2008 Woodie Awards
Andrew's Story: Costa Rica
Allissa Hopkins
Issue date: 2/1/08 Section: Features
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The trip to Costa Rica was an experiment. Not only did the students get to travel for interim but they got 6 credits for doing so. With all of those credits, one thing that was required of the students was going to class.
"We went to class everyday. We went to class from 8 to noon, and then I had biology, or tropical biology, from 1:00 to 3:30 in the afternoon," explains Lupkes.
The four hour Spanish class was required for everyone to take. Lupkes said, "It was total emersion, zero English spoken! Some were more advanced than others, but we all took 56 hours of Spanish!"
As for the Biology part of the trip for Lupkes, there were research projects assigned, presentations given, and experiments performed.
"We were research assistants! So, I kind of felt cool!" Lupkes said.
But, don't think it was all learning and no fun. The group of 20 Buena Vista University (BVU) students got to enjoy the entertainment and wildlife of Costa Rice in places such as Jaco Beach and Monteverde. One day they even enjoyed some zip lining!
"I was a little apprehensive (to zip line), but there were more girls, more scared than I was. So, I had to, you know, hide my fear," joked Lupkes.
And with all of those women on the trip, Lupkes mentioned that there was a lot of time for one very specific thing…shopping! "I just kind of got drug along!" said Lupkes.
Another trip to Costa Rica is being considered by BVU officials for next year. As for this year's 20 BVU students, it was a trip of a lifetime!
"I have been to most of the states; I am just trying to get out in the world. For $4000 that was a really good deal for two classes, 6 credits…" stated Lupkes, "…this was probably the best interim so far."
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Andrew's Secret Stalker
posted 2/19/08 @ 10:12 PM CST
Andrew's kind of cute. Can I have his number?
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