This summer, students from The University of Texas at Austin participated in the Engaging Global Health in Costa Rica education abroad program, an immersive experience that combined health promotion, cultural learning and community engagement.
Open to all undergraduate students at UT Austin, this program gives students from a variety of disciplines the chance to explore the connections between health, culture and community.
A holistic approach
This year, 12 students participated in the program, including seven from the School of Nursing and others representing majors in biochemistry, biology, and human development and neuroscience.
“The education abroad in Costa Rica provides students with ample opportunities to learn about health care systems and population health challenges, along with important concepts and topics of global health issues and opportunities to improve health for all,” said Nancy Guillet, DNP, MD, MSN, RN, clinical assistant professor, who co-directs the program along with Ana Todd, PhD, RN, professor.
“Site visits and interactive learning activities and community health promotion activities provide a holistic approach to learning for health-related majors,” she said. “Students appreciate the format of course activities and our partner education institution provides language courses to different proficiency levels of Spanish learners. The uniqueness of interacting with a local family provides students with a highly valued and appreciated experience of cultural exchanges.”
Unlike classroom-based learning, the program offers hands-on experiences that allow students to engage directly with rural communities and local leaders, giving them insight into the challenges faced by populations with limited access to health care and resources.
Students see firsthand how health promotion can address basic needs ranging from food and shelter to education and specialty care. At the same time, the program emphasizes cultural exchange, as students live with host families and study Spanish at varying levels, creating meaningful opportunities to build connections across cultures.
Learning by immersion
BSN student Julia Reyes, who participated in summer 2025, said she was motivated to join the program by how well it aligned with her nursing degree.
“There aren’t many study abroad options that fit within the nursing curriculum, but this one did, which immediately drew me in. Additionally, I was very excited to experience the beauty of Costa Rica and learn about another Hispanic culture.”
Throughout the program, students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the daily lives of Costa Rican communities while contributing to meaningful health and wellness initiatives.
At Adulto Mayor, a senior day center, they spent time with older adults living alone, leading activities designed to spark joy and connection.
Their work extended beyond health care into environmental stewardship. Students also visited Asada Carrizal, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental sustainability and safe drinking water, where they learned about the vital role of ASADAS—community-run water management associations that oversee rural water systems—in ensuring safe and reliable drinking water for Costa Rican communities.
At Mariposa del Golfo on Costa de Pájaros along the Gulf Coast, students stayed overnight in a fishing village run by the Mariposa del Golfo Women’s Association. During their visit, they conducted a health fair and learned about the association’s work in women’s empowerment and economic sustainability, particularly in supporting women who are rebuilding their lives after experiences of partner or domestic violence. Students took a boat tour of the Gulf and to the uninhabited island of Pájaros to learn about environmental sustainability.
The program also brought students to Finca Vocare in Upala, where they partnered with migrant women and their children, leading health promotion activities centered on stress management, physical activity and mental well-being—all while gaining insight into the challenges and opportunities of sustainable farming.
A cultural connection
Reyes said the experience greatly expanded her knowledge of global health and how health care access and education vary across regions.
“I also had the opportunity to apply nursing skills in undeveloped areas, like the city of Upala. Located at the border of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, we had the opportunity to partner with a local women migrant center to provide heart health education and blood pressure screenings. As a daughter of immigrant parents, I deeply connected with women we met, as many reminded of my own family, who often struggled to navigate health care.”
Students also explored the vibrant art and culture of Sarchí, touring a hydroelectric-powered ox cart factory and strolling through lush botanical gardens. Amidst the beauty of Costa Rica’s landscapes, they reflected on the importance of self-care—an essential practice for every health care worker.
A visit to Tree Chocolate in Bijagua provided a glimpse into traditional healing practices utilizing native plants, followed by a hands-on exploration of cocoa production and, of course, a taste of rich, Costa Rican chocolate.
“Costa Rica is an incredibly beautiful country that offers endless opportunities to learn about others and yourself,” Reyes concluded. “It opened a gate to new ways of living, learning and caring for others."
Engaging Global Health in Costa Rica – 2026
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