The Natural Resources Sustainability and Development (NRSD) program is one of the most unique programs that the School of International Service (SIS) offers. Students spend half of the two-year program at University for Peace (UPEACE) in Costa Rica and graduate with two degrees—one from American University (AU) and one from UPEACE—at the end of the program. This program offers students countless opportunities to explore and learn about sustainability and development efforts inside and outside of the classroom through field trips, unique classes, field experiences, and more. We asked several NRSD students who have either recently returned from or are currently studying at UPEACE in Costa Rica about their experiences abroad with the program.

• Kim Austin, SIS/MA ’25
• Amanda Clark, SIS/MA ’25
• Carlye Goldman, SIS/MA ’26
• Natalie Leonard, SIS/MA ’26
• Sophie Liebel, SIS/MA ’26
• Parker, SIS/MA ’26

Kim AustinSIS/MA ’25

I had the most amazing time in Costa Rica as an NRSD student! There are fantastic professors and really interesting students at the University for Peace. The campus often hosts cultural events, educational panels, and special guests to enrich the community learning experience. Everyone should feel welcome to come and take advantage of the courses offered at UPEACE as well as the overall international student experience, which has so much to offer not only young minds but mid-level and senior professionals as well. The interactions we have as students both on and off campus truly add a level of depth to our learning that isn’t as attainable inside a typical classroom. Since UPEACE classes are so intimate and discussion-based, we’re able to learn from each other just as much as we do from the professor in all of our interesting courses.

My favorite experiences were traveling to various regions of the country for field trips and getting the opportunity to travel to nearby countries during breaks. I visited both Panama and Colombia during my semester in Costa Rica. More importantly, I got to travel with my peers and make new memories with my classmates that have brought us closer than the standard grad student experience might. All of the fun times and the challenging moments made our time unforgettable, and we gained much more than what can be expressed in words. I would recommend learning Spanish and eating delicious local foods to fully immerse yourself in the daily Costa Rican lifestyle. I personally had to get used to living in a small town but that’s something I came to appreciate immensely, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to live, learn, and study in Costa Rica. This degree program has set me up perfectly to pursue a career in international sustainable development.

Amanda ClarkSIS/MA ’25

My experience in the NRSD program has been characterized by challenging my beliefs, learning new perspectives, and stretching myself to experience new adventures. The program is a perfect fit for students who want to ground themselves in theory and witness firsthand how international development and environmental protection plays out in the field. It provides opportunities to not only explore international environmentalism as a field of study but also to explore yourself and the world.

Carlye Goldman SIS/MA ’26

As I start my second semester, I’m feeling a lot of gratitude for this program—especially since we get to experience part of our program in a different country. I can't think of a better place to be studying natural resources and sustainable development than here in Costa Rica. I’m really looking forward to applying what I’ve learned at AU to my courses here at UPEACE, and I’m so thankful to be immersing myself in the community and culture here.

I’m very eager to start our upcoming field course, where the NRSD cohort will spend a week on a field trip in Corcovado National Park. I chose this program because I wanted a degree that offered a more hands-on approach and opportunities to dive into fieldwork specifically around sustainable agriculture and food systems. Some other courses I am excited about include Food Security, Indigenous Perspectives on the Environment, and Sustainable Agriculture. And of course, I’m thrilled to be back in a Spanish-speaking country and am working toward my goal of fluency!

Natalie LeonardSIS/MA ’26

I am almost a month into the NRSD program, and I’ve learned so much already! It has been a beautiful experience to be welcomed into the home of my host family, to build relationships with them, and learn about Costa Rican culture. Among the courses that I’m most excited for at UPEACE are the Natural Resource Management Field Course, Indigenous Perspectives on Environment and Development, and Food Security. It has been a joy to get involved in the campus community garden and to get to spend so much time outdoors. I’m looking forward to continuing to connect with this beautiful country and learning more about the sustainable projects and diverse perspectives present here that can serve as inspiration on the global stage.

Sophie Liebel SIS/MA ’26

This semester at UPEACE, I am most looking forward to my upcoming Natural Resource Management field course, where we will have the opportunity to visit La Amistad National Park and Corcovado National Park in southern Costa Rica. As someone deeply interested in understanding the conservation opportunities and challenges associated with ecotourism projects, I am excited to have the chance to learn from local sustainable tourism projects and interview ecotourism operators, park rangers, and other conservationists. Finally, given that the Osa Peninsula, home to Corcovado National Park, houses two and a half percent of the world’s biodiversity, I am looking forward to seeing a variety of unique animal and plant life during the field trip.

Parker  SIS/MA ’26

Joining the NRSD program has been of the best and most fulfilling decisions I have made. Just at UPEACE alone, I have made countless lifelong friendships and have enjoyed a truly hands-on experience—from fishing with one of the last fishing cooperatives in Costa Rica to working alongside Huetar elders in the UPEACE garden. Two things I am very excited for this semester are the NRSD field course that takes us to one of the world's most biodiverse regions, the Osa Peninsula, as well as attending the Indigenous Perspectives on Development course later this academic year.