Costa Rica: Julia Smessaert
Program: UW Tropical Horticulture in Costa Rica, Winter Intersession
Julia’s Major: Horticulture
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
The program academics for this course was more hands-on than any other class I have taken at UW-Madison. We had the opportunity to see the production systems in action and to talk to actual farmers about their experiences with the economic, ecological, and social aspects of their operations. In a classroom, you only learn about these systems on a more shallow level but, when you actually get to visit a farm and talk to those doing the work, you get a deeper understanding and appreciation for these systems. You also get a better sense of how these systems can vary or change based on the specific landscape that they are on. My Fruit Crops class (Hort 345) was structured similarly, though. We went on field trips to farms for the second part of the semester and got to see different production systems. The study abroad focused more on the system as a whole (ecological, economic, and social) whereas the Fruit Crops class focused solely on the production aspect.
Being able to visit farms, talk to the farmers, and learn more about tropical cropping systems has made my future goal of working in a tropical crop system more clear. Now that I have learned about the challenges and processes that are involved in farming in the tropics, I feel more strongly that I want to go into this line of work. It can be a challenge to manage all the interconnected pieces of a tropical farming system, but it excites me to learn more about them and gain more experience working in them.
What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward?
We mostly ate Gallo Pinto, a traditional dish of rice and beans, along with plantain. It is so simple but so good! I will continue to make this dish because of the memories, the flavors, and how good it makes you feel after eating it! Thank you Costa Rica for introducing such amazing food to me!
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
The most memorable experience I had in Costa Rica was our visit to Palmito Tours. Maria, our guide, was very welcoming and shared the story of her family and the farm that she was able to establish throughout her life. Maria’s Spanish was translated although, we didn’t need words to feel her passion and commitment to creating diversity on her family’s farm, and ultimately, her love for her family. It was very fascinating to watch Maria’s machete skills as she made her way to the heart of the palm. To taste the fresh heart of palm straight from the field was an incredible treat! Not only were we able to try the fresh heart of palm, Maria and her family prepared us a delicious heart of palm-inspired meal. I will always remember that day and cherish the warming welcome of Maria and her family.