As a STEM major, I am often pushed to focus more on technical skills and rigid coursework. STEM majors focus on individual concepts and are often driven by finding results or a diagnosis rather than looking at the person as a whole. STEM majors often feel intimidated by the idea of studying abroad, as their course load feels overwhelming, and they worry about applying credits abroad to the university they are at and to their current studies.  

Many prioritize staying “on track” academically rather than studying abroad. I, myself, was worried about studying abroad and being behind in my course load. As a double major, I sometimes have difficulties with overlapping courses, so I was worried I would miss my chance to complete some necessary courses.

Attending classes at Veritas: In classes, I found myself with a smaller course load compared to my STEM courses in the U.S. There were also no summative assessments, which was very different from what I am used to as a STEM major with cumulative exams. 

My Spanish healthcare class trying Costa Rican fruits/vegetables: In my Advanced Spanish for Healthcare Workers course, I was able to learn more about Latin American culture and healthcare in Costa Rica. We took a field trip to a local market and tried fruits and vegetables common in Costa Rica. These foods were all beneficial to our health in some way, so it was a very fun way to learn about health and healthy eating for Costa Ricans! 

I also worried I would forget a lot of the concepts I learned. Specifically, I took Anatomy before going abroad, and I worried I would forget everything before taking my Human Physiology course, which covers similar topics. I challenged this concept through studying abroad in San José, Costa Rica. 

Ziplining!: On an excursion to Monteverde with CEA CAPA, I got to do something I had only really done once before—ziplining! This was great for my physical health—it was a workout walking up the mountains to each point in our ziplining tour. It was also great to meet new people and provided me with a sense of belonging. Accomplishing the ziplining tour was great for my self-esteem and confidence as well, and it was a great experience! 

Exploring a tuberculosis sanatorium: With the same class, we went on a field trip to a tuberculosis sanatorium. It was very interesting to learn some history about the sanatorium and how the tuberculosis patients were given more holistic care; they would live together, farm their own food, and live in nature near a volcano, etc. 

Throughout my time abroad, I was able to learn more about Latin American culture by staying with a host family, through my courses, and by exploring Costa Rica. I was also able to learn about a different approach to healthcare compared to the United States. Learning about a more holistic approach to healthcare and to life in general was very interesting and important to the growth I experienced as a person while abroad. I was also able to continue practicing anatomy during my classes, so I didn’t lose any of my knowledge from past semesters. 

Attending a research facility about snake bites: We also learned about tropical diseases and medicine in Costa Rica. We went on a field trip to a snakebite research facility. It was very interesting to learn about how public health is important because it creates these research facilities and helps create public knowledge on snake bites and treatments. A Costa Rican doctor came to our class and talked to us more about being a healthcare worker in the public healthcare system, and it was very interesting. 

Spending time outdoors: During my time abroad, I got to do a lot of outdoor activities. For me, this was very important for my health because it was a form of exercise, and it was very good for my mental health. In my holistic health course, we discussed the benefits of being outdoors and how it can be so important to your health as a whole. 

In this photoset, I hope to reflect on the courses I took abroad and how they taught me holistic approaches to life and healthcare. I also hope to reflect on learning more about the culture abroad and the changes I experienced as a person in general. In these photos, you will see the start of my time abroad, photos from the courses I took, field trips from those courses, learning about and experiencing a more holistic approach to life and healthcare, and more.  

Sunlight as therapy (the sun setting at a beach in Uvita): In my holistic health course, we did our own research on a holistic treatment, and I studied light therapy. It was very interesting for me to study because, as someone from the Midwest, I know a lot of people who suffer from seasonal depression during the cold winter months. Being able to enjoy the sunlight in Costa Rica was very important for my mental health, especially as I was in such a new setting and away from home. 

Me with my Mamá Tica and other study abroad students: By living with a host family abroad, I was able to connect with Costa Rican culture. I was also able to ask my family personal questions about the healthcare system and how public health impacted them. Living with a host family was a great opportunity! 

Returning to my college, I was able to take all of the courses I still needed for my majors; I was also able to use my Spanish course toward my major. I have also continued to use some of the knowledge I gained abroad during my Spanish courses.