We have a group of 6 who are enrolled in either PSY 299 Research in Psychology or SOC 299 Research in Sociology, and as part of their coursework will be traveling to Costa Rica. All 6 students are members of the student organization, Not A Statistic (NAS),  here at GTC and are exploring international travel and its benefits to students.

PSY 299 Research in Psychology

Student: Shenqueta Canada

Instructor: Dr. Geneene Thompson

End of semester

I cannot believe that we have taken out trip to Costa Rica and have been back for a month now. This has been an amazing experience. My biggest take away from this course is that there is so much to learn from cultures outside of my own. I have a greater appreciation for where I come from, who I am, and the opportunities that I’ve experienced. I understand how important it is to respect and embrace cultures that are different from my own. I know that Greenville, South Carolina makes up a very small part of the world. I am eager to see where and who I can learn from next. Vising Costa Rica has opened my eyes to explore career options outside of the United States. There is no better way to learn about another country than to experience the culture within the country’s context. This is an experience that I will share with others in the hopes of encouraging them to travel and explore other cultures.

I was excited and confident to practice Spanish, but I soon realized how difficult it was to follow Spanish directions. Although I didn’t get lost while searching for “la tienda,” I am inspired to learn Spanish fluently. In Costa Rica I learned that I am more adventurous than I think. I enjoyed horseback riding, kayaking, and hiking through the rain forest. While it was the first time I had ever done either of those activities, I am certain it will not be my last. I have learned so much about Costa Rica, but studying abroad has instilled memories that I will forever cherish.

 

Beginning of semester

My name is Shenqueta Canada. I will graduate with an Associate of Arts degree and I plan to transfer to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Spanish Interpretation. For years, it has been my goal to become fluent in Spanish, so when I was presented with the opportunity to study abroad, I was elated. This semester I will study abroad in Costa Rica and complete a Creative Inquiry course (PSY 299) related to the trip. I look forward to meeting new people, seeing new lands, and tasting new foods. Through this Creative Inquiry course, I will research Costa Rica’s marital and familial structures. My goal is to compare and contrast American and Costa Rican views and practices regarding marriage and family. For example, my research will focus on the traditional family structure in both countries, views on divorce, and parenting styles.  Overall, my hope is to demonstrate the benefits of studying abroad while highlighting the importance of learning about other cultures.

As I embark on this journey, I am overcome with enthusiasm and look forward to being transformed for the better. Both the Creative Inquiry course and trip to Costa Rica will enhance my educational experience at Greenville Technical College. I am grateful that I will share this life-changing experience with five phenomenal women. We have developed a strong bond as members of the student organization, Not a Statistic (NAS), and I believe that this trip to Costa Rica will make that bond even stronger. Muchas gracias to everyone that has planned this trip and developed this Creative Inquiry course.

 

PSY 299 Research in Psychology

Student: Jacqueline Collins

Instructor: Dr. Geneene Thompson

End of semester

Taking the Create Inquiry course this semester has been interesting. This course gave me the opportunity to explore Costa Rica through research and various assignments. While I did learn a lot from the research and course work, it did not compare to visiting the amazing country for nine days.  I saw a volcano for the first time, witnessed some of Costa Rica’s citizens celebrate after a historic election, and watched Capuchin monkeys swing from trees in the rainforest. Costa Rica has a rich history, scenic views, and impressive biodiversity and I was able to experience it all.

I developed a stronger sense of self during this trip and throughout the semester. I learned that I am able to put my mind to anything and accomplish my goals. This became evident as I hiked through the rainforest and pushed myself to finish. Being a student in this Creative Inquiry course has given me skills that I can use in my classes, career, and ultimately for a lifetime.  As I reflect on the beginning of the semester and where I am now, I recognize my personal growth as well as the growth of my NAS sisters and I’m so grateful for the experience.

 

Beginning of semester

Hi my name is Jacqueline Collins and my major is Social Work. After earning my Bachelor’s degree, I plan on furthering my career and obtaining a Master’s and Doctoral degree in Family Studies and Human Development.  I have been given the opportunity to study abroad and explore culture outside of the United States in Costa Rica. As a part of this experience, I will complete a Creative Inquiry project, which will focus on women and children from a psychological standpoint. I am most interested in examining poverty or sex trafficking to better understand similarities and differences between Costa Rica and the United States. Additionally, I hope to better understand how culture affects the development of women and children.

I expect that this trip will be enlightening and that I will acquire a great deal of knowledge about Costa Rican culture. Going on this trip with my sisterhood NAS (Not A Statistic) makes it even better. I am looking forward to seeing wildlife, volcanoes, and discovering new adventures with the members of NAS. This Creative Inquiry project is another step in achieving my personal and career goals. This will definitely be an experience that I will never forget.

 

PSY 299 Research in Psychology

Student: Andrenique Givan

Instructor: Dr. Geneene Thompson

End of semester

My experience in the Creative Inquiry course has been an enriching one. I learned about study abroad programs, acquired knowledge about Costa Rican culture, and gained more insight into who I am.  I conducted extensive research before I hopped on the plane and headed to Costa Rica so I knew I was in for a treat. The beaches were beautiful, the views were breath-taking, and the people were welcoming. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and with each day I learned a little more about Costa Rica.

Not all students are afforded the opportunity to study abroad, so I know I am one of the lucky ones and I sincerely appreciate this great gift. I benefited from the Creative Inquiry Course and the trip because I have a new appreciation for other cultures and I am much more willing to try new things now. Also, my desire to travel and see the other countries is stronger. This semester has taught me the value of studying abroad and that some of the most meaningful learning experiences can take place outside of the classroom. If you are ever given the opportunity to study abroad or simply travel abroad, take it. You won’t regret it!

 

Beginning of semester

Hello my name is Andrenique Givan. I am part of NAS (Not A Statistic), an organization at Greenville Technical College. Six members from NAS were granted the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica. As a part of the study abroad program, I will take a Creative Inquiry course (PSY-299). I will gain an understanding of culture and aspects of psychosocial development in Costa Rica. I am specifically interested in researching dating and relationships and how they may differ from the United States and Costa Rica.

After this journey in Costa Rica I will combine the data I have researched and give an explanation on what I’ve found. I feel this trip will be an experience to remember. I am letting this experience shape me into being a better student and broaden my horizons. I hope to learn all I can about another culture and how psychosocial development can affect that culture as well. I look forward to sharing my experiences with all of you!

 

SOC 299 Research in Sociology

Students: Chyna Means, Kaleisha Watson, and Lavante’Brown

Instructor: Dr. Margaret Taylor

Hi everyone!

We are Chyna, Kaleisha, and Lavante’. The three of us are members of the student organization NAS (Not A Statistic) here at Greenville Tech. Six members of NAS were granted an amazing opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica over spring break, so three of us travelers have come together with the help of our professor, Dr. Margaret Taylor, to learn more about study abroad.

For our creative inquiry class we will be researching which social groups have historically not been able to study abroad. We will look at what social factors have prevented these particular groups from studying abroad. Each of us will select a specific group to study. After we have completed our research and are back from our journey in Costa Rica, we will come together to combine what we have learned. We cannot wait to share our learning and travel experience!