Some Viterbo University students made the absolute most of their time between the fall and spring semesters by participating in incredible educational experiences in Costa Rica and London.

VUSM Environmental Justice in Costa Rica through conservation biology, writing, and art included nine days in the country’s different ecosystems where participants climbed a volcano, visited cloud and rain forests, viewed multiple waterfalls, and toured Parque Nacional Tortuguero National Park by boat, the only way it is accessible. Students wrote and drew about biology elements in a nature journal.

“Traveling to Costa Rica was one of the most beneficial experiences of my life,” said Emma Schoen, a junior biochemistry major and Spanish minor. “We got to see different environments in Costa Rica from Tortuguero rainforest to Guanacaste costal region. Learning about the ecojustice that exists in this country inspired my group to practice more conservation biology in our daily lives, and the artwork that I created is something I hope to show my family and friends one day. I am beyond grateful that I got to participate in such a meaningful journey with incredible people all while learning and absorbing the beautiful country of Costa Rica. Pura Vida!”

Touring St. Paul’s Cathedral, exploring the Tower of London, seeing the Crown Jewels, and visiting Stonehenge were just a few of the many highlights in addition to attending incredible theatre productions during the 11-day Conservatory for the Performing Arts trip to London.

“There was so much history to discover, which opened up my view of the world in a way I never had before,” said junior musical theatre major Connor Martin. “Stepping foot in places I’ve heard about all my life was such a surreal and amazing experience. This trip not only deepened my appreciation for the arts, but also broadened my understanding of history and culture.”

Theatre of course was the focus of the trip, and the students saw 11 different productions. Martin even chose to attend five additional shows. The students also privately toured popular sites such as Shakespeare’s Globe, The National Theatre, and The Royal Shakespeare Company.

“Getting a behind-the-scenes look at how productions are built, staged, and how these theatres operate both in the city and on a global scale was really interesting,” said Martin, who particularly enjoyed a production of Dick Whittington and His Cat, done as a traditional British panto, and experiencing immersive theatre, specifically a production of Guys and Dolls. “I can genuinely imagine myself living in London one day, immersing myself in the theatre scene even more,” Martin said. “Until then, I’m already counting down the days until I can hopefully go back.”