What sparked your interest to study abroad?
To become fluent in Spanish.
What drew you to Costa Rica for your study abroad program?
Because I wanted to learn the Central American dialect of Spanish that is commonly spoken in the U.S. After researching several Central American countries, I found that the Costa Rican lifestyle would probably be the best fit for me. I also knew it was a beautiful country that I wanted to see.
Did you find financial aid readily available for your travels?
If so, what type of aid did you use?
My school had a scholarship for studying abroad and ISA, the program I went through, offered scholarships.
What was the most rewarding part about your stay?
The best part was experiencing another culture firsthand and learning such an immense amount in such a short time.
Was studying abroad a challenging experience? Why?
Yes at times, because of the preparation that you have to put in in order to study abroad. Also, adjusting to a new lifestyle can be difficult.
What was your most memorable experience abroad?
My most memorable experience abroad would be zip-lining through the Costa Rican rainforest.
What classes did you take when you were abroad? Did the classes available in your study abroad program effect the location you chose?
I took a Spanish grammar class and a Spanish phonetics and phonology class. The classes available did not affect the location I chose.
What were your living accommodations like in Costa Rica?
I lived with a host family during my experience. This impacted the amount of Spanish I learned because I was speaking it all day, every day—at school and when I came home. Talking with my host family was also a great way to get to know the Costa Rican culture and customs.
How did your friends and family react at the idea of you leaving for Costa Rica?
It was not difficult to leave my family and friends, especially since it was such a short time. Most people were supportive of me going abroad, and if they weren’t at first, they were once they realized I was actually going to do it. The objections/concerns of my family and friends did not change my perspective before leaving because I was determined to have this experience.
How has studying abroad benefited you, personally, academically and professionally? Do you think you have grown as a person? Have any of your beliefs changed significantly due to this experience? Explain.
Studying abroad has benefited me immensely. I have definitely grown as a person, I feel that I have seen more of the world and thus have a larger perspective on life.
Academically, I feel that my level of Spanish has grown, which will help in future classes, as well as everyday life when conversing with Spanish-speakers. Professionally, my study of Spanish has already helped me get a job because of the need for an employee who can help Spanish-speaking clients.
What do you think other students studying abroad should know before leaving?
Other students should be ready to be more open-minded and ready for any challenges, and should know that the amount you learn and the experiences you gain will outweigh any challenges or negatives you may encounter.
Do you think that there are any personal qualities that make it easier with the study abroad experience?
Personal qualities that may make the study abroad experience easier are organizational skills that will be necessary to plan the study abroad experience, as well as an outgoing person who is ready to experience new things.
What do you think could have improved your study abroad experience?
Having a roommate in my homestay would have improved my study abroad experience because I feel it would have made it easier to carry on conversations with my host family, I would have been able to venture out more in the neighborhood/city, and I would have had someone close by to relate to.
Would you recommend study abroad to other students?
I would definitely recommend study abroad to other students.
Do you plan to utilize your experience abroad in your future career? Explain.
Yes, I plan on being an optometrist, and my knowledge of Spanish will increase the amount of patients I will be able to reach.
Do you want to go to Costa Rica?
Learn more about Study Abroad in Costa Rica?
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