Environmental Studies in Costa Rica
Christopher Lane knew he wanted to participate in a global studies trip before he even transferred to St. Joseph’s. That’s why one of the first steps he took before officially starting at the University was to attend our Study Abroad Conference — a decision that resulted in him spending a few weeks in Costa Rica during a faculty-led trip.
Lane graduated in 2020, earning a degree in Chemistry with a Concentration in Adolescence Education and a minor in Biology. Because of his experience in Costa Rica, he was inspired to continue his travels, which he did this past summer. He spent the month of July in Australia, realizing a childhood dream to see the Great Barrier Reef.
What he gained from the Study Abroad Conference: Hearing from other students.
“It was great hearing firsthand from students who just got back from these amazing trips what their experiences were like and what they were able to take away from them. It was all different, and it offered this completely new way of looking at the world.”
Best part of Costa Rica: All the outdoor adventures in a new environment.
“We went on a number of guided hikes where species were pointed out for us. One of the tours was on the side of the beach, one through a cloud forest. We toured pineapple plantations, we went snorkeling, we kayaked through a mangrove forest. Probably kayaking through the mangroves was my favorite.”
How studying abroad helped him in his current career as a teacher: Gaining a better understanding of diverse backgrounds.
“It gave me more of an idea of the world around me and life outside of the suburbs. And I think that’s what makes for a good teacher, too — global perspective and understanding of the situations of different people around you.”
Why he chose Australia: Marine biology and ecology.
“It’s the same thing that’s driven me toward science my whole life. I was really interested in marine biology and ecology when I was younger; I didn’t know it was called that, I just liked fish. I saw this marvelous display of all the most interesting types of fish you could see on a picture of the Great Barrier Reef. I wrote an essay about it when I was in elementary school, and I’ve had this crazy magnetism toward it ever since.”
