Program

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Costa Rica—where your General Chemistry class comes to life!

This isn’t your typical study abroad program. Imagine learning chemistry surrounded by lush rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches instead of fluorescent lights and lab benches. You’ll:

  • Run real experiments in the wild—analyzing tropical water and soil samples while exploring Costa Rica’s stunning natural environments.
  • Dive into the science of coffee and chocolate by studying the chemistry behind coffee roasting and cacao fermentation at local farms.
  • Get up close with geothermal energy as you investigate volcanic hot springs and learn how chemistry powers the Earth.

You’ll study alongside researchers and students at Universidad Veritas, gaining hands-on lab experience and connecting classroom concepts to real-world sustainability challenges.

By the end, you won’t just understand General Chemistry—you’ll feel it, taste it, and live it.

Discover how chemistry shapes our planet, and return home with unforgettable memories, global connections, and a whole new perspective on science.

Costa Rica is calling—are you ready to answer?

Why Costa Rica?

Costa Rica isn’t just a destination—it’s a way of life. Known for its pura vida spirit, meaning “pure life,” this vibrant country invites you to slow down, appreciate the moment, and truly connect with the world around you. From the misty peaks of volcanoes to the turquoise waves of the Pacific, Costa Rica is a living classroom for sustainability and environmental stewardship. It’s a nation that runs almost entirely on renewable energy and protects over a quarter of its land as national parks and reserves. Studying here means experiencing a culture that takes pride in harmony—with nature, with community, and with life itself. In Costa Rica, you don’t just study sustainability—you live it.

Proposed Program Itinerary

Day 1 (Mar 1, Sunday): Arrival Day
  • Transfer to homestays
  • Dinner with host families

Day 2 (Mar 2, Monday): Urban Environment Sampling

  • Breakfast at homestay
  • Visit University of Costa Rica for aquatic sample collection
  • Techniques in water analysis
  • Lunch on your own
  • Classroom discussion on findings
  • Dinner with host families

Day 3 (Mar 3, Tuesday): Palmichal de Acosta & Coffee Mill

  • Breakfast at homestay
  • Explore spring waters and perform water testing
  • Lunch at Palmichal (included)
  • Visit coffee mill: water use & wastewater management
  • Dinner with host families

Day 4 (Mar 4, Wednesday): Bajos del Toro

  • Breakfast at homestay
  • Field measurements: pH, DO, TDS, temperature
  • Lunch at Bajos del Toro
  • Reflection: natural vs anthropogenic acidification
  • Dinner with host families

Day 5 (Mar 5, Thursday): Highlands & Río Savegre

  • Breakfast at homestay
  • Hike and sampling in highland spring waters
  • Lunch on your own
  • River and pond sampling at trout farm (Río Savegre)
  • Dinner with host families
Day 6 (Mar 6, Friday): Departure
  • Breakfast at homestay
  • Morning Activity (choose one option):
    • Option A – National Museum of Costa Rica (San José): Explore exhibits on natural history, conservation, and the chemistry of materials preservation.
    • Option B – Central Market & Cultural Walk: Guided visit through San José’s historic center to learn about Costa Rican food chemistry (coffee, cacao, tropical fruits.
  • Lunch on your own in San José
  • Afternoon: Closing group reflection & discussion of field findings
  • Late afternoon: Transfer to airport for return flight to South Florida
  • Transfer to airport for return flight to South Florida

 The itinerary is subject to change

Who Can Participate

  • This program is open to Broward College students enrolled in General Chemistry. Both science and non-science majors are welcome.
  • No prior international travel experience is required, just curiosity, a willingness to learn, and an interest in connecting chemistry concepts to real-world applications.
  • Students should be prepared for active, hands-on learning that includes laboratory sessions, outdoor fieldwork, and group cultural excursions.
  • All instruction will be in English, and students will receive support from both Broward College faculty and local program partners.
  • Students must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Students must be 18 years or older

Courses

Any Broward College student enrolled in at least one of the listed courses during the Spring 2026 semester:

  • CHM 1045 General Chemistry I
  • CHM 1046 General Chemistry II

Travel Dates

March 1-6, 2026

Estimated Cost

$1,700

Includes roundtrip airfare, accommodation, meals (breakfast and dinner), ground transportation, admission/entry fees to excursions, and BC Travel insurance.

Faculty Leaders

Dr. Shiv Sharma
ssharma1@broward.edu

Dr. Behnoush Memari
bmemari@broward.edu