COSTA RICA: Risk Management, Eco Tourism, and Adventure Travel Interview by Jessica Culpepper with Bob Swoap who with Will Leverette will lead the Field Course
2001
Jessica: Why did you choose Costa Rica for this field course?
Bob: I am familiar with Costa Rica and have been four or five times before. It provides a perfect
setting for the cross-cultural aspects of adventure tourism and risk management. Costa Rica, a world
leader in adventure eco-tourism, affords an excellent opportunity to compare their approach to that of
the United States.
Jessica: What is unique about the content of this field course? What do you expect student to gain
from an academic perspective?
Bob: A number of students wish to work in adventure tourism. The course furnishes a unique
opportunity to talk first hand with people who own companies in Costa Rica, to learn how they manage
risk and promote eco-sound programs.
Jessica: How would you describe eco-tourism and what would you say it is trying to accomplish?
Bob: Sustainable tourism will be culturally sensitive, have a positive influence on local communities
and be managed to strengthen conservation efforts. Tourists should leave with a greater understanding
and appreciation of nature, conservation, and the environment.
Jessica: Are there any requirements of the students to take the field course?
Bob: The students are taking an eight-week term 2 class with Will Leverette and me, carrying on a
research project and presenting their findings to the class. Each topic is designed to help us as a team to
learn more and get more out of the field course on site in Costa Rica.
Jessica: Are there any hardships you anticipate during the field course? If so, how do you plan to
overcome them?
Bob: It will be a physically strenuous course. Since I am recovering from surgery for an ACL
[ligament surgery in the knee], it will be difficult for me to keep up with the course at times.
Jessica: What are you hoping to teach the students outside of the academic curriculum?
Bob: We hope to instill an appreciation for Costa Rica and its people, a progressive country with high
literacy rates, no national ARMY and fairly good eco-policies. We want students to gain a full sense of
the riches to be discovered in Costa Rica and to bring them back with them.
Jessica: How are you planning to explore the eco-tourism industry through this field course?
Bob: We are trying to stay with people who support eco-tourism. For example, we are staying at a
co-operative organic farm with a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center called La Catarata Eco-Lodge
where we will carrying on a service project. We stayed with them before. They are wonderful people
with a great program. Many people claim to practice “eco-tourism.” We want to be sure we are
contributing to sustainable tourism.
Jessica: What, in your opinion, will be the highlights of the field course?
Bob: Well, students will participate actively in adventure and eco-tourism with a three-day seakayaking trip, while camping in the tropical forests close to the environment and wild life where we can
expect to be awakened by howler monkeys! Another high point will include a three-day river-rafting
trip on the Pacuare where we will also hike and gain access to indigenous villages.
Jessica: Upon return, how do you plan to share your experiences with the rest of WWC campus?
Bob: During the field course, we will be taking pictures, noting special experiences and giving a
multi-media presentation within the first month of the new semester back on campus. The students will
put this presentation together and talk about what they learned and how they grew. We hope to bring
back a better understanding of Costa Rica’s environment and people.
*The WorldWide Crew thanks Bob Swoap for his time and kindness during this interview.