This past summer, a group of students from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs embarked on an unforgettable 10-day journey through Costa Rica, immersing themselves in the country’s rich biodiversity and sustainability efforts. From hands-on experiences at local coffee farms and fisheries to eye-opening lessons on environmental policy, the trip offered students the chance to not only learn about sustainability but to witness its impact firsthand.
Program Director Sarah Mincey highlighted that the course was built around Nobel laureate Elinor Ostrom’s Social-Ecological Systems (SES) framework, which underscores the importance of understanding the interplay between environmental, social, and governance factors in achieving sustainability.
“You can’t take nature and separate it from social and governance factors—they are intertwined,” Mincey explained.
Costa Rica, known for its environmental stewardship, served as the perfect backdrop for students to critically engage with sustainability practices.
Throughout the trip, students traveled across Costa Rica to explore local ecosystems, including sustainable fisheries, family-owned coffee farms, and national parks. Mincey noted that students were constantly applying the SES framework to evaluate sustainability in various sectors, from agriculture to ecotourism.
In addition to academic site visits, students took part in service-learning projects, including removing plastic from beaches and rivers, then sorting and recycling the collected materials. On one memorable day, students removed over 1,000 pounds of plastic from a beach in just two hours!
The trip not only provided students with practical learning experiences but also fostered deep connections with local Costa Ricans. MSES student David Orth shared how inspiring it was to see Costa Rica’s national values of education, peace, and sustainability reflected in everyone they encountered.
“I will continue to carry the sublime appreciation to see these values reflected in the people we interacted with throughout the country: nature guides, business owners, NGOs, governmental representatives, and even our bus driver,” Orth said.
For Orth, one of the standout moments was visiting Mare Blu, an NGO committed to tackling coastal pollution. He was particularly inspired by the organization’s founder, Geronimo Ciuti, who transitioned from a corporate career to dedicating his life to environmental conservation.
“Within six months, he had quit his job and started Mare Blu, and within four years, his organization gained global recognition,” Orth explained, highlighting how Ciuti’s journey exemplifies that “anyone can start a movement with motivation.”
Chris Ercoli, MES’26, was equally moved by the people he connected with during the trip.
“The guest speakers and local people were enlightening, empowering, and diverse,” he said, highlighting the unique friendships he formed with fellow students and locals.
For Ercoli, the visit to El Toledo Coffee Farm in Atenas was particularly impactful. The experience deepened his understanding of the complexities of sustainability and the challenges that even the most seemingly perfect solutions can present.
“The farmer lectured us on the broader scope of environmentalism in a rabidly capitalist world as much as he told us about coffee production. It was a truly eye-opening three hours,” Ercoli shared.
Since 2019, the Costa Rica Summer Program has offered students an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional classroom learning. By engaging directly with local ecosystems and communities, students are able to see firsthand how sustainability operates in real-world contexts. Through their work with local organizations, students contribute to meaningful environmental and social efforts, leaving a lasting impact on the communities they serve.
Each year, the program provides practical skills, knowledge, and deep personal insights that prepare students to address environmental challenges in their future careers. They return home with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to applying what they’ve learned—making a real difference in the environmental field.
Leave a Reply