West Virginia Universitys program in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Resources will lead study-abroad expeditions to Costa Rica and Fiji this summer.

Both will focus on sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.

The trip to Costa Rica will run from May 13-28 and focus on ecotourism, conservation and sustainable development in the Central American nation.

Students will travel in the Atlantic coastal region of Costa Rica and experience how indigenous cultures are shaping and being shaped by tourism in the region,said Dave Smaldone, assistant professor in the program.

Opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, snorkeling, incredible wildlife viewing and boating will round out their experiences,he added.

The Fiji excursion will run from July 10-28.

Students will have the opportunity to raft, snorkel, scuba dive and trek, as well as meet with a variety of nature-based tourism operators, local communities and government officials,Smaldone said.

Interested students should contact Smaldone at 304-293-2941 ext. 2443 or via e-mail at david.smaldone@mail.wvu.edu . In addition, students can learn more about Costa Rica and Fiji study abroad trips at an information session set for 5:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at the WVU Student Recreation Center.