The idea of studying abroad sounded appealing to me, but I never knew if it was something I could actually do. Living in another country where I did not know a single soul or even the language sounded quite daunting, but it wouldn't hurt to apply, right? After pondering all through the summer and the first two months of my junior fall semester, I decided to apply to study abroad right before the application deadline. I did not tell anyone, not even my family or friends, as I just wanted to see if it was actually a possibility.  

Once I got accepted, I knew it was real. I spoke to my parents about it, and they were okay with the idea and it was possible financially, so I thought, why not? It became such an exciting idea to me, and I could not wait for early January when I would board the plane to San José, Costa Rica. The week before, though, I had some moments of anxiety wondering if I was really making the right decision and if there was any way I could back out. I am so glad I did not let my worries get to me, though, as this experience has been the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me. These are some of the things I wish I could tell my past, anxious self. 

You Will Meet the Most Amazing People 

I did not know it was possible to become so close with a group of people in only three months. In fact, the bond did not take that long to build, it happened almost instantly. We were so lucky to be taken on weekend-long excursions with CEA CAPA all throughout the month of January, as this is truly how we became so close. I am so blessed to have found people I consider to be my best friends, and that would not have been possible without this study abroad experience. While we may be spread out all over the country when we return back to the States, it gives us an excuse to go explore new states that we have not had the chance to go to! My friends and I have already started planning a reunion trip over the summer.  

My friends and I enjoying some ice cream together. 

Not only have I met amazing people through the program, but each weekend when I travel to a new part of Costa Rica, I meet so many incredible people with the coolest stories. I find this especially likely to happen when staying in hostels. For example, in Tamarindo, I met a girl who was moving here to teach English in Costa Rican schools, and I also met a guy who flies planes for the Navy! It was so amazing to hear their amazing experiences and build connections with people I probably would have never run into otherwise! 

You Will Have So Many Great Experiences 

I have done so many things in Costa Rica that I wanted to check off my bucket list, or have never even thought of doing. Every weekend when I go explore a new part of the country, I gain new experiences and acquire stories that I will cherish forever. 

My friends and I at a cooking class provided by CEA CAPA. We learned how to make a traditional Costa Rican beef stew and rice pudding. 

You Have the Ability to Immerse Yourself in Another Culture 

A really incredible aspect about studying abroad is the ability to immerse oneself into another culture. It is such a valuable learning experience that not many get to have. Living with a host mother, or a “Mama Tica,” really allows me to grasp a greater understanding of Costa Rican culture. I absolutely love speaking to her and learning more about her life.  

A delicious typical Costa Rican dish with chicken, rice, beans, plantains, salad and a fruit juice to drink. 

I also have had the ability to take Spanish classes here, and it helps so much that I use Spanish all of the time outside of the classroom. Whether I am ordering at a cafe, getting a bus ticket at the station, or just conversing with a local, it really helps make what I learn in the classroom stick into my brain. In my opinion, speaking and using the language is the best way to improve one’s abilities.  

I also love the pura vida lifestyle in Costa Rica, so much that I got it tattooed on my body! The United States is really about the hustle and bustle, but in Costa Rica everything is so much more relaxed and laid back. They focus on the important things, such as building relationships with people, and take a step back every once in a while to appreciate what’s around them. It’s a beautiful thing to experience, and it will surely be difficult to adjust when I get back to the States. 

My “pura vida” tattoo, which I actually got at a shop right next to the university. 

If you are thinking about studying abroad, but are feeling like I did and are a little skeptical, my advice for you is to do it! It is an absolutely life changing experience that I am so incredibly grateful for. I feel as if I have grown so much as a person. My confidence has truly improved so much since the weeks prior to leaving. I would not trade this time for anything, and CEA CAPA has been a big factor in making the experience so great!