Kinsey

Kinsey

Business Economics Major
From Santa Clarita, CA

I learned about the Costa Rica Program last year when I worked for UCI Housing, and it seemed like an amazing experience. Coming back to the university in the fall I knew that I wanted to travel somewhere during my college years, and having the chance to take a class and then perform research in a foreign country seemed like the perfect opportunity. This program takes learning to the next level because I get the chance to submerge myself in an area of study and then get to put my personal experiences that I have in Costa Rica into my research.

This Costa Rica program is unlike any other experience that I will ever have in my life because I get the chance to learn, research, and engulf myself in a completely different culture than the one I am used to. Having the chance to be a part of such an immersive program leads to personal growth and the expansion of worldviews. I am excited to have the chance to explore a place that I might not ever have gotten the chance to see and to have experiences that will push me out of my comfort zone, in order to learn something new about myself and those that I will have the chance to interact with.

I am currently the resident advisor of the Second Year Experience Program in Arroyo Vista, where I have had the opportunity to get to know 58 sophomores and transfer students. I am there to support these students throughout the year as they are away from home and I assist them with anything that they might need. The experiences that I have through the Costa Rica program will first and foremost be shared with them through everyday conversation as well as programs. I am an avid photographer and am excited about documenting all of the adventures I have during my time in Costa Rica and having the chance to share my experiences with others through my photographs.