Costa Rica Field Study

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By Jared Bray

Story Published: Mar 25, 2010 at 5:45 PM MDT

Story Updated: Mar 26, 2010 at 2:22 PM MDT

BILLINGS – The Central American country of Costa Rica became a temporary classroom for a group of Rocky Mountain College students this month.

There were no chalkboards, quizzes or text books, but this Costa Rican field study wasn't one big recess either. In fact, for some of the students, it was one of the most demanding trips they'd ever taken.

"The mosquitoes were probably my low, closely followed by the 10 mile hike that I wasn't aware we were making when I signed up for the trip," said Hilary Alweis.

But Alweis says it was worth it to see species of mammals she thought she'd never witness outside her college text book.

"My favorite moment was when we were sitting outside, the mosquitoes were getting icky, I was ready to turn it in and a tapir just walked right by – it was feet from us. So it was very cool to be like, 'there's a tapir, no one gets to see that.'"

During the 9 day trip students visited multiple types of rainforests scattered throughout the country, including the most intact rainforest left in Central America.

"We got to see all the pictures in power points in the classroom, then we went out there and we were like, 'hey, it's real.'"

The students' professor says the field work isn't just a fun way to study. It also helps them find both career and internship opportunities.

"It's very different for the students, but I think it opens up their eyes to what is out there and what options there are for them," said Kayhan Ostovar, professor of environmental science.

Students are still compiling data from the trip. But some of them, including Professor Ostovar, are gearing up for next year's adventure which could involve studying conservation issues in East Africa.

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M Williams said on Friday, Mar 26 at 2:05 PM

Interesting story, Costa Rica is beatiful! Note to editor, it's a Tapir, not a Taper.

P. Erickson said on Friday, Mar 26 at 8:10 AM

Thank you, KULR 8, for highlighting this amazing trip and bringing to the public's attention the fantastic opportunities that Rocky students are exposed to. This is a great program, spearheaded by talented and devoted instructors.

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