I’ve landed back in Pittsburgh, I’ve had a few days to reflect on Costa Rica, and I think my biggest takeaway is that I need a little bit more “pura vida” energy in my life. As I said in my first post, “pura vida” translates to pure life, and, among other things, can be used…
Tag: Costa Rica
The Tourism Industry in Costa Rica
Among average Americans, Costa Rica is known for just about one thing: tourism. It is not just a large part of country’s image, it is the only image I or anyone I know has about Costa Rica. In my research leading up to this program and throughout my stay, it has been confirmed that tourism…
Finding Fun in the Discomfort of Growth
When wondering if I should study abroad this year, the idea of “personal growth” and “stepping out of my comfort zone” was perhaps the biggest draw. I tend to be very anxious and perfectionist, so I almost always hate doing activities that don’t come naturally to me. Every mistake weighs so heavily, whether anyone saw…
University Culture in Costa Rica
In the spring semester seminar that accompanies my study abroad program, many days were spent preparing for cultural differences in Costa Rica. Naturally, this included discussing differences in the university, as many of our projects require us to spend large amounts of time at college campuses. The class confirmed my impression that the student bodies…
Ezra Made it to Costa Rica!
Hi there! My name is Ezra Moon, and I’m a rising sophomore studying Ecology & Evolution in Dietrich. I’ve always wanted to be an ecological researcher in Latin America, which is why I chose the Center for Latin American Studies Seminar & Field Trip program. This year the program is in Costa Rica, the perfect…
Viví la Pura Vida en Costa Rica!
The past two weeks flew by so quickly; I can’t believe my study abroad experience is already over! I have learned so much in such a short amount of time and am incredibly appreciative of the people I have met and the memories we have made together on this trip. I had the opportunity to…
Halfway through Costa Rica!
Hi everyone! I’m posting this blog a little later than halfway through the trip, but I will still go into detail about my experiences at the midway point, living “la pura vida” in Costa Rica! Halfway through the trip, I reflect on everything I have done so far and can’t help but feel incredibly appreciative…
Ciao Costa Rica
During my two weeks in Costa Rica, I went on site visits to plantations, hiked through the Cloud Forest, and explored the area. Staying with my host family gave me the opportunity to really see how a Costa Rican family lives each day. In my few days in Monteverde, I hiked the cloud forest and participated in…
Exploring Costa Rica!
My first week in Costa Rica is already done, and I am dreading having to leave next week! This week has been packed with wonderful experiences and memories. Earlier in the week, I toured mainly Costa Rican coffee plantations and participated in sustainability talks. The end of the week I spent in Monteverde, Costa Rica’s…
Natasha is off to Costa Rica!
Hola! My name is Natasha Montesdeoca and I am a rising sophomore in the College of Business Administration and the David C. Frederick Honors College, pursuing a degree in Marketing, as well as a Digital Media Certificate. I am involved in many amazing clubs and organizations across the university, such as the Pitt Dance Ensemble,…