Costa Rica | Study Abroad Opportunities

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Sierra Magazine Cool School 2011
Sierra magazine announced its annual top 20 "coolest" schools for their efforts to stop global warming and operate sustainably. Northland College placed 7th on the list. The magazine's September/October cover story spotlights the schools that are making a true difference for the planet, and marks Sierra's fourth annual listing of America's greenest universities and colleges. Institutions ranked by the listing were evaluated based on an extensive survey submitted to Sierra magazine by each college or university. Read More

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Home / Academics / Off-Campus Programs / Study Abroad / Costa Rica

Unjustifiably summing up my CELL experience, here is a list of opportunities I was able to be a part of: learning Spanish in a local school for two weeks, building solar panels with Nicaraguans, building solar cookers with Nicaraguans, breaking sod for new gardens in the hills of Honduras, reading many amazing books and discussing their importance with my classmates, climbing six volcanoes, sledding down one volcano, living with 12+ Central American families, picking and roasting cacao (cocoa) and making our own chocolate, patrolling beaches in search of nesting turtles in the dead of the night, and gaining a new perspective on life. The CELL (Center for Ecological Living and Learning) is the program offered by Northland. CELL is the reason I was able to leave Northland for so long and still graduate on time.

After my stay with the CELL program, I embarked on my own journey for three months. I attended a Spanish school for the month of May – walking to school every day, learning for five hours in a personal classroom, staying with a local family, and becoming exceedingly more proficient in Spanish. I wanted to do some service while in Monteverde. So, I walked into the local public high school and spoke with the principal. I asked him if I could help teach English to his students. He told me to turn around, leave his school and come back looking like a teacher (pants, collared shirt and nice shoes), then we would talk. I came back the next day, after going shopping in the market, and landed the volunteer position. I helped students every night in a tutoring program teaching English and helping the classroom teacher become more proficient in English.

After my stay in Monteverde, I met a friend in San Jose and traveled for two more months, exploring hidden treasures of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Throughout my time in Central America, I learned the importance of gaining a world perspective, getting out of the "box" and taking the risk to help others. I could have never done this without the help of many good friends at Northland and friends I met along the way. My experience in Central America is driving me to enlist in the Peace Corps after I graduate from Northland in 2010. I will travel back to my home away from home.

Themes of Trip: Sustainable Community Development, Spanish Proficiency, Exploration, Cultural Awareness, Volunteering and Service

Volcan Irazu Toucan on Volcan Miravalle

Rainforest Catapiller Footbridge Over Volcanic Turquoise River