KU's Tropical Studies Program at Golfito, Costa Rica is designed for independent, environmentally and socially conscious students interested in contemporary issues of Latin America. The program takes advantage of the unique tropical area for students of Biology, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Anthropology, Social Welfare, Latin American culture, and related disciplines. This program is offered in the Spring and in the Fall. Eligibility requirements include four semesters of Spanish, or the equivalent, and an overall GPA of 2.75 Enter Golfito,the spring of 1996, as told by three KU students...
By Bryan Brockett, Alisa Lasater and Jennifer Martin
When asked if we could write an article for the Office of Study Abroad about our experiences in Golfito we agreed without thinking twice. It seemed like a fairly easy task, we are certainly experts on the subject. What we actually found is that Golfito is practically inexplicable. How does one begin to explain a town with so little physical appeal, but that is surrounded by so much natural beauty? A place whose community has so much hidden splendor that most visitors never see; mere mention of the town brings about dirty looks or negative comments from Costa Ricans that reside in other parts of the country. However, it takes more than a day's trip to the duty-free shopping center, the only tourist attraction, to find the true charm in Golfito. Nonetheless, we gathered on a couple of occasions to write an essay that would demonstrate the beauty of our experiences; yet, instead of writing we found ourselves telling stories of the past, laughing at the cultural differences and planning our return. After several attempts not one single word was typed, although there are so many memories.
Much of our life in Golfito centered around the University. "University" may be a bit of a misnomer for a small building with one classroom, four bookcases, three computers and one office, but for five months it resembled a second home.
We spent Saturdays snorkeling through the Golfo Dulce counting tropical fish species, and Mondays were reserved for trekking through the jungle.
Many hours were spent there listening to lectures on fish stock, sending e-mails to friends and family and nearly attacking the mailman in hopes of receiving something from the United States. There were also plenty of late nights in the library studying, but more than once those nights were interrupted by a trip to the bar next door for a game of darts.
For what is at first an unimpressive place to study,the U turned out to be a place where we learned a great deal.
Clockwise from left: KU students discover some of the cultural artifacts of the area; the streets of Golfito; another day at the office.
Our studies, however, were not limited to the classroom; the program focused on the incorporation of fieldwork. Therefore, we spent Saturdays snorkeling through the Golfo Dulce counting tropical fish species, and Mondays were reserved for trekking through the jungle, learning to differentiate primary from secondary rain forest. But not to be misunderstood, our classes did not always resemble exotic journeys; Tuesdays centered on the implementation of a recycling project in a small, isolated community where people knew nothing about the dangers of contamination or how it might be controlled. The beauty of the Golfito program is that one does not go there to experience a model community that is environmentally and socially exemplary. Instead, one encounters this place that has room for improvement in these areas, and by trial and error learns how to work with the community to find solutions to its problems and better the quality of life.
Above:
A view of the Gulf from the coast.
Left: a KU student participates in the town's festivities during Holy Week. Photos by John Hoopes, Program Director, 1992.
Our experiences were not limited to teaching the Golffefios, but more importantly learning from them. It was the people who we remember, these strangers who shared their homes and their culture with us and made us part of their lives. We learned that our methods are not absolutes, and that people whom come from two completely different worlds can develop ties that will last a lifetime. We remember the awkwardness of our first few days in town, feeling stranded and alone. For how could our American minds, accustomed to the stoicism and individualism of the States, imagine the congeniality and compassion that they would so freely offer. And yet five months later, as we walked through the streets hollering "holas" and kissing cheeks, we could hardly fathom the idea that we must leave these people, their once foreign customs and unending generosity behind. We were not ready to return to life as it had been.
Office of Study Abroad
Fall 1996
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