WELCOME!
"George Mason University's global scope is a fundamental part of its mission. This scope involves a rich mix of students whose interactions contribute directly to the educational experience. It involves informed awareness of global issues -opportunities and problems alike- and diverse reactions to them. It involves an array of globally-focused educational and research programs in Virginia and internationally. These various connections reflect and promote the values of global citizenship.
-Provost Peter N. Stearns
STUDENTS!
If you are currently studying abroad, then please submit your own Letter to George!
Hola George,
My trip to Costa Rica for tropical ecology has been one of the best experiences of my life! I have been able to see how the people of Costa Rica live and their passion for the biodiversity of landscapes and biota in their country. The trip started by revealing the social lives of Costa Ricans during our stay in San Jose, the capital city of the country. There, we were able to visit the central market, a building lined with food vendors, eateries, and small stores. After leaving the city, we encountered the wilderness of Costa Rica, experiencing the thick, lush rainforests that make up the mountainous landscape of the Central Valley. We visited Volcan Poas, Volcan Arenal and hanging bridges, where we saw capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and a variety of other animal and plant species.
Now we are on our visit to Playa Langosta. The rugged conditions make me feel closer to nature, and the walks along the coastline every night allow me to see the Milky Way, a sight which I never could have imagined. It reminds me a lot of our trip into the rainforest last week, where we stayed in a hydro-powered research facility and lived next to a beautiful rushing river for four days. Our stay there was full of hiking, swimming under waterfalls, and climbing up vines to find bromeliads. It was like a dream! I actually made my way over to a rock in the middle of the river just to take in the experience and look at my surroundings.
The food during the entire trip has included varieties of rice, beans, vegetables and meats; the “bebidas,” or fruit smoothies, are unforgettable. The fruit is unlike anything we have back home. The melons, papayas, pineapple and other treats are fresh and juicy, and they are always available.
I can’t wait to return home and share my experiences with everyone, but I want to come back to Costa Rica in the very near future. This trip has opened my eyes and allowed me to see the beauty of this diverse country. I would recommend the trip to anyone else who loves nature, conservation or even culture. It is a memory that I will always carry with me.
Adios,
Allison Dodson