From Costa Rica to Ireland, FVTC Students Explore the World

A week in Costa Rica during January sounds like a dream come true for most of us. Relaxing in the tropical air, sightseeing, learning about the culture and sampling local cuisine.   

For Alexis Faul, it was all of that, and much more. In January 2025, she participated in a study abroad learning experience focusing on agriculture. Alexis graduated from the Natural Resources Technician program in May 2024 and is continuing her education with the Conservation Agronomist certificate. Her job is closely linked to the agriculture industry, and she wanted to improve her Spanish-speaking skills, so this trip provided a perfect learning opportunity.

During her stay in Costa Rica, Alexis and her fellow students learned about agriculture and crops grown in that region. “Our group explored all things agriculture as we learned about the production of pineapple, heart of palm (palmito), cacao and coffee, to name a few,” she explains. “Throughout the trip, we sampled food prepared from fresh produce and local ingredients. We also visited an agriculture-focused technical school, which was similar to FVTC in many ways. I even milked my first cow there! I have a deeper understanding of agriculture, both in Costa Rica and in Wisconsin, which will help me in my job.”

Meanwhile, across an ocean and 5,000-plus miles to the northeast, the scenery looked slightly different from the rain forest of Costa Rica, but no less interesting for Martell Galligan and his group, who were making their way across Ireland. They were on a weeklong trip focused on Information Technology, visiting big tech companies and several cities.  

“We did quite a bit on this trip,” says Martell, who is enrolled in the Network Systems Administration program. “We visited Belfast, Cork and Dublin and toured companies like Microsoft, Dell and Google for insights into the IT field where we learned about skills and certifications they’re searching for.”

They also learned a lot about Irish culture and history. “In addition to our business visits, we took a walking tour in Dublin, played Gaelic football and hurling, and visited the Titanic Museum in Belfast,” he says. “It was interesting seeing landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and I really enjoyed the trip to Blarney Castle and kissing the Blarney Stone.”

The January 2025 trips were just the beginning of what is shaping up to be a full year of study abroad trips for FVTC students, with planning already underway for 2026 trips. These excursions organized by FVTC World Languages & Cultures not only provide students with the opportunity to travel, they also gain knowledge specific to their area of study.

“Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about your program area and broaden your perspectives as you meet new people and explore this beautiful world,” says Alexis.