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…
Tag: Costa Rica
Learning to Find Home Away from Home
Going into my experience in Costa Rica, I expected the language barrier to be difficult, but I don’t think I understood just how much it would affect my everyday life. I had studied abroad before, so I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. However, this experience was entirely different from…
Learning to Communicate in Costa Rica
One of my first “aha” moments in Costa Rica was realizing just how intense the language barrier would be. I had a very basic understanding of Spanish, and my host parents did not speak any English. I knew going into the program that communication would be a challenge, but I don’t think I fully understood…
Who Am I Before Costa Rica?
Hi! My name is Alyssa Kocon, and I am currently a senior at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing a degree in communication as well as a certificate in human rights and social justice. This is my fourth semester at Pitt, spending two of those semesters at Pitt Greensburg, and previously transferring from Community College of…
Pura Vida, Costa Rica!
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…
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…