I’m Lexi Shafer, and I am an electrical engineering student from New Jersey. I am also pursuing a business minor, so this program was perfect. I am so excited to be going to Costa Rica and I can’t believe that we leave so soon! Since arriving at Pitt, I knew that I wanted to participate in the program since my upperclassmen friends had told me all about their experiences. I cannot wait to make the same memories, experience a new culture, and become close with others on the trip! I hope to learn a lot about Costa Rican history and lifestyle, in addition to learning about the economy and sustainability in the country. I am also so excited for the homestay! I can’t wait to meet my family and learn about their lives.

As an engineering student, the importance of sustainable design is highlighted frequently in my classes. I think that sustainability in Costa Rica is very admirable and that other countries should look towards the country as a leader in the initiative. Some of the initiatives that were mentioned in my very surface level research were a “pay as you throw” program where residents are charged by the weight of trash, and sustainability education that takes place from elementary school through university.

Additionally, I noticed Costa Rica’s renewable energy initiative, where the country has run 100% on renewable energy for over 300 days. This is very impressive, especially in comparison to the United States, where only just over 20% of energy is renewable. Costa Rica relies primarily on hydroelectric power, but also implements solar and wind power. The U.S. currently aims to reach 80% renewable energy by 2030, which is ambitious. However, if inspiration was taken from countries currently achieving this, such as Costa Rica, perhaps we would be able to find suitable solutions. I did not notice the mention of agriculture or coffee and banana production, which was surprising considering that these exports and tourism for the tropical environment make up a large portion of the country’s economy. I hope to be able to learn more about Costa Rica’s sustainable efforts while in country and be able to apply this new knowledge towards engineering problems I may face in the future.