Hola y bienvenidos, my name is Isabella, and I am 20 years old. I study at Smith College in Western MA, but I come from the greater Boston area. Growing up in a diverse city, I have always been inspired by the culture and experiences of my peers. Now that I am in college, I have discovered a passion for studying plant physiology and environmental policy. This passion is coupled with a deep love for the Spanish language. With these interests in mind, Costa Rica was an obvious choice for study abroad, especially my program, which focuses on ecological resilience studies.
I feel incredibly lucky to be studying abroad this upcoming Spring, and I am excited for the unique experience I of conducting field research. I will be located in Central Atenas, Costa Rica. During my program, I will get to explore rainforests, cloud forests, beaches, and beautiful agricultural landscapes. Throughout this journey, I intend to improve my Spanish skills and gain more experience in environmental justice issues.
Want to know more about how you can study or intern abroad when you are a college student? The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Learn more about the scholarship by clicking here!