January 10–16, 2007, Number 130
I'm standing here with my mom and dad. I'm going to miss my family a lot during my six months in Costa Rica.
I'm off to Costa Rica!
Hi! My name is Kate Rogers. I grew up in Iron River, Michigan. I am a junior at Michigan Tech and I am studying marketing and international business. I'm on my way to Puntarenas, Costa Rica, where I will spend the semester studying Spanish and Latin American dance. Do you wish you could come? Great news, electronically you can! I will be writing weekly articles to update you on all my exciting adventures throughout the semester. My first article will be devoted to explaining my reasons for studying abroad and what I hope to accomplish.
During my first semester at Michigan Tech I took a class called World Cultures. I loved this class. Every aspect of learning about other cultures inspired me. At this point, I decided I wanted to study international business. It is required to study abroad for the international business certificate. This was great news for me! Next, I had the difficult task of choosing where to go. I was overwhelmed by the many incredible places where I could study. I wanted to go everywhere! For some reason, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, caught my eye. Since I go to school so close to my hometown, I've always been very fortunate to have my family really close to me. I am going to miss my family a lot during my six months while I'm studying abroad. Hopefully, my new housing family and new friends will cure my homesickness. I was originally told that I would not receive information about my housing family until about two days before departure. Since I was anxious and excited to find out about them, I was pleasantly surprised when I recently received an email with a little bit of information about my family. I have a dad, mom, and a 17-year-old brother! I have never had a brother before! I also have a dog and a parrot!
I had to take one more picture of the snow before leaving home. From now on, my photos will be very different. I recently attend a pre-departure orientation for study abroad students that was put on by the International Programs and Services office here at Michigan Tech. I was provided with a great deal of helpful information for my travels abroad. They talked about culture shock, what to pack, financial tips, and much more. Thanks to the orientation, I feel well prepared.
I am excited to adapt to a new culture and a new way of life. I am eager to learn more about the language, culture, customs, economy, history, and geography of Costa Rica. I am also looking forward to learning Spanish, Latin American dance, and how to surf and scuba dive. By studying abroad I will get the opportunity to not only grow academically, but also grow as a person. I am really looking forward to being involved in such a wonderful, life-changing experience.
- Sincerely,
- Michigan Technological University
- 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931-1295
- 906-487-1885