Get a peek into my journey during my first month studying abroad in San José, Costa Rica! January is known as the start of a new year. What better way to start off the year than with an adventure? I’m leaving behind things known to me like family and friends, leaving behind comfort and a mundane routine, and instead trading it in for excitement, a different education, new friends, and experiences. This is my first time traveling outside of the US, so this new sense of discovery was met with eagerness to learn more about myself while living in a country and culture foreign to me.  

What January represented for me was a month of openness to all Costa Rica has to offer, adventure and exploration of what makes Costa Rica so beautiful, growth in all aspects of my life, time to form lasting relationships with people in my CEA CAPA program, and happiness to be in an environment that has openly embraced me.  

During this first month abroad, I was able to go on three excursions through CEA CAPA: Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and La Fortuna in Costa Rica. With each excursion, I grew closer to my CEA CAPA group and developed a newfound love for the country’s environment, biodiversity, and food.  

The first stop in Manuel Antonio was the National Park! Here’s me with my CEA CAPA group exploring and spotting animals. 

The second excursion was to Monteverde—catch a glimpse at the green viper I saw. 

Manuel Antonio was a great opening invitation to understand the history and biodiversity of Costa Rica. I saw things ranging from sloths, toucans, red crabs, and howling monkeys.  

Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio has monkeys, birds, and more! Here’s a pic of this sloth sleeping.  

The second trip to Monteverde started with a night tour and ended with my riding horses during the sunset for the first time. 

My friends and I did the Hanging Bridges Tour—look how high up we were!   

Finally can check off riding horses off into the sunset off my list!   

My favorite part of the horse-riding tour was being able to see how the colors of sky contrast against the mountains! 

 La Fortuna helped me discover a new passion for chocolate after taking the tour of the farm and I enjoyed relaxing in the hot springs. 

My first time making chocolate during my tour at Finca Don Juan. The most important ingredient is vanilla extract! 

I saw animals that I never thought I would see in person. I was able to swim at a beautiful beach and collect rocks. I faced my fears of spiders during the night tour and saw a green viper! I walked across the hanging bridges, examining the beautiful flowers, plants, and animals that crossed my path.  

So far I am loving these experiences that help me to embrace the purpose of studying abroad: self-discovery!