Life-Changing!

Studying Abroad wasn't something that I thought I would be able to do in college. Between the Covid-19 pandemic, an intense college course load, and financial constraints, I had given up on studying abroad being a feasible option for me. However, when I received an email about the Summer Session offering in San Ramon it was like the stars aligned. It was the perfect program timeline to fit with my classes, I was able to obtain scholarships and financial aid, and it had everything that I was looking for in a program.
My time in San Ramon was spent immersing myself in the Tico culture, learning a new language, trying new foods, making life-long friendships, and learning every day. One of my favorite parts of my experience was learning about the Costa Rican health care system. One of my professors was an Emergency Room doctor in San Ramon, and through him, I was able to learn about tropical diseases, shadow at the local hospital, and visit a child care clinic in town. It was extremely rewarding to learn from a professional in the field as well as observe for myself.
My time spent with my host family was also one of my favorite parts of the experience. It can be absolutely terrifying to live with strangers, especially when they speak a different language. However, they were so accommodating and welcoming and it truly made me feel like a part of San Ramon to be with them.
I also can't forget about the incredible new experiences I had. I was able to learn how to surf, dance in traditional styles, kayak in bioluminescent waters, see amazing waterfalls and volcanoes, hike through one of the most biodiverse forests in the world, and so so much more. Costa Rica will always have a very special place in my heart, and I can't wait to go back someday!