![Building with Costa Rican flag](https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2024/04/n21245296/jcr:content/image.img.cq5dam.thumbnail.500.500.jpg/1713800152888.jpg)
UC offers experiential learning abroad in Central America
Four months in Costa Rica broadened one student’s horizons
In the tropical paradise of Costa Rica, fourth year journalism and international affairs student Stephanie Rivera embarked on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and cultural immersion.
Leaving behind the familiar sights and sounds of Cincinnati, Rivera set out to study abroad for a transformative semester in this Central American country, rich with vibrant biodiversity and cultural heritage.
The College of Arts & Sciences (A&S) at UC places great emphasis on encouraging study abroad and experiential learning opportunities for its students. Recognizing the transformative power of global experiences, the college supports a variety of study-abroad programs that enable students to enhance their academic pursuits while gaining valuable cultural and personal experiences.
Rivera in picturesque Costa Rica for study abroad. Photo/Provided.
“As soon as I found out that you could study abroad during college, I knew I wanted to do it,” says Rivera. “I never got to travel much growing up—my family didn’t have money for us to go on vacations, so before this I had never even been outside the states.”
Studying abroad through A&S allows students to advance their degrees in multiple ways. They have an opportunity to engage with diverse academic perspectives, learn from renowned faculty at partner institutions, and explore subjects within a global context.
By immersing themselves in different cultures and environments, students develop a broader understanding of their fields of study and acquire unique perspectives that can enrich their coursework and research.
Rivera was enrolled in the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC). USAC provided ways for study abroad students to meet locals.
“One of my favorite ways I got to interact with other students on campus was through the ‘Tico Friend Program’. I met so many Ticos—which is a nickname for Costa Ricans—that I still follow on social media and talk to today,” says Rivera. The locals she met were friendly and welcoming, she said, adding that they enjoyed talking to Americans and practicing their English.
"I got to know who I am as a person and what I wanted out of my life."
Stephanie Rivera A&S study abroad participant
In addition to academic growth, studying abroad provides students with the chance to pursue their passions and explore new interests. Whether it’s learning a new language, delving into the art and history of a foreign country, or conducting research in an international setting, students can tailor their study abroad experiences to align with their specific academic and personal interests.
“In college I really lost myself. Studying abroad in Costa Rica helped me to see the colors in life again and see how beautiful it can truly be,” says Rivera. “I got to spend a lot of time with myself so I got to know my strengths and weaknesses—I got to know who I am as a person and what I wanted out of my life.”
These immersive experiences not only deepen students' knowledge and skills but also foster personal growth, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability—qualities highly valued by employers in an increasingly interconnected world.
UC student Stephanie Rivera during a study abroad program in Costa Rica. Photo/Provided
Studying abroad also offers students a head start on their resumes before graduation. Through internships, research projects or community engagement activities, students can gain practical experience in their respective fields while being exposed to different cultural and professional contexts.
These experiences demonstrate initiative, flexibility, and a global mindset, helping give graduates a competitive edge in the job market and preparing them for future careers that demand cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.
Throughout her time in Costa Rica, Rivera got to explore most of the country beyond the limits of the city she was staying in—Heredia, which is located in the Central Valley region about 30 minutes from the capital. “I got to travel almost every weekend. I visited La Fortuna, Monteverde, Jaco, Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Panama, Bocas del Toro, San Jose often, Tamarindo, Samara, and several small cities and towns in the mountains,” she explains.
Beyond academic growth, studying abroad Rivera rekindled her love for life and revealed her strengths and weaknesses, she says. This immersive experience instilled in her a profound sense of self-awareness and clarified her aspirations for the future.
Featured image at top: Building with Costa Rican flag. Credit/ jconejo for Pixabay.
By Makaela Mertic
Student Journalist, A&S Department of Marketing and Communication
artscinews@ucmail.uc.edu
Related Stories
UC Day of Giving a success
April 28, 2021
University of Cincinnati Day of Giving’s 24-hour challenge was a tremendous success this year, raising $2,219,197 with 3,232 gifts. The fourth annual UC Day of Giving raised its most money to date with alumni, donors, students, faculty and staff joining together to support UC and UC Health.
Cincinnati.com: Moving forward means confronting legacy
April 9, 2021
Littisha Bates writes opinion letter to Cincinnati.com on the history of race and policing in the city and other communities.
The making of a successful Faculty & Staff Campaign
May 25, 2021
More than one-third of UC’s nearly 7,000 faculty and staff have already contributed to the 2020-21 Faculty & Staff Campaign, putting the goal of 45% within reach.
UC Foundation Board of Trustees elects six new members
May 11, 2021
The University of Cincinnati Foundation Board of Trustees has elected six new trustees to its 52-member board: Paul D. Green, BBA ’90; Lourdes J. Harshe, BBA ’92; Anndréa M. Moore, BBA’10; Arun C. Murthy, BBA ’95; Kirk L. Perry, BBA ’90, HON ‘15; and Christopher J. Van Pelt, BA ’91, MA ’93.
Three additional days off for UC employees
July 14, 2021
President Neville G. Pinto announced that UC employees will receive three additional days off in 2021 for going 'above and beyond' during the pandemic. The time away will take place during Winter Season Days.
UC Notable Alumnus: William Strunk, Jr., A&S 1890
August 6, 2021
William Strunk, Jr. graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1890 with a bachelor of arts.
New sites available now on Bearcats Landing
August 12, 2021
A new set of sites is now available on Bearcats Landing, UC’s faculty/staff intranet. The following areas launched their sites on Thurs., Aug. 12th as a part of a semester-long build process geared toward making their initial site a valuable university resource for workplace communications and resources.
Finding class: A fall guide for Arts and Sciences students
August 10, 2021
Unlike in most colleges, students in the College of Arts and Sciences are not confined to a single building. The array of courses offered to students separate themselves between the current 12 buildings.
Dayton Daily News: John Kasich s Speaking Style Can Inspire and Insult
February 14, 2016
David Niven, an assistant professor of political science in the McMicken College of Arts & Sciences, is quoted in this story on GOP presidential hopeful John Kasich's communication style.
Young, Gifted and Black: WGSS Alumna Puts Her Passion into Community Design
February 26, 2016
In celebration of Black History Month, UC's McMicken College of Arts and Sciences is proud to highlight the stories and accomplishments of recent alumni who are working hard to make the world a better, more just and inclusive place.