Le Moyne College Stories

During the spring semester, I was lucky enough to enroll in Earth’s Global Environment: Costa Rica, which culminated in a trip to this majestic Central American nation. I spent two weeks traveling there. Every day brought something new. Over the course of the trip, I encountered rainforests, dry forests, cloud forests, and the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and came face-to-face with many of the species that occupy these ecosystems. I also had the opportunity to hike around volcanoes, jump off of waterfall cliffs, and swim past jellyfish while snorkeling. Each moment was educational – and thrilling.

I experienced many firsts in Costa Rica, including ziplining, eating exotic foods, and conducting research field research on dry forests. I can confirm that I have changed as a person and see the world differently. There is something about going out of your comfort zone that is truly liberating. I would encourage others to do the same.

Without Le Moyne offering me this amazing opportunity, I would never have become the person I am today.

Emily Russell is a member of the Le Moyne College Class of 2022. Her trip to Costa Rica was funded in part by The O’Leary International Travel Grants Program, which  provides financial awards of up to $2,000 to help offset travel costs for students in Le Moyne’s College of Arts and Sciences participating in study abroad programs. This grant program is administered by the Office of the Dean of Arts and Sciences and funded by a gift from the estate of Dr. Harriet L. O’Leary, professor emerita of Foreign Languages and Literatures.  

Learn More:
O'Leary International Travel Grants
Study Abroad

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