MDCC Costa Rica 2003

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Course Evaluations

The goals of this course were:

to introduce you to the ecology, geology and environmental concerns of Costa Rica

to enhance your sense of the interconnectedness of the living and nonliving components of the natural world

to increase your interest in the natural world

to encourage you to reexamine how you view and interact with the natural world

To what degree do you feel these goals were fulfilled for you? Please explain your response.

The hands-on has provided the best educational fulfillment of all aspects of learning.
My enthusiasm for the natural world has been definitely been kicked up a notch.
Sometimes I feel there are no words to describe how wonderful this experience was. Considering the fact that my interest in all the course goals have been interconnected with my life, this class in CR has fulfilled more than expected. It’s one thing to talk about making change but it’s another to actually take action and make the change.
I feel I’m much more comfortable the natural world.
I’ve acquired a whole new appreciation for other countries and what they have to offer. I’m seriously going to make some changes in my lifestyle due to what I’ve seen in Costa Rica. It’s a very serious business taking care of our natural world.
I have learned more about the rainforest than I could have in a classroom.
I’m very pleased with my new understanding of nature and humans. I finally got a chance to see first hand and experience things that I had only read in books before I “lived” biology during this program.
These were fulfilled beyond my expectations. I challenged myself to really get out there and explore nature and have an in-depth understanding of the natural world.

Identify one lesson, insight, or understanding you gained from this program that is most meaningful or helpful to you.

The succession of forests and how long it takes them to grow and the stages they go through. Seeing it in person helped me to visually absorb the wonders of growth in the forest.
As a future educator, this program encouraged me and made me realize that as a teacher you can touch the lives of many and the impact can be so mind boggling and extraordinary. This inspires me to enhance more hands on activities and always try to connect the learning goals in the classroom with real life issues – especially our awareness, impact and connection to the natural world.
The lesson I learned was from a social perspective. It’s amazing how such a group of very diverse individuals can come together and have the time of their lives.
The interconnectedness of everything and everyone and how we are all a part of each other and so dependent on each other and how it takes being in a situation like this to really know what it means that “everythingispartofeverythingelse”.
That everything we do has an effect on the world we live in. We are all dependent upon one another for our individual growth and survival and we must have respect for that relationship. We are in this “web of life” from birth to death and even after. I see this clearly from a point of view made by our guide with respect to the old, dead tree. I could not be cut down because it had evolved into a habitat for the nesting Quetzal. If it were cut down, the Quetzals would be harmed and impacted negatively.
I had always read and heard that everything fulfils a purpose in the cycle of life. The guide (Roman) made us more aware of this. Every tree, animal, soil, cloud, etc. means life to someone or something else.
Being able to understand the biodiversity that exists within the rainforest and to be able to distinguish the different species of plants, animals and insects and to be able to compare and contrast all their purposes.
The large number of species of plants and animals is amazing.
That challenging yourself and who you think you are is an integral part of growth and positive change in yourself. Openness and honesty with yourself can open a world of friendship and love.

What did you like most about the program ?

The fact that everything was pre-organized. We never had to wait. I also greatly enjoyed the additional time that we had to go on hikes or visit other placed not in the curriculum.
The enthusiasm of our professor and guide helped me to remain interested and to participate in their love for nature. I gained a stronger sense of the natural world.
It was really nice to live with and get to know such an amazing group of individuals at a personal level. I’m leaving with lots of new friends.
The fact I got to travel to another country for the first time with an exceptional tour guide and one of the most amazing teachers. The intrinsic satisfaction and knowledge I’ve gained and overall everything.
When we went hiking down into the river canyon at Arenal.
Being so close to nature and learning everything as we went along. It felt like being on The Discovery Channel. Seeing so much wildlife with the naked eye and identifying bird calls was really cool!
Learning without being conscious of it. Things came together.
The night walk, the canopy tour and the Arenal Volcano hike.
I like learning on site / hands-on seeing, smelling, feeling and hearing what I am learning.
Being in-situ instead of a classroom. The people on the trip. Chris and Roman.
The variety of learning opportunities and the way that everything was planned so well. When we were tired, we rested. When we were strong, we were in the field. We did an enormous amount of work in a very short period of time.

If you had to identify one “most memorable” moment in this program, what would it be?

Every step taken, every waking moment and every lesson was a memorable one…when we hiked in the cloud forest in Monteverde and I realized we’d be leaving soon. This made me stop and really listen and absorb everything – the smell, the sounds, the rain, the clouds, Mother Nature as a whole. This made me appreciate everything for what it’s worth and more. The saying “heaven on Earth” came to truth.
The entire trip was memorable but the best and most memorable would have to be the instructor, guide and driver.
Being with the group hiking in the cloud forest in Monteverde and taking a special hike down in the river canyon in Montana de Fuego was too special to ever forget.
The beauty you see at the canopy tour. It is gorgeous and breath-taking to look across the tree tops of Monteverde.
Horseback riding in Monteverde.
Seeing the Resplendent Quetzal and his mate at Monteverde.
Poas Volcano National Park. The senses became alive in a whole new level. The cool breeze on my skin, the smell of fresh mountain, the sights that made your eyes widen up, the taste of blueberries, the sounds of birds. I swear the birds seemed to be singing a happier tune than at any other place.

What would you tell someone selected to participate in this program “next time”?

Don’t gip yourself. If you have the opportunity to go back to the lodge or continue hiking, take the hike. There will be nothing like this on TV. Enjoy every moment; this is truly special.
Absorb everything.
Respect and appreciate this life-altering experience because it’s a once in a lifetime to get this opportunity.
My smile would speak for itself.
Bring an open mind!
Do all the extra activities. Get to know the local people; really get into the culture.
Write, write, write.!
Be ready to experience the expected and the unexpected. Don’t forget it’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of this program – you are representing your school, your country and your professor.
Be open minded. You are traveling to another country that is not like the USA.
Read all the assignments before you leave and be prepared for getting along with all kinds of people on a 24 hour basis.

I welcome your additional comments and suggestions about any aspect of this program.

Never in a million years did I think I would be spending a week in Costa Rica with a group of individuals that are all unique and wonderful. I’m honored to have been a part of a goal that our instructor had been dreaming of for years. I hope you understand how greatly I appreciate everything. Hard word really does pay off when you least expect it!
Of all the memories I have of MDC, this will by far be the fondest.
I will walk away with so much vision and love. I will never forget a single moment.
The course was superbly planned and executed.
With Professor Migliaccio’s expertise and attention to detail, a student will get the opportunity to expand their understanding of nature, culture, society and global responsibility.
Selva Verde can be a bit too much for a person who has lived all their life in the city. It is hot, humid, dark, and full of bugs.
Roman Odio is a great guide. Costa Rica is Pura Vida!
Awesome. Migliaccio, you rock!
I loved the experience. There is nothing more wonderful than learning first hand. I will always learn more from doing than from reading. Chris is a wonderful role model and inspirational instructor. He is smart, patient, humorous and inspiring. His desire to motivate students to learn and love science is admirable.
This was such a great opportunity for me and I can’t express how overwhelmed I was with every location and activity. This program opened new doors for me that I will be able to apply in my everyday life, career and future goals. Thank you, MDC!