Costa Rica: Sydney Stohr
Program: UW Tropical Horticulture in Costa Rica, Winter Intersession
Major: Horticulture
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
We collaborated with each other and Costa Rican nationals in a way we wouldn’t have in a more traditional classroom setting. This program gave context to what we have learned at school and taught us how to effectively communicate interdisciplinarily both among our peers and with professionals.
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
The most memorable experience was visiting a palm oil plantation. Many of us started the program with prior knowledge and opinions on the palm oil industry, but seeing the plantation in person exceeded our expectations socially and environmentally. We learned the importance of hearing directly from farmers and not making generalizations about entire industries.
This program gave context to what we have learned at school and taught us how to effectively communicate interdisciplinarily both among our peers and with professionals.
What is your advice for someone considering your program?
I would advise other students to keep an open mind and not arrive with any preconceptions. This applies to both the people on your program and the scheduled activities. I formed unexpected friendships and connections to prior knowledge that a closed mind could have hindered.
What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward?
Every person we met bid farewell by exclaiming “Pura Vida!”, meaning pure life in Spanish. The expression made me feel more present and aware of my mentality. This served as a constant reminder of the difference a positive outlook can make.