This project is hugely important to me, both in terms of how it will positively impact the local environment in Costa Rica and help to conserve wildlife that is invaluable within our ecosystem and also in terms of how it will be an unbelievable opportunity for my own personal development.

I could have a significant positive on the environment in Costa Rica as our main focus is on conservation in the Barra Honda National Park, this is a park managed specifically for conservation. My work would largely be focused on monitoring the activities of bats, butterflies and amphibians which really appeals to me and I could carry out effectively as this relates to parts of my A level biology course. We will also work in Matapalo where our time will be spent mainly on conservation of endangered sea turtles and their nesting sites which is so important to me as I enjoy diving and have observed the negative impact global warming is having on our environment, it would mean so much to me to be able to work to rectify this in a practical way. The aspect of improvement of Costa Rica's ecosystem is my main motivation to involve myself in the project because I am deeply concerned for our environment, the cancerous effect of modern life on ecosystems suchas those in Costa Rica is devastating and I would like to do whatever I can to reverse the damage already inflicted.

The project also involves conversation classes with children in the local area which is significant for them because the ability to speak english is becoming increasingly important in Costa Rica as tourism develops, in this way it is vital that children develop their ability to speak English early so they can gain employment as soon as possible, in a poverty ridden country this is vital. This aspect of communication is really important in terms of my professional development because I am planning to begin a five year course in dentistry in September, this is a career that will involve life long development of effective communication skills if I am going to be a good dentist.

I believe that this will be a hugely rewarding experience and as I approach university life I really think that it's important for people my age to be exposed to situations that challenge their preconceived views on society, I strongly believe that this is the best way to develop in maturity, independence and to really understand the world we live in. It would be an invaluable experience for me and any contribution that you can make would mean so much to me.