Alumni Spotlight: Leila Ginsberg

I picked the Tico Lingo program because I was very serious about learning Spanish and thought it would give me an edge on my graduate school applications. I didn't want to study in a beach town for fear that the surrounding environment would distract me from my studies, but I wanted to be close enough to the coast and other tourist attractions to enjoy my time off in Costa Rica. Located in Heredia, north of San Jose, Tico Lingo was the perfect option for me. The area wasn't touristy and my homestay family spoke very little English, which provided immense opportunities for practicing my burgeoning Spanish language skills.

Do it! Travel has always been a rewarding experience for me. I find that I grow the most when I push myself outside my comfort zone. Costa Rica was definitely outside my comfort zone. I learned to adapt, and best of all I learned the language (I'm conversational) with tons of help from Tico Lingo and my homestay family.

Be open to new experiences and relax. Take it day by day. Learning a new language can be a frustrating experience. You need to trust in yourself and you need to exercise patience. The language skills will come, I can attest to that. Immersion is the absolute best way to learn a new language.

Every chance I got I would visit a big market in Heredia to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, plus my favorite coconut water straight from the coconut. And every time I went I would stop at my homestay mother's stand and chat with her as best I could. It was so rewarding that as the days and weeks went by, these conversations were easier and easier to have. She was so patient with me, too. I am so grateful to her, her family and to Tico Lingo for giving me this opportunity and providing such a wonderful experience.

Costa Rica is a safe country, but you should exercise caution, especially when traveling alone. Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables, like your phone, out of sight as much as possible when in public.