared to what is going on with social work in the United States. It was very informative to learn about that different perspective and then to reflect on how if can be applied to my country. It certainly changed the way I view social work and myself as a social worker. This program had the perfect mix of work and leisure time and it was great that we got to learn about the country as a whole, see many of its places and communities, and experience the culture in a holistic fashion.
Amy Catherine Gray, Summer 2012 Participant
It is very warm in Costa Rica, dress accordingly.
Summer 2015 Participant
Educationally, I really loved being on campus surrounded by students in the School of Social Welfare at UCR. Developing relationships with some of those students, in spite of the language barrier was such a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Recreationally, hiking the waterfall in the pouring rain was incredible. The best experience I have had in my entire life. It was pouring down rain for the entire hike, which made the forest seem so magical. When we reached the bottom of the waterfall, it's presence was so powerful that it brought me to tears. It was the most beautiful experience I've had so far.