Fall 2011 Newsletter Extended: Costa Rica
Live It, Protect It, Explore It!
View all Newsletters
LEARNING-BY-TRAVELING: ADVENTURE TRAVEL IN COSTA RICA
By: Kevin Mould (RPTA '14), Staff Writer
One of the greatest aspects of being an RPTA student is the multitude of chances that are provided for hands-on learning. One such opportunity is the Adventure Travel and Tourism course taught by Dr. Jeff Jacobs. The class travels each spring break to a different international location to explore and learn about the various sustainability and hospitality practices employed in the region. This year, the destination is Costa Rica.
As Jacobs points out, the alignment with Cal Poly's learn-by-doing approach to education is a key component of the experience, as students plan the itinerary and activities and then get a chance to see the fruits of their planning firsthand. This year's itinerary, for example, has many opportunities for learn by doing. Students will stop over at EARTH University, which educates the best and brightest Central American students on sustainable agricultural practices. Students will get a chance to tour the university and engage with their Central American peers, fostering admiration and respect for the hard work that they put in. In addition, students will get a chance to explore many diverse landscapes and ecosystems, from the jungle and the forest to mountains and the beach, all the while learning about native creatures and their habitats and subsisting on local food. Finally, to create as authentic of an experience as possible, every night will be spent in locally owned properties and all activities will be led by native Costa Rican guides.
As Jacobs notes, it is a wonderful chance for students to experience how things are done differently in other parts of the world, and to take those experiences back with them and use them to grow. If you are interested in traveling abroad or in simply planning next year's trip, sign up for RPTA 412 to get in on the action.
Make a Donation
Make a donation to the Recreation, Parks, & Tourism Administration Department!