OHIO social work students dive into Costa Rican culture, community service

A group of Ohio University social work and interdisciplinary students from the Athens and regional campuses participated in a weeklong cultural immersion and service-learning experience in Costa Rica during Spring Break 2026.

The trip, held March 7–14, 2026, provided students with the opportunity to earn three academic credit hours while engaging directly with local communities and organizations.

The immersive experience was co-led by Leah Vensil, program director and assistant professor of social work instruction at OHIO Zanesville, and Lisa Skeens, program director and associate professor at OHIO Lancaster. 

“These programs give students the chance to apply classroom learning in real-world settings while experiencing another culture firsthand,” said Vensil. “The connections they form with the community and with each other are incredibly meaningful.”

This trip reflects a recent surge in global experiential learning opportunities at Ohio University’s regional campuses. In recent years, more students have taken advantage of programs that allow them to travel internationally while earning course credit. 

“Students are discovering that these experiences aren’t just trips—they are transformative educational opportunities,” Skeens said. “They return with a broader worldview and a deeper understanding of their role as future professionals.”

Throughout the week, students and faculty partnered with several community-based organizations to support meaningful service initiatives.One day was spent at Hogar de Los Ancianos, a residential facility for older adults, where students connected through conversation, music and dancing, building relationships that transcended language barriers.

For Magdalene Schlicher, a junior on the Athens campus pursuing degrees in psychology and human development and family sciences, along with a minor in sociology and a gerontology certificate, the experience was especially impactful. 

“My goal when applying to this program was to gain a more holistic understanding of social and familial networks outside of the United States,” Schlicher said. “As someone pursuing a gerontology certificate, attending the Hogar de Los Ancianos provided me a powerful example of what eldercare can and should look like. The residents were happy to dance along with us regardless of the language barrier.”

The group also collaborated with the Humanitarian Foundation of Costa Rica, exploring programs in a San José neighborhood that address critical community needs. Students observed services including nutrition assistance, youth educational programming and ecological strategies designed to improve access to clean water.

Another impactful experience took place at Bandera Blanca, an organization serving infants through teens at risk of extreme poverty and community violence. Students engaged children through recreational and social activities, visited a nutrition class for mothers and donated supplies such as art materials, games and large parachutes. 

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“Our students left an imprint on the children and families they met,” Skeens said. “And they brought back insights that will shape their understanding of social work for years to come.”

One defining feature of the program was its homestay component. Rather than staying in hotels, students lived with local families, fostering authentic cultural exchange and daily immersion in Costa Rican customs, language and cuisine. Despite many students having limited Spanish proficiency, they developed communication skills through nonverbal interaction and shared experiences.

“Studying abroad changed my perspective and provided the opportunity to learn about other cultures in a way that neither a textbook nor a research paper could,” said Cortney Compston, an Ohio University Zanesville Bachelor of Social Work student graduating in Spring 2026. “It showed me how to broaden my worldview and inspired meaningful societal change.”

In addition to service work, the program incorporated cultural and educational experiences to deepen students’ global understanding. Participants toured the Natural History Museum and the Gold Museum of Costa Rica, visited a toucan rescue ranch to learn about native wildlife, and explored San José through a guided walking tour of political landmarks. Students also visited the central market to support local artisans and enjoyed recreational time with an overnight stay at Manuel Antonio Beach and a catamaran excursion along the Pacific coast.

Each experience reinforced the connection between classroom learning and real-world application. 

“Each of our academic engagement activities gave us students an opportunity to broaden our understanding of the policy and administrative aspects of social work, while also gaining field and service work experience,” Schlicher added.

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The trip concluded with a visit to the Britt Coffee Plantation, where students participated in an interactive outdoor theatrical production blending history, music, and dance. 

Reflecting on the experience, Compston emphasized its lasting impact.

“Each moment offered insights that we, as social workers, can apply to micro, mezzo, and macro practice,” Compston said. “When we work together, we can and do impact our communities positively.”

Students also noted the importance of peer connections formed during the trip.

“What truly made this experience for me was the wonderful group of women that were included on this trip,” Schlicher said. “I know each of us will effectively apply these lived experiences to our future professional careers. Overall, this program allowed me to grow both as a professional and as an individual.”

This immersive program exemplifies Ohio University’s commitment to experiential learning, global engagement and community partnership. By integrating service, academics and cultural exploration, students gain valuable professional skills and a broader perspective of social work practice in a global context.

For more information about Bobcat community experiential learning opportunities abroad, visit the Office of Global Opportunities at ohio.edu/goglobal. OHIO offers a wide range of programs open to students and alumni. 

Many of these programs include scholarships or discounts, making global learning more accessible. Students can participate over spring and winter break, during the summer or even spend a semester or full academic year abroad.