Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

My experience with studying abroad has been both challenging and rewarding, and I’m so glad that I chose to come to Costa Rica! It’s such a beautiful country, both with its natural environment and biodiversity, and its laid-back, “pura vida” culture. My Spanish has been improving every day, whether through my intensive language class or hanging out with my lovely familia tica.  

My elective classes have been fun and interesting, and the chance to study via a different pedagogical model has been refreshing (many presentations, but no finals!). I’ve gone on field trips ranging from photography outings at the Mercado Central to combatting climate change and habitat loss at the Veragua Rainforest research station in Limón province. During the latter, we toured the research foundation, planted tropical tree saplings, and spotted all sorts of rare and wonderful wildlife. To top it all off, during the middle of a magical night hike through the jungle, we turned off all our flashlights as we stood knee-deep in a river and listened to the sounds of the forest around us.  

I’ve also enjoyed the trips I’ve gotten to do with my program, which have included spending beach days at Manuel Antonio National Park, hiking at volcanoes Poas and Arenal, swimming in the rain at Baldi Hot Springs, Superman-style ziplining in the Monteverde cloud forests, and white-water rafting down Sarapiquí River! I have been especially lucky to meet such great people, and I’ll be happy to take my new friendships with me even as I leave Costa Rica behind (for now).  

Finally, I’d like to give my thanks to Ingrid H. and George L. Speros for their generosity in assisting me to take this step in my development! Studying abroad has pushed me to expand my comfort zone, and I have been able to learn so much both inside and outside the classroom because of the scholarship they founded.