University of Wisconsin–Madison

Costa Rica: Venkata Reshma Alla

Program: UW Banking Animal Biodiversity in Costa Rica, Spring Break

Reshma’s Major: Genetics & Genomics

A group of around 20 students pose for a selfie on a path surrounded by lush greenery.
Lost in the jungle of friendship, capturing memories amongst amphibian and reptilian wonders! 🐸📷🐍

How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?

The program was very hands on and we had stuff to do each part of the day. There was a lot of outdoor learning and also some classroom learning that tied everything together. Everyone had the opportunity to learn or interpret the content as they wished. There were no restrictions like a set syllabus. We did have group assignments and projects where we worked together putting together all of our knowledge and learning together for a fruitful result.

What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward? 

I absolutely loved their tradition of having rice for every meal. It’s actually very similar to my diet from my home country, India. I incorporated the fact that I work a lot better when I eat all 3 meals of rice daily and consistently.

A close-up of a large, green praying mantis standing on a person's face and hair.
Embracing Nature’s Quirks with our Fearless Leader! 🌳🦗😁

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

The most memorable experience for me was when we went to visit the butterfly farm in San Pique. It was so beautiful filled with blue morpho butterflies, moths, sloths, white bats and red eyed tree frogs! It was wonderful.