Hi everyone! I’m Katelyn Joyce, and I just finished my freshman year at Pitt’s College of Business Administration. I’m majoring in Human Resources and Marketing, and I’m also working toward a certificate in Sports Management. On campus, I’m involved in Phi Chi Theta, a professional business fraternity, and Chi Alpha, a student ministry group. When I’m not in class, you’ll usually find me playing sports, exploring new places, or just hanging out with my favorite people.

So… why Costa Rica? From the beginning, it sounded so awesome! I wanted somewhere warm (major bonus), somewhere rich in culture and nature, and somewhere that would push me outside my comfort zone—in the best way. Costa Rica’s “pura vida” lifestyle instantly drew me in. Plus, being able to immerse myself in a completely different environment while learning about international business and sustainability was super exciting to me. I’m excited to dive into the culture, connect with locals, and grow not just academically, but personally.

Costa Rica’s dedication to environmental sustainability significantly shapes its global image, making it appear progressive, impressive, and deeply committed to ecological stewardship. As an outsider with limited experience so far, I find this focus on sustainability to be genuinely inspiring rather than elitist or burdensome. This commitment positions Costa Rica as a leader in environmental consciousness and sets an example for other nations to follow. A quick search reveals several major sustainability initiatives. One is the Payments for Environmental Services program, which has been around since 1996. It pays landowners to protect forests, reforest degraded areas, and maintain sustainable practices — a model that rewards conservation. Another initiative is Costa Rica’s ambitious goal to become carbon neutral, which it has pursued through renewable energy (over 98% of its electricity is from renewable sources), reforestation, and transportation reform. A third standout is its strong push for ecotourism, which not only brings in revenue but also raises awareness and preserves biodiversity. In exploring these initiatives, tropical agriculture, especially coffee and bananas, frequently appears. Sustainable coffee farming is a major industry, and many cooperatives focus on environmentally friendly methods and fair trade practices.

I’m beyond excited to spend the next two weeks soaking up the sun, culture, and adventure in Costa Rica—can’t wait to share it all with you!