During spring break, four East Stroudsburg University students studying sport management had the opportunity to explore various aspects of the sports industry in Costa Rica.
Dr. Edward Arner, assistant professor of sport management, accompanied Lucas Battiston, a sophomore from Bushkill Pa.; Mackenzie Crave, a junior from Tobyhanna, Pa.; Juan Conde, a sophomore from Santa Ana, Costa Rica; and Peter Neerhof, a sophomore from Oosterbeek, Netherlands, on the five-day tip. Conde acted as an interpreter and guide as part of his course work for the trip.
The study abroad experience exposed the students to multiple levels of decision-making, business concepts, and community engagement initiatives as they explored sport and physical activities while immersed in international culture.
The trip began with a nine-mile hike to the peak of Pico Blanco, where the students learned about Costa Rica’s tourism focused on non-traditional sport activities. Throughout the week students met with representatives from and toured facilities for Union de Clubes de Futbol de la Primera División (UNAFUT), the Cycling Federation, Santa Ana Sport Ministry, St. Mary’s School, and Saprissa. They also visited Poas Volcano, and Punta Leona where they continued to explore recreational activities common to life and the culture of Costa Rica.