While in Costa Rica, I stayed with a host family and attended Universidad Veritas.  At the University I studied tropical ecology.  The class went on two different weekend fieldtrips to study in both the rainforest and the deciduous dry forest.  These fieldtrips introduced us to what Costa Rica was really like and they were my favorite part of the adventure.  I also went on other weekend trips to Puerto Viejo to see what a small town laid back lifestyle is like, and also to go snorkeling and swimming.  I also went to Tortuga Island by boat, and even banana boated while I was there!  Costa Rica was great because I learned so much about the Ticos, the environment, and myself!