Making a Difference Through Experiential Learning:

THE COSTA RICA MILE

By Professor Kimberly Costello

School of English & Liberal StudiesSeneca College

MILE (Mobile Intensive Learning Experience)

Students gain a global perspective through experiential travel

General Education and/or Liberal Studies Option (LSO) Credit

Costa Rica MILE

Learn about one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world

Interactive experiences in environmental education

“Give back” by volunteering for conservation

Course Learning Outcomes

Identify threats to biodiversity

Evaluate conservation programs

Identify lifestyle changes to become environmentally responsible citizens

Pre-Travel Course Work

Readings, Videos & Quizzes

Rainforest

Wildlife

Culture

Experiential Travel to Costa

Rica

Ecotourism

Ecotourism

Conservation

Communities

Sustainable Travel

Education

Sea Turtle Conservation

Latin American Sea Turtle Project (LAST)

Conservation research on endangered hawksbill & pacific green sea turtles

Sea Turtle Conservation

Students assisted with the humane capture and tagging of turtles and the collection of biometric data before releasing turtles back into the ocean

Mangrove Reforestation Project

Mangroves are essential to coastal ecosystems but are severely degraded due to climate change

Mangrove Reforestation Project

Students collected mangrove seeds, transplanted seeds into germination bags, watered propagules in the nursery, and then planted small trees in the reforestation area

York University Eco-Campus

Las Nubes Forest Reserve

Students explored surrounding rainforest and toured the eco-center

The Capital, San Jose

Students visited significant historical sites, buildings and monuments

Adventure Time!

In La Fortuna, students viewed the natural beauty of Costa Rica while zip-lining through the rainforest!

Arenal National Park

Students were led on a guided hike up the ArenalVolcano

Don’t worry- the volcano is currently in

a resting state!

Wildlife Conservation

Proyecto ASIS rehabilitates injured, sick, and abandoned wild animals

Environmental education for international visitors, local communities, and schools

Wildlife Conservation

Students volunteered by cleaning animal enclosures, creating enrichment activities, and preparing food and treats for the animals at the rescue center

Sustaining Local Communities

Students stayed with local Costa Rican host families for a truly immersive cultural experience

Post-Travel Course Evaluations

Discussion Posts

What influence did the Costa Rica MILE have on you and your

worldview?

Journal Entries

“What” and “So What” components of

your dailyexperiences in Costa

Rica

Reflection Papers

Describe an environmental issue

and reflect on the lifestyle changes you can make to address

this issue

SAMPLE STUDENT REFLECTIONS

“This trip was…the most impactful experience I have ever been

on. I feel such positivity from returning with my new life

perspective.”