Over Reading Week, Oct. 11 to 18, a social entrepreneurship class led by Odette School of Business professor Kent Walker visited Costa Rica to gain a hands-on understanding of eco-tourism.

The group visited two social enterprises: Wellness Park, an eco-lodge and nature reserve, and Two Little Monkeys, an ethically sourced craft chocolate company. Through research and analysis, students provided suggestions to the enterprises to help find solutions for real business problems they are facing.

“It was wonderful to see our senior Odette students care so much about the work they were doing as they sought to share their business expertise while demonstrating care for the environment and the Costa Rican people and culture,” says Dr. Walker. “The feedback from the small business owners was that it would dramatically impact their businesses and possibly lives.”

Students also had the opportunity to tour San José and Poás Volcano National Park, visit waterfalls, and hike in the rainforest.

Norma Nizam, a fourth-year business student specializing in accounting, reflected on her experience visiting Costa Rica and working with the local businesses.

“I am so incredibly grateful and honoured to have represented the Odette School of Business with this opportunity to build on my strategic and critical thinking skills,” she says.

Students received scholarships from the University of Windsor’s Go Global STEPs program to participate in this opportunity. Go Global STEPs is a Global Skills Opportunity project funded by Employment and Social Development Canada and jointly administered by Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada. The trip was also sponsored by the Odette School of Business.