From the quiet jungles of Costa Rica to the fast pace of Washington, D.C., Campbell University student Michael Davies got a global look at the interworkings of international business.Davies, a junior international business major and Spanish and government double minor, went to Costa Rica from May 19-28 on a study abroad trip and spent the rest of his summer participating in a program called The Fund for American Studies in Washington, D.C.Davies was one of thirteen Campbell students who participated in the tripto Costa Rica. The students lived with host families and took classes at the Instituto de Cultura y Lengua Costarricense during the day. While they were there, the students took excursions where they learned about the healthcare, government, culture and natural resources of Costa Rica.”My favorite excursion was to the Pacuare Ecolodge in the rainforest,” said Davies. “The only way to get into the lodge was to white water raft down the Pacuare River. The lodge was a beautiful site to behold from the river bank. Everything in it was made from organic, imported materials. We stayed in luxurious bungalows and the lodge’s chef prepared gourmet meals on a gas powered stove since there was no electricity in the entire complex.”Davies’ host family didn’t speak English, but he said that living with them helped his Spanish tremendously. “Acquiring the language skills in Costa Rica deepened my appreciation for their culture and for the Latin American culture as a whole,” said Davies. “The culture is very relaxed; Costa Ricans or Ticos are a stress free people. I also learned the value of enjoying my time and not taking life too seriously.”Davies would like more Campbell students to take the opportunity to study abroad. “It is very important to spend time studying in other countries,” he said. “It develops cultural awareness and it exposes students to a global society that they otherwise might never experience directly.”Davies gained further awareness of the economic and political structures of various countries during his time with the Fund for American Studies (TFAS) in Washington, D.C. Their website said that the program is designed to educate young leaders on the values of freedom, democracy and free-market economies. Nine institutes around the world bring college students together for educational programs engaging them in a rigorous examination of economic concepts, political systems and moral philosophy.During the day, Davies worked at his internship site which was BKSH and Associates, a prestigious lobbying firm, and at night he took three classes at Georgetown University. His classes dealt with world economic systems, American politics and how Washington really works.”During the program, I was given an insider’s view of the American political system at the national level,” said Davies.BKSH and Associates allowed Davies to work on the legislative research team where he became involved with many current issues. He also helped form their new climate change working group. He was given a special research project covering the Guatemalan presidential elections and he attended a wide variety of congressional hearings.”Through my internship I learned the value of networking and consistently putting forth one’s best effort,” said Davies.Davies feels that this summer was a life-changing experience and that both trips will help him with his future plans.”Both trips helped me redefine my career goals,” he said. “I’ve added government (international relations) as my minor because of my experience in Washington. It also helped me narrow my focus for life after my undergraduate degree.”After graduation, Davies plans to earn his joint JD and MBA degrees and work in international development.Photo Copy: Michael Davies, second on right facing forward, traveled to Costa Rica this summer with Campbell University’s study abroad program.
Campbell student travels in pursuit of knowledge