Looking back on my time in Costa Rica, I can honestly say that the experience was different from what I expected, but in ways that helped me grow. I went into the program excited to learn Spanish and experience another culture, and while those were both important parts of my time abroad, I also had the opportunity to explore new interests, meet people I may not have otherwise crossed paths with, and see Costa Rica from a different perspective.
One experience that I really enjoyed was taking a cultural photography class. It was a unique way to explore Costa Rica and encouraged me to pay attention to things I may not have noticed otherwise. Through photography, I was able to look more closely at the culture, people, and everyday life around me. Rather than simply seeing a new place, I was encouraged to think about how I was seeing it and what the things I chose to photograph might say about the culture. I thought this was a really cool way to experience Costa Rica, and it gave me a new appreciation for the smaller details that make a place unique.
Another meaningful part of this experience was the connections and friendships I made along the way. Although it took time to find my footing, I am grateful for the people I met and the relationships I was able to build. Living and learning in a new environment brought people together in a way that made the experience feel special, and I know that some of the friendships I made will continue even after leaving Costa Rica. It is easy to think of studying abroad as a temporary experience, but the relationships you build can extend far beyond the time you spent in a particular place. Knowing that I will carry these connections with me makes leaving a little bit bittersweet, but it also reminds me that the impact of this experience doesn’t end when I return home.
If I could tell myself something on the plane ride to Costa Rica, I would tell myself to fully embrace the experience, even when it feels uncomfortable. I would remind myself that I don’t have to have everything figured out before I arrive and that sometimes the most meaningful parts of the experience might come from the moments that don’t go as planned. I would also remind myself to be patient with myself and not let the fear of making mistakes keep me from trying. On the plane ride home, I would tell myself to take time to reflect and appreciate everything I learned. It’s easy to focus on things that were difficult or the things that you wish had gone differently, but I don’t want those moments to overshadow everything positive that came from this experience. I got to live with a host family, experience a different culture, improve my Spanish skills, and learn more about how I respond to unfamiliar situations. Those are things that I am grateful for, even if they didn’t always come easily.
Overall, Costa Rica taught me that growth doesn’t always happen in the ways you expect. Sometimes it comes from learning a new skill or gaining a new perspective, and sometimes it comes from simply learning how to be comfortable when you don’t understand what’s happening around you. I left Costa Rica with a greater appreciation for communication, connection, and the importance of being open to new experiences. Most importantly, I learned that I am capable of more than I sometimes give myself credit for. I can navigate uncertainty, make mistakes, and adapt to situations that are outside my comfort zone. I know I still have a lot to learn, especially when it comes to Spanish, but I am leaving this experience more confident in my ability to keep learning. I am grateful for the people I met, the experiences I had, and the opportunity to see a little more of the world from a different perspective.