Costa Rica Biodiversity Project Recap
Global Philanthropy Leadership Internship Program—Costa Rica Biodiversity
Table of Contents
Summer S2 2025
In the summer of 2025, IvyMax students participated in a transformative biodiversity conservation program in Costa Rica under the GPL Global Project-Based Learning initiative. Known for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and incredible ecological diversity, Costa Rica became more than just a destination—it became a living classroom. Students arrived with curiosity and left with a deeper understanding of environmental responsibility and their role in global stewardship.
Immersive Orientation in San José
Upon arrival in the capital city of San José, students were welcomed into the program with introductory workshops and group activities that laid the foundation for the days ahead. These sessions introduced Costa Rica’s ecological systems, conservation history, and environmental challenges. In discussions with local educators, students were encouraged to reflect on how culture, economy, and sustainability intersect in meaningful ways. The city-based orientation set the tone for what would become a deeply immersive and purpose-driven experience.
Exploring the Coastal Ecosystem of Uvita
The journey continued to Uvita, a coastal town where rainforests meet the Pacific Ocean. It is here that students were introduced to the heart of the program: marine conservation and sea turtle protection. Upon arrival, they received a field lecture from environmental experts on the life cycle of sea turtles, the threats they face, and how local communities are working to protect nesting grounds. Students quickly understood the vulnerability of these creatures and the importance of protecting not just a species—but an entire ecosystem.
Protecting Sea Turtles Under the Stars
One of the most unforgettable moments came during the evening sea turtle patrols. In silence and with red flashlights to avoid disturbing wildlife, students walked along dark shorelines searching for signs of nesting turtles or hatchlings. The tension, the stillness, and the possibility of witnessing new life made these nights both emotional and humbling. For many students, this was their first time realizing how delicate survival can be in the wild—and how human presence, even with good intentions, must be managed with care.
From Observation to Contribution
Beyond observation, students took part in practical conservation work. They helped clean nesting sites, recorded data, and learned about sustainable methods of habitat management. These activities were not symbolic; they contributed directly to local conservation efforts. It was through these hands-on tasks that students learned the value of action, realizing that environmental change starts with small, consistent efforts at the local level.
Reflections and Personal Growth
Each evening, students gathered to reflect and write in their field journals. These reflections became powerful moments of personal growth. They wrote about the emotional impact of seeing a nesting turtle or about the helplessness of seeing plastic washed up on a beach. They questioned how their own lifestyles affect the ocean and what they could do differently when they return home. These were not assignments—they were realizations. The kind that stick.
More Than a Field Trip—A Turning Point
This program was never intended to be a typical summer trip. It was designed to challenge assumptions, ignite passion, and develop a deeper global perspective. Students returned home changed—not only more knowledgeable, but more aware of their impact on the world and more inspired to act. For some, this experience sparked new academic interests in marine biology or environmental science. For others, it awakened a long-term commitment to activism and sustainability.
Explore the Global Philanthropy Leadership Program
The Summer S2 2025 Costa Rica Biodiversity Conservation Project, under the Global Philanthropy Leadership Program, exemplified IvyMax’s belief in experiential education. When students step outside the classroom and into real-world environments, they don’t just study change—they become part of it. Costa Rica offered students not only knowledge, but purpose. And as they move forward in their academic journeys, the lessons learned on Costa Rican shores will echo in every essay, every decision, and every step toward a more sustainable future.
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