Raphaël Loubert (Class of 2018, Belgium) arrived in Costa Rica as a traveler eager to discover the country’s natural diversity. He was—and still is—the kind of person who values the beauty of green landscapes and who had long aspired to dedicate his life to caring for natural resources and turning sustainability into a solution to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. After friends told him about EARTH University, he did not hesitate to apply. What began as a tourism trip soon became a transformative experience that would shape his path and life purpose.
From an early age, Raphaël had the opportunity to engage with multicultural communities, an experience that sparked a genuine curiosity about different realities and ways of seeing the world. At EARTH, this diversity took on an even greater dimension. Sharing learning spaces and residence halls, and experiencing daily life with students, faculty, and staff from more than 50 nationalities became one of the most enriching times of his life. “I felt I was in the right place, in an environment where I could grow not only as a professional, but also as a person,” he recalls.
Raphaël had studied Spanish from a young age in Belgium, and although he had not practiced it for several years, he arrived in Costa Rica with a level that allowed him to integrate quickly into academic life. In fact, during the first months of the program he served as a tutor for a Haitian classmate who was unable to attend the Spanish and Cultural Induction Program before starting the academic program, as sometimes happens. As a tutor, Raphaël translated every class—from beginning to end—so his classmate could understand the material while gradually becoming familiar with the language. This act of support and solidarity reflects one of the values that most shaped his EARTH experience: collective learning and a strong sense of community.
His time at the University was also a space for reflection and personal growth. Cultural exchanges, discussions on social issues, and the diverse realities of his classmates broadened his worldview. “EARTH helped me realize that even when you think you have an open mind, there is always more to learn and understand,” he shares.
Today, Raphaël works as a Project Manager at the NGO GoodPlanet in Belgium, where he leads environmental education projects focused on nature, sustainable food systems, and water. One of these initiatives, Cultivate Tomorrow, was designed by Raphaël himself and is directly inspired by EARTH’s educational model. It promotes hands-on learning through direct engagement with farmers and field-based experiences, aiming to offer new perspectives and to educate young people capable of making informed and sustainable decisions.
Looking ahead, Raphaël has a clear aspiration: to return to Costa Rica. Although he does not yet know when or in what capacity he will return, he is certain that the country—and his experience at EARTH—remain a fundamental reference point in his life. “If I ever have the opportunity to collaborate with EARTH again, I wouldn’t hesitate,” he says.
Raphaël’s story reflects the lasting impact of EARTH University on its students—an experience that transcends borders and continues to accompany graduates long after they leave campus.