Study Abroad

In high school, I traveled with a group of students to Costa Rica for 2 weeks—and the experience was amazing! I stayed with a family in Heredia, where the family consisted of a mom, dad, and older daughter. I took classes at the local school, but the fun parts were the random trips made with everyone from the group. We hiked a volcano, visited the beach, went ziplining through the rainforest, visited the coffee factory, and so much more! Although those activities were great, interacting with the Costa Rican community was probably the most impactful. Here’s a clip of someone juggling fire on the streets of Heredia, Costa Rica:

My host mom was so smart and well-traveled, which was something I would have never expected. Everyone on the block was related to my host family, and these relatives hosted some students as well. Because of that, we took trips to other people’s houses and got to meet the whole family! I loved how everyone knew everyone and just living the Costa Rican lifestyle for 2 weeks was great.

I came to college with the intent to study abroad for a semester in Spain because of that trip. I knew exactly when I wanted to go—second semester of my junior year. I remember telling everyone that that was my plan, but thinking at the same time that Spain was so far away. Well, junior year is snuck up on me, and study abroad then became a not-so-sure adventure.

The reality that I would be away from everything I know and feel safe with finally set in and I started not wanting to go to Spain. Sure, I had been in a study abroad program before, but that had only been for 2 weeks; Spain would be 4 months. The excitement for the adventure was gone, and I felt sure that I would never go through with the experience.

I’m currently enrolled in a study abroad seminar, (I figured I would go through with all the study abroad preparations just in case I changed my mind!) where we are constantly discussing different cultures and the experience of adapting in an unknown world. We’ve had a handful of speakers come to the class, telling us the importance of being globally aware. Although these speakers have been great, the most influential people I’ve come in contact with are the students who have already been abroad.

People who have been abroad are so passionate about study abroad and miss being in the country a lot; I have yet to hear a horror story about the whole experience! Because of their stories and positive experiences I have finally made up my mind to go to Spain! Don’t get me wrong, the whole being nervous about everything is still there, but I know that I would regret not going to Spain. To me, it’s so important to be culturally aware and experience such a different lifestyle; I’m even achieving a certificate in international studies because this is so important to me!

So, if you have ever been to Spain, or just have some good advice for going abroad, please let me know!