Through a new partnership, the Human Services Studies students worked alongside local families, running a camp-style activity center for children on their school holidays.
A group of Elon students stepped outside their comfort zones and into the heart of Ortega, a rural community in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province for a Winter Term study away program
Through a new partnership, the students worked alongside local families, running a camp-style activity center for children on their school holidays. This experience fostered connection, cultural exchange, and personal growth.
The Human Services Studies practicum course was designed to challenge students academically, socially and emotionally. While its structure remains consistent across different experiences, the heart of its impact lies in how students engage with each unique setting.
“Ortega is a tight-knit place where relationships and traditions run deep, and it was eye-opening to see how different cultures embrace shared values,” said Jessica Navarro, assistant professor of human services studies, who was part of the program. “It also pushed us to reflect on fundamental questions like: What does it mean to live a good life?”
Navaro and Assistant Professor of Human Services Studies Tony Reyes emphasized that one of the most powerful takeaways from this experience was the realization of our shared humanity. No matter how different cultures may seem on the surface, the fundamental elements of community, care and resilience transcend borders.
Another key lesson was adaptability. Stepping into a new environment—where the language, physical surroundings, and cultural norms differ—can be disorienting. Yet, it is in these moments of uncertainty that students grow the most. They leave with a new confidence in their ability to navigate unfamiliar situations and tackle future challenges with resilience.