Guatemala/Costa Rica: 

The Business of Coffee and Mayan Culture

This seven-day program explores both the coffee bean industry and Mayan culture in Guatemala and Costa Rica. With Morgantown’s Mountaineer Roasting Company as our guide, we will travel to Antigua to observe operations at two separate coffee bean farms. Students will be provided with hands on experience to include picking of beans, processing, sampling and quality control, preparation for shipping, and seaport operations. This unique experience will give students an appreciation for the complexities of the coffee bean industry and international business practices outside of the textbook. In addition, we will spend 2 days and 3 nights in Costa Rica's vibrant city, San Jose. This vibrant Central American capital offers a mix of rich cultural heritage and modern attractions, with bustling markets, museums, and colonial architecture. On our last day, we will take a beach excursion to Isla Tortuga and experience its pristine turquoise waters, powdery white sands, and vibrant marine life.