May 9–15, 2007, Number 146
These pictures show some of my favorite moments studying abroad. Top, L to R: Bike-riding is the preferred mode of transportation in Costa Rica. We had an unforgettable tour on horseback near Arenal Volcano in LaFortuna, Costa Rica. On my four-wheeling adventure, we rode from Santa Teresa to Montezuma, Costa Rica. Left, Top to Bottom: While snorkeling in Bocas Del Toro, Panama, I found a huge shell. This picture of a beautiful sunset was taken in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. This is my favorite beach located on Isla Tortuga in Costa Rica. Here I'm zipping across the cable above the canopy in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Reflecting on Studying Abroad
Only one week left of classes here in Puntarenas. I can’t believe how fast this semester has gone by. I have been spending the last few days reflecting on my experiences while studying abroad. This article contains some of the thoughts I would like to share with future study abroad students.
First, I highly recommend researching the location of the program thoroughly. When I came here I had many goals, some of which included learning Spanish and becoming fully immersed in a culture different than my own. If I had researched Costa Rica a little more, I would have realized that Costa Rica relies more heavily on tourism than I had previously thought, including tourism from the United States. As a result, many places in Costa Rica cater to tourists, which is reflected, for example, through chain restaurants like McDonald's and Pizza Hut in Costa Rican cities and other evidence of United States influence. Also, learning English is very important for Costa Ricans, especially since many jobs are tourism-oriented. I found it hard, at times, to find places where Costa Rican culture was strong and only Spanish was spoken.
My next thought is that studying abroad is not cheap. The cost of tuition abroad is often similar to that of the States, but there are many other expenses that add up quickly. A couple expenses to consider include: passports, visas, immunizations, flights, and weekend travel expenses. The biggest expense, by far, for me was the traveling I did on the weekends throughout the semester. I was able to see amazing places in Costa Rica and I don’t regret a second that I spent traveling. Even in a country as inexpensive as Costa Rica, travel expenses add up. A lot of the information that study abroad students receive before studying abroad advises students to bring more money than they expect to spend. I just wanted to take this opportunity to emphasis this point. You will spend more money than you think you will, probably a lot more.
My last thought is, if you are given the opportunity, stay with a host family. There is no better way to learn about the culture and improve your language skills. Some of my best memories here were moments I spent with my host family, such as attending local soccer games and celebrating birthdays. Also, take time to get to know the locals. The school that I studied at was comprised of only students from the United States. Therefore, it is easiest to make friends with them; but by making friends with the locals, you are able to eliminate speaking English and improve your new language immensely.
Most students at my school are getting ready to go home to the United States, but I am getting ready for a new adventure to begin. Jon Malette (who was also in my program here) and myself are spending a little less than two months busing through Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico. It is going to be an interesting trip filled with diving, snorkeling, surfing, visiting colonial villages and Mayan ruins, volunteering, and practicing Spanish. The beginning of our trip takes us to Nicaragua to visit a tranquil fishing village and a beautiful colonial town, which I’ll tell you all about in my next article.
My experience studying in Costa Rica was an amazing, educational experience that I will never forget. If someone were considering studying abroad, I would tell him or her to do it for sure. Studying abroad was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. I got the opportunity to learn Spanish, see amazing places, meet incredible people, and learn a lot about myself. If anyone has any questions about studying abroad or Costa Rica, please don’t hesitate to send me an e-mail at kerogers@mtu.edu. I hope that you’ve enjoyed reading my articles; I sure had fun writing them.
-
Take care!
- Michigan Technological University
- 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931-1295
- 906-487-1885