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Costa Rica: Field Research in the Environment, Social Sciences, & Humanities

San José & field sites, Costa Rica

News & features

Portraying the Journey of Life

Dec 16, 2009

Students’ photos illustrate the depth of the off-campus study experience

"When I was exploring a Beijing hutong (traditional neighborhood), I stumbled upon a group of migrant construction workers who were incredibly intrigued by my presence," wrote Colorado College student Anais Gude. "They were even more surprised to hear me speak Chinese. When I asked this boy if I could take a picture of him, he nodded silently, took a long drag from his cigarette and blew it towards the camera."

"Working on Manhood" by Anais Gude

The photo that Gude took – titled "Working on Manhood" and described as capturing "two culturally different people of the same age coming face to face and experiencing mutual curiosity" – has been awarded the Grand Prize in the 2009-10 ACM Off-Campus Study Photo Contest.

Along with the Grand Prize, awards were given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place photos in the contest's three categories: People, Stories, and Artistry. An additional ten photos received Honorable Mention recognition. All of these photos will be in a traveling exhibit to be hosted by 11 ACM colleges in early 2010. Read more


A President Comes to Visit A President Comes to Visit Nov 20, 2009
Students on the ACM Costa Rica Program enjoyed a rare opportunity to meet a former president of Costa Rica when Rodrigo Carazo presented a lecture, engaged in discussion, and posed for photos.
Training the Next Generation of Conservation Stewards Training the Next Generation of Conservation Stewards Oct 28, 2009
Chris Vaughan has spent the past four decades tirelessly sharing his passion for conservation and biodiversity. Now he is Director of the ACM Costa Rica programs, where he got his start.
And the President Goes on Foot in San José And the President Goes on Foot in San José May 28, 2009
As he wraps up five years as Director of the ACM Costa Rica programs, Scott Pentzer reflects on the many charms of Costa Rica and the rewards of spending time with — and learning from — his students.
Leaving Footprints Behind ... Learning Lessons Along the Way Leaving Footprints Behind ... Learning Lessons Along the Way Apr 24, 2009
Students shared compelling stories about adventure and discovery, academic and personal growth, and insights gained at the ACM Off-Campus Study Student Symposium.
Connecting Worlds of Research Connecting Worlds of Research Apr 21, 2009
Brianna Buljung and Ryan Casserly engaged in ACM programs that emphasize intense, independent research with strong support and individual attention from program faculty.

Feature archive »

News

2010-11 Off-Campus Study Program Prices Announced Feb 5, 2010
The updated pricing for ACM's 2010-11 off-campus study programs has been approved and is now posted online.
Gilman Scholarships Awarded to ACM Students for Study Abroad Feb 4, 2010
Competitive grant program supports 18 students from nine ACM colleges for study in Botswana, China, Spain, Egypt, and ten other countries.
Service Learning Project Is a New Feature of ACM's Fall Semester Program in Costa Rica Jan 12, 2010
The hands-on experience of service learning will immerse students in Costa Rican culture.
Traveling Photo Exhibit Will Showcase Students’ Off-Campus Study Experiences Dec 9, 2009
Winning and honorable mention photos from the 2009-10 ACM Off-Campus Study Photo Contest will be exhibited on 11 ACM campuses in early 2010.
Chicago Programs and Costa Rica Spring 2010 Application Deadlines Extended Nov 1, 2009
ACM has extended the application deadlines for the Chicago Programs and the new Costa Rica spring trimester option.
Former Costa Rican President Will Present Lecture to ACM Students Oct 28, 2009
Rodrigo Carazo Odio, who served at the President of Costa Rica from 1978-1982, will visit the ACM Costa Rica program on Thursday, October 29.

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Photo spotlight

ACM Costa Rica students aboard a traditional oxcart, a symbol of rural culture and tradition still in use today. Photo courtesy of Chris Vaughan.

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Costa Rica: Field Research in the Environment, Social Sciences, & Humanities

David Bickford The ACM Costa Rica field experience was the first point in my development as a tropical field biologist. I first fell in love with the tremendous biological diversity and density of cool critters in the tropical rainforest in Costa Rica during my field project working in the la Reserva Forestal de Rio Macho. Being able to do an independent project in the playground of the tropical forest was perhaps the most exciting time for me as a scientist and a person. Costa Rica offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about biology in the field and the great synergy of the immersion programs of language and culture is what makes this program really stand out.

—David Bickford, Costa Rica, Spring 1990

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Who we are

The Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) is a consortium of independent, liberal arts colleges in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Colorado.