I can’t believe my Plus3 experience is coming to a close! Over these past two weeks, I’ve learned way more than I thought was possible about the coffee industry, seen enough bugs to last a lifetime, and have had some of the most amazing and beautiful experiences. On the classroom side of things, my group’s…
Tag: Katherine Dash
Un Viaje a la Plantación de Bananos
After visiting the Dole banana plantation today, it is clear that sustainability in the coffee and banana supply chains is not the same. For example, while Dole reuses the plastic that covers the bananas, the coffee plantations we’ve visited have focused more on making use of unnecessary materials (such as the coffee pulp or parchment)…
Learning a ‘Latte’
You’d think that by now, we’d know almost everything there is to know about coffee. But, I was still amazed to learn about some of the practices being developed in Costa Rica. At ICAFE (the National Institute of Coffee), a lot of research is being done especially with regards to sustainability. For example, to dry…
En la Nube de Nueve
When the Quakers came to Monteverde, they brought a lot of changes for the land, as well as for the local Ticos. All in all though, I believe their arrival has had a beneficial effect. People like Don Ricardo who run Life Monteverde help bring tourists and students alike to the area. After touring the…
No Te Compliques
Our trip to Life Monteverde might have made today the most fascinating yet. And, hearing from the owners about their philosophy and way of life has increased my respect for them exponentially. Although they live a simple life full of hard work, it is a rewarding and happy one. Part of what contributes to this…
La Belleza de Monte Verde
It was a long bus ride but well worth it! The view here at Monte Verde is breathtaking, and I’m told that the rainforests are teeming with wildlife. As we made our way up the mountain, I was treated to gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and vast expanses of rural farmland. The communities we…
Una Ciudad de Historia y Cultura
If you’re looking for them, influences of the coffee and banana trade can be seen all over the city of San Jose, from banana graffiti to coffee plants in the public parks. In front of the National Theatre, there are even more coffee plants. And, in the National Theatre, a painting depicts workers on a…
Café, Café y Más Café
Unfortunately for Ticos, coffee from Cafe Britt is not one of the more affordable options. Cafe Britt sells their premium grade coffee to customers all over the world. And so they are able to increase the price they charge based on what people in other countries, such as the U.S., are willing to pay. However,…
¡Unos, dos, tres… baile!
“Rápido, más rápido!” our dance instructor Monica Chacon shouted energetically, as we practiced our merengue marches and turns. I had never danced salsa, merengue or bachata before, but I have to admit I had a lot more fun that I was expecting. In addition to our dance lesson, we also got to learn about the…
Ya Enamorado de Heredia
As we walked to the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica this morning, I was greeted multiple times along the way with an Hola or Buenos días from a stranger. This is one of the first things I noticed upon my arrival to Heredia – that the people here are extremely friendly and nice. And, they…
Bananas for Sustainability
When I think of Costa Rica, I think rain forests, sandy beaches and beautiful weather. However, just in the short time we’ve spent preparing for our trip, I’ve learned that there’s so much to more the country. Besides being one of the top producers of coffee and bananas, Costa Rica is ranked second in the…
Meet Plus3 Costa Rica 2019!
Welcome to the Costa Rica Plus3 Study Abroad Program! Professor Ryan Teeter and Brandi Gongaware, Admissions and Recruiting Coordinator, are traveling to the Costa Rica Central Valley, Monteverde, and Tarrazu with 24 College of Business Administration and Swanson School of Engineering students from May 4th-May 18th. In addition to numerous cultural experiences, the trip will…