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Concordia Nebraska students experience biology and agriculture of Costa Rica during immersive spring break study tour

by Hope Nelson

Seward, NE (04/07/2025) — From March 6-15, 11 students from Concordia University, Nebraska accompanied Assistant Professor of Agricultural Science Dr. Kimberly Clark and Emeritus Professor of Biology Dr. Joseph Gubanyi to Costa Rica for a spring break study tour focusing on regional biology and agriculture. During this trip, students had the unique opportunity to experience mission and cultural immersion as well as different climates, animal biology and agricultural practices.

Most of the travelers were biology majors; however, the diverse group of students also represented the business, psychology, environmental science and agriculture departments. According to Clark, the group had the chance to study three distinct climate areas within Costa Rica, which introduced them to diverse weather patterns, farming practices and wildlife populations.

"Students were able to experience the biology of three very different locations in Costa Rica," said Clark. From the hot and humid La Selva to dry Palo Verde and mild, damp Monteverde, students saw how a region's climate impacts biodiversity.

"They observed the differences not only in climate but bird species, amphibians, reptiles and mammals in each location," Clark added. "While traveling to each location students also learned about soil type and structure and how that impacts agricultural production."

Participants also had the chance to work with Costa Rican high school students who were learning English, engaging them in conversations about shared hobbies and athletic interests as well as the Word of God. Their work with locals added a cultural learning aspect to the study tour, enriching participants' global understanding.

"Study tours are invaluable," said Clark. "Students get to learn and see and experience so much while on study tours. Students of all majors should participate to experience and observe something from their interest. Also, experiencing another culture opens the eyes of many students as they get to see some similarities and differences in culture."

Senior Madelyn Graham said that taking the trip meant that she got to learn about a new place in a deeper way.

"Choosing to take a study tour allowed me to truly know a place, as opposed to only seeing the surface-level, touristic value of a geographical location," she said.

Study tours at Concordia Nebraska, which have taken students to locations like Chicago, London, Costa Rica and many more, often offer academic credit. According to Clark, many tours have pre-trip meetings in which leaders discuss expectations and opportunities for credit. Most participants on the Costa Rica trip earned credits for a course in their biology major; however, others earned general academic credit.

"Each study tour is different," Clark said. "I encourage students who are interested to talk with the Global Opportunities Center or myself. There are many opportunities to fulfill their interests."

Graham added that, along with the educational experiences had by all on the trip, one of the best parts was having the chance to bond with fellow travelers.

"My favorite part was getting to know the other students on a more personal level," she said. "We were staying in very remote areas with very limited resources, including no cell phone service, that allowed us to connect through the discomfort of the circumstances. We laughed and learned and relished in the beauty of God's creation together. It was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life."

About Concordia University, Nebraska

Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod located in Seward, Nebraska, which currently serves more than 1,700 students. Concordia offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.

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