Presidential Scholars to explore lush Costa Rican jungles on Spring Break

Lush rainforests, canals brimming with wildlife, geothermal hot springs, and spectacular waterfalls await 15 Amarillo College Presidential Scholars who will explore the biodiversity of Costa Rica over spring break.

The nine-day sojourn, during which students will study sustainable living in a wildlife-laden environment, begins March 9 and fulfills the promise of unique travel-abroad learning opportunities afforded AC’s Presidential Scholars.

“This will be my first time out of the country and my first time to experience tropical landscapes,” said Evan Adams, a business administration major. “I’m excited to see how modern it is because, as Americans, we portray places like Costa Rica as primitive. I know we’ll see some very unique things.”

Lesley Ingham, coordinator of the Presidential Scholars program, said her students have been researching the South American country for many weeks.

“This is a travel opportunity for which our preparations and research have been focused largely on nature and environmental science,” Ingham said. “We’ll certainly be seeing a lot of jungle, and our Spanish speaking students are sure to help us navigate some of the places we visit.

“I think we’re all excited about the country’s flora and fauna that form the basis of an ecosystem far different than we’ve seen before,” she said.

Butoto “JP” Jean Pierre, a biology major who was born in Africa, says he is interested in seeing how the Costa Rican ecosystem affects day-to-day living. “I am curious about how people adapt to the climate of a rainforest,” he said. “I want to see how the communities are affected by the presence of so much rain and wildlife. I also can’t wait to experience the different culture.”

For Kaden Snyder, a general studies major and aspiring engineer, the architecture in Costa Rica will have his full attention. “I look forward to seeing how they live in harmony with nature and how the cities are built, how they blend in tandem with nature,” Snyder said.

“And I love photography, so I’ll be taking a whole lot of pictures.”