Perched atop a mountain some 30 kilometres from Costa Rica's capital San Jose, the University for Peace (UPEACE) was established in 1980 by the UN General Assembly and Costa Rican Government as a hub of learning on issues of peace and conflict. Its masters-level programs in Peace and Conflict Studies attract students from around the world.
In the winter break 10 UTS Law and Global Studies students spent two weeks attending lectures on topics ranging from human rights and food security to terrorism and peace-building.
Over the next two, the students worked with local NGO the Corcovado Foundation. The foundation established a sea turtle conservation program, and also educates the community about the importance of protecting and preserving the sea turtles.
In this tiny beach-side community the students not only helped count turtle eggs, but also got to apply some of the knowledge they'd acquired from the lectures they'd attended at UPEACE.
But it was the knowledge, experience and attitudes of the teaching staff at UPEACE that impressed the students the most.
"To engage on that personal level with academics was really inspiring, especially because we met some really interesting people who have lectured at various universities and done research on the ground," said Law and International Studies student Nadeshda Jayakody.
Law and Communications student Francesca Elias Arciuli in particular described the positive view the lecturers had of issues that can be at times rather bleak.
"A lot of people you meet in the public sector who have an interest in human security tend to become quite cynical after a while," said Elias Arciuli. "One person we met talked about climate change, world security and food security, and of all topics they're probably some of the most dismal. But he remained really positive, despite all the hindrances to his beliefs."
When these are issues you want to tackle in a future career in policy and law, as Elias Arciuli does, such discussions are inspiring.
"He said you need to keep working and remain positive. Soon enough a policy window will open. And that's your chance because if you're unprepared you'll regret not standing up for what you believe in."
"The UPEACE program is a perfect example of students putting the knowledge they've acquired in the classroom into practice," said Manager, Leadership and Community Connections, and BUiLD program facilitator, Fiona Tschaut.
"It gives UTS students opportunities to travel while pursuing their interests and learning from internationally renowned leaders through global conferences, internships, community volunteer projects or short-term study programs."
"This is ultimately the purpose of our BUiLD program – to take students beyond their degree and explore issues of social enterprise, sustainability and social justice."
The UPEACE program participants agree wholeheartedly.
"It's given me a new perspective, especially in regards to my degree," said Bachelor of Global Studies student Julian Pedersen. "It was great to look at more global issues and it's given me a stronger basis to argue points, especially on international trade."
"Before I wasn't sure about where I could take my law degree, but this has been great because it allowed me to see that you can work with an NGO or you can even go into academia, so there's a broad area of things to do," said Jayakody.
The UTS:BUiLD program offers a range of workshops, seminars, guest lectures, international relations events, networking sessions and overseas opportunities to equip students with the skills and tools to kick-start a meaningful career.
- For many of us it was business as usual during the winter break, but for 10 UTS students it was an opportunity to travel to Costa Rica for a four-week summer program with the United Nations mandated University for Peace
- The experience was part of UTS's leadership and development program BUiLD