One of the most important events of the University of Denver program in Costa Rica this winter was a special visit with the President of Costa Rica Miguel Rodriguez.

A record number of students for the program, 46, met with President Rodriguez for 45 minutes to discuss problems and prospects for Costa Rica and Central America and many other topics related to the economic, social and political aspects of the country.

In its 12th year, the Costa Rica program is now one of DU’s the largest overseas programs. This was the fourth president who has met with DU students over the years. This includes an afternoon with Nobel Peace Prize Winner Oscar Arias several years ago.

In addition to the presidential visit, students took field trips to the world-famous Jade Museum.

The trip was a special tribute to Zulay Soto, who is the founder of the museum. He has lectured DU students on pre-Columbian culture in Costa Rica every year since the inception of the Costa Rica course.

As always, students visited the rain forest with a trained guide and the University for Peace. Presentations were given by former President Rodrigo Carazo and Robert Muller, founders of this United Nations-sponsored institution.

On weekends, students had the opportunity to travel around the country on their own to learn more about the beautiful and interesting country.

The 13th year of the program is already in the planning stages. Interested students can attend the Feb. 13, Study Abroad fair or contact Professor Arthur N. Gilbert at argilber@du.edu