During an in-depth, 10-day study tour to Costa Rica in January, 17 Rider business and science students guided by four faculty members gained insight into the country’s biodiversity, environmental economics and industrial structure.

The team-taught tour was part of a course called Nature’s Business that integrates business and science and help students gain new perspectives that they can use in the work world after graduation.

Group shot prior to rafting down the Serapiqui River.

While there was time for white-water rafting, nature hikes and some relaxation, the itinerary called for intensive, day-long study that had students up at 6 a.m. and ready for an ambitious schedule of activity.

“The students had the opportunity to study the business and environmental structure of Costa Rica,” said Dr. Susan Denbo, associate professor of business policy and environment who led the study tour. “They had full days. One afternoon we visited Intel as an example of a U.S. based corporation with important operations in the country. There were also trips to coffee and banana plantations. We also observed the biodiversity of the country such as its wildlife and birds and volcanic structures.

“I think the students gained an appreciation of the bio-value of the region, and developed an understanding that a major portion of the Costa Rican economy is based on eco-tourism,” Dr. Denbo added.

Joining Dr. Denbo from the faculty were Dr. Kathy Browne, a geologist and director of the Teaching and Learning Center, and Dr. Cynthia Newman, assistant professor of marketing, as the lead instructors. Dr. Jonathan Husch, professor of geological, environmental and marine sciences, also accompanied the group and lectured the group on volcanism.

A view of Arenal Volcano (active at the time) from the hotel. Pictured are: Kathy Browne, Sue Denbo and some students

The first day’s itinerary set the tone for the trip. There was a visit to a coffee plantation in the Alajuela area, a visit to the Poas Volcano National Park for a field discussion on national parks as economic resource generators and an evening lecture on the history and economic importantance of coffee production.

Day two had a trip to the University of Costa Rica scheduled in the morning and a visit to Intel in the afternoon. The following day the group spent the full day at Inbio with a guided tour and Bioprospection Area Module. The marketing director for Bioprospection discussed biodiversity as a sustainable income generator and its potential applications in the world market while ensuring the conservation and understanding of resources.

As the study tour progressed, the students were treated to an afternoon of white-water rafting, early-morning bird watching and a guided hike at the reserve, a tour of a banana plantation, a boat ride on the Sarapiqui River, a lecture on the effects of the banana industry on the area’s economy and environment, a guided hike at Arenal National Park, a guided hike at Carara Biological Reserve followed by a boat ride on Tarcoles River, and a morning waterfall canopy and jungle adventure.

The Costa Rican study tour was the first study abroad trip for this course. The plan, Dr. Denbo said, is to offer one trip per year. The next study tour is planned for Iceland in May 2007. It is hoped the January 2008 trip will be to the Galapagos Islands. Most trips will be in January. However, because of the climate, May is the best time for a Rider group to take the trip to Iceland.

Dr. Denbo said an integrated business and science course such as Nature’s Business is great for business students who will work at science-based companies and for science students to understand business principles. “This way when they join the workforce, they can more easily be part of the team and fit better into leadership positions whether it is chairing a committee or managing,” she said.