16 students from Spelman College are touring and documenting their exploration of Costa Rica through the college’s Student Affairs Global Experience program. The expedition began on Dec. 10 and will expose the students to ecological and cultural nuances of the country. From the release:

Students will gain an insider’s perspective on the life and experiences of Costa Rica, including exploration of Tortuguero via Braulio Carrilo National Park, named for Costa Rica’s third president. They will also explore the Sarapiqui Region, which features one of the planet’s most fascinating ecological systems from the tops of the trees.

All students traveling with SAGE will be required to turn in a reflective essay based on their experiences and observations while touring in Costa Rica. Students will also create a blog of their journey as they explore the rain forests, ecological systems, volcanoes, hot water springs and other aspects of the Costa Rican culture.