Bioinformatics - Genetics Research

I cannot recommend the Bioinformatics program enough. Under the mentorship of amazing staff, my science partner and I were able to complete actual research that qualified us for one of the most prestigious science fairs in the nation (ISEF). Additionally, I was able to advance my spanish skills and partake in so many wonderful cultural experiences. In fact, our stay with a host family in El Jobo and being able to partake in sea turtle research inspired me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. I still speak to the friends I made on this trip and the memories we made will last a lifetime. The staff are amazing and the program has prepared me for both my college studies and life beyond. It is truly a gift that keeps on giving.

I want to start off by saying that this trip changed how I view my interactions with my friends, family, and teachers. I went with a group of 14 students which allowed everyone to have one on one time with the wonderful instructors and become close with all the other students. Because this program is so special (compared to other research fields, bioinformatics is less mainstream), I received a scholarship to attend from a local organization and I highly recommend speaking with your community about raising money for your trip. Some of my information may be outdated but most of it should be similar. Day to day: My trip included eight days of classroom learning (broken up by activities such as day and night hiking, swimming in waterfalls, zip lining, coffee plantation tour, bat tour, horseback riding to a natural hot spring, grocery store shopping (so much fun because you get to experience everyday life in Costa Rica). We also got a considerable amount of time to explore a local town to get souvenirs and experience new food. For the first eight days we spent half the day in the classroom working on our original projects and the other half doing activities (first and last day were just research). The last two days were spent by the cost and celebrating having accomplished our research goals! We went swimming both days and went on a sea turtle patrol at night. We also got to take a boat to a snorkel area and we had guides to show us the different fish. They did not have enough fins for small feet so those of us who were strong swimmers swam without fins but the water was very calm so it ended up being ok but a bit tiring. We also got to tag a sea turtle! Food: I would classify myself as a pickier eater than the average person, but I had something to eat every single meal. They had accommodations for all sorts of dietary restrictions so if food is something you’re worried about, don’t (I will say that I brought some high-protein energy bars just in case and I did occasionally need to rely on those. If you’re an extremely picky eater I would recommend bringing something to supplement meals with because there is a lot of physical activity on this trip). There was coffee and hot chocolate pretty much 24/7 and fresh cookies on occasion. Pro tips: -Make mochas during your work breaks. -Pick a room and hang out with the other students. -Bring cards or come prepared with games like truth or dare/never have I ever. -Journal! My roommates and I had a journaling session every night before bed (this can just be on your phone). -Bring water shoes, rash guard/sun-shirt, and leggings to snorkel in, there were some jellyfish. They were too bad but they were sometimes annoying and I was happy to have my leggings when I was snorkeling. -If you can bring more than one swimsuit…I wore a soaking wet swimsuit multiple times because I made this mistake. -Do the pre-trip work!!! -If you don’t get along with another student, talk it out. Avoid drama. -Be open, this trip will push you, but it’s worth it. -Everyone on your trip is going to be super interesting and smart—including you. Don’t doubt your abilities <3. If you’re thinking about doing this trip, do it. P.s. Thanks for reading, I know this was a long review but I had so much to say. I hope you have a great time on this trip or wherever your adventures take you :). Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I apologize if there are any typos…