Explore agricultural activities in beautiful Costa Rica with Parkland students during a 10-day Study Abroad opportunity this March.
Parkland's supervised Study Abroad program, "Study in Costa Rica," will take place March 15-24, 2013. Designed for students seeking field experience in international agriculture, the tour offers visits to tropical crops; cocoa, coffee, banana, and pineapple plantations; dairy farms; vegetable and flower farms; beef cattle farms; and more. Participants gain firsthand knowledge of agriculture's role in international food production/trade as well as a greater understanding of how cultural and economic diversity influences agriculture.
"The impact this trip has had on previous attendees has been tremendous," Study Abroad coordinator Don Bergfield said, recalling a recent meeting with a former agriculture student who now works for Archer Daniels Midland Co. "[The student] told me that the Costa Rica trip was one of the most important factors in landing him the grain merchandising internship at ADM's Hutchison, Kansas, plant," Bergfield said.
Trip participants must be 18 and older; have a valid passport; demonstrate college-level reading, writing and math skills; and provide proof of insurance. The site tour, as it is part of a course, will include fieldwork, lectures, and opportunities to explore.
The program fee of $2,100 includes roundtrip airfare, room, meals, tours, and ground transportation. A $300 deposit, along with a completed application, is due by January 22. Space is limited.
Residents needing more information or who wish to apply for this exciting adventure should contact Don Bergfield, Study Abroad coordinator for Business and Agri-Industries, at 217/351-2406 or
dbergfield@parkland.edu.