This summer, Hendrix students spent six weeks exploring the natural splendor and culture of Costa Rica with Psychology professor Dr. Carmen Merrick and Biology and Health Sciences professor Dr. J.D. Gantz. At their home base in San Luis—right outside the famous cloud forest of Monteverde—students had an immersive Spanish experience that served as a language-learning framework for the entire six-week trip. In addition to their coursework, they went on field excursions to sites of local interest such as coffee farms, artisan studios, biodiversity reserves, and ecotourist venues.
Students Riley Centinaro ’25, Owen Edgington ’25, Avery Fry ’25, Elliot Jackson ’25, Finley Lawrence ’25, Mary Lieblong ’25, Katie McClure ’26, Gianna Miceli ’25, Vincenzo Redditt ’25, Katherine Scalzo ’24, Maeve Smith ’24, and Madison Turner ’25 found time throughout the day to independently explore too.
“I’ve always wanted to experience Central America and the rainforest,” Turner said. “It gave me an opportunity to study tropical ecology and see the world through a new language. Every day was a new adventure. Some of my favorite memories were the daily hikes we’d take down to the river to go swimming.”
The courses led by Dr. Merrick explored the ways in which well-being is impacted by interaction with the natural world and the reciprocal relationship between humans and their environment, with a focus on well-being and conservation. For Dr. Gantz’s course, students looked at the physiological adaptations that allow plants and animals to carve out specialized niches in the tropics. “Having the opportunity to spend so much time at La Selva Research Station was one of my favorite experiences I’ve had throughout my time at Hendrix,” Scalzo said.
While abroad and after returning home, students spent time reflecting on their experiences through creative essays. They were encouraged to contemplate the connections between language, the natural world, what is needed to provide a sense of well-being, and their own roles within environments. Hendrix-in-Costa Rica illustrates the importance of interdisciplinary programming and yields the understanding that nothing exists in a vacuum.
To learn more about study-travel opportunities with the Hendrix-Murphy Foundation, visit our website!