My Study Abroad Experience

If you are following me from my past school year’s blog, you may remember that I mentioned that I was planning to study abroad the summer of 2017. Initially, I planned on studying abroad in London, England for a class in International Public Relations, however, due to a very tense climate the month prior to my trip I realized for my own peace of mind that I should find another place to pursue my abroad experience. I’ll be honest and say that I was very uncertain and fearful especially since I was applying for study abroad in the middle of summer and many of these opportunities were already into full swing. My parents assured me and told me to patiently look and find an alternative program that would both help me and be accredited at Loyola.

When looking through the Loyola Study Abroad page I researched on both Loyola’s offerings as well as their affiliates. With much luck, I found an opening for a summer session in Heredia, Costa Rica through USAC (University Studies Abroad Consortium). When looking at what the program I realized that this was the one for me:

1. I have always wanted to visit Costa Rica, my family and I planned to go there when I was younger but switched last minute and we ended up going to the Philippines. We already had the travel books/tips needed for the trip so the transition would be a lot easier.
2. The program in Heredia, Costa Rica would be accredited at Loyola. I ended up taking a course in Tropical Conservation and Maintaining Biodiversity (which I took for Tier 2 Scientific Core) and a class on the Cuisine of Latin America. Both of these classes interested me and I felt that this would be the perfect setting for classes like these.
3. Luckily, I am fluent in Spanish. Living in Heredia, Costa Rica I would be required to live with a host family (who only speak Spanish). This experience would allow me to be fully immersed into another’s culture and appreciate it for what it is.

My study abroad experience was incredible, overwhelming, and a true learning experience. My host family was a welcoming family who took me in as their son. Each day, my host Mama would prepare me breakfast, lunch, and dinner and talk to me about her loving family, life in Costa Rica, and about her fascinating life. To say I was spoiled would be putting it lightly. She grew a fig tree in the front of her house and would pick one from it to accompany my breakfast of eggs, toast, and fresh white cheese. Without fail she would always have fresh juice on hand whether it be passionfruit, guyabana, or strawberries. I also got to spend time with my host Papa who would tell me about their coffee farm in the countryside where coffee, sayote (a squash type of vegetable), and other healthy vegetables were grown. He would ask me about my Filipino and Spanish culture and would be fascinated how similar it was to Costa Rican culture. I also had a host sister who lived a few kilometers away. She would tell me about her love for Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Turns out we are both Ravenclaws!

Through the USAC program I was able to meet a lot of new students from around the United States and the world. Some of my classmates were from Colorado, Alabama, and others were from Norway and Rome. There were 27 of us and we all got to know each other from wonderful bonding experiences. We were able to visit Monteverde Cloud Forest and go hiking or how we went zip lining on the longest and highest line in Latin America. One weekend, my friends and I were fortunate enough to go to Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean Sea and explore a black sand beach and enjoy the warm weather. It was this weekend that I stayed my first time in a hostel. Even for my science course we got to explore rainforests, national parks, and the waterways to explore biodiversity (we got to see different species of turtles, crocodiles, exotic birds, sloths, and howler monkeys).

But what made the experience most meaningful was spending time with my loving host Mama. We would go on adventures as she brought me to the Heredia central market to let me try a cheese and corn tortilla served with a light sour cream. It was delicious!!!!!! She also helped me buy souvenirs for all my family in downtown San Jose in the Artisanal Market (aka Hippie Market) by helping me barter and find the best prices. It was because of her that I felt very welcomed in the country.

Even though I was in Costa Rica for only three weeks, I miss the place dearly. I miss spending time with my wonderful host family (we are still in touch on Facebook and WhatsApp). My friends that I made in USAC are trying to find ways for all of us to meet up and hang out. My study abroad experience was truly unforgettable and only reaffirmed to me my appreciation for culture, traveling, and keeping an open and clear mind. Pura Vida, Siempre!