Sydney Septer, NAFB student member and a sophomore at Iowa State University, stepped onto a Costa Rican farm, and it was more than just an academic exercise. It was a chance to see agriculture through a new lens and to discover her capacity for adventure.
Septer, who is double majoring in Agricultural Communication and Agriculture and Rural Policy Studies, spent 10 days in March exploring Costa Rica’s diverse agricultural landscape and learning how farm life there differs from practices in the United States.
“I grew up showing livestock,” Septer shared. “I showed pigs, sheep, goats, and cattle. I was heavily involved in FFA and 4-H. That’s kind of where I got my start, really being exposed to what agriculture was.”
Those early experiences shaped her decision to pursue an agricultural degree.
“Looking into secondary education, I always knew I wanted to go into agriculture,” she said. “Both my parents went to Iowa State, and I just really felt right at home in the agricultural world.”
When she arrived on campus, Septer already had a year’s worth of credits thanks to dual enrollment at Des Moines Area Community College. That allowed her to explore additional interests, especially her fascination with policy.
“I really loved politics,” she said. “I was really interested in the farm bill at the time, and so I took a class with a professor who was the ag policy advisor. He encouraged me to look at the major, and I saw that a lot of my credits already worked with it. So, I decided to add that double major, and that’s kind of how I got my start here at Iowa State.”
While her path into agriculture was familiar, her recent study abroad trip was full of firsts.
“This was my first time out of the country and first time seeing the ocean,” Septer said. “I was excited, but I was kind of scared at the same time because I’m leaving without my parents and changing environments for 10 days. But it was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.”
The Costa Rica program was designed to explore agronomy and agritourism.
“This year it was kind of split into two groups,” she explained. “We had the agronomy group, and then we had about five students go as journalism students. My group was really focused on the tourism part, which was a valuable experience coming out of Costa Rica.”
Septer and her classmates visited pineapple farms, coffee plantations, a rice operation, and an organic farm. They even learned about the country’s dam and water systems.
“We really focused on how to create blog posts about things to see and do in Costa Rica,” she said.
One of the most powerful parts of the trip was meeting the farmers themselves.
“I really enjoyed hearing the farmers’ stories,” Septer said. “Agriculture down there is very different compared to the United States. They are not worried about exports. They’re very focused on just feeding their families and their community.”
She was struck by the humility and pride of the producers she met.
“They were extremely humble about it and very gracious and proud of their work,” she said. “One example was the family-owned pineapple farm. They were one of the largest farms in Costa Rica for pineapples. It was just very cool to hear the stories about how they got started and where they are now.”
The experience didn’t just broaden her academic knowledge—it sparked a passion for exploring the world.
“Every day I want to go back,” Septer said. “Now I’ve kind of got a little travel bug where I’m like, ‘Oh, I want to go here, and I want to go here.’”
For other students considering study abroad, her advice is simple: take the leap.
“Just do it, and don’t be afraid,” she said. “It was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.”
Septer is expected to graduate in December 2026. Wherever her path leads next, her time in Costa Rica will remain a vivid chapter in her journey—proof that the best lessons often come when you step outside your comfort zone.
