My Reflection

If I could sum up my experience in Costa Rica in one sentence it would be: Living in Costa Rica was one of the best, most amazing, eye opening experiences of my life, which I would not trade for the world. Even that sentence cannot do my experience enough justice. Every day I learned something new. I learned in a first hand manner, not while I was stuck in a classroom; because I learned like this I will forever remember most of what I was taught.

I learned so much about the culture and was able to make a lot of comparisons to our culture in the states. Aside from a few small differences and a little more freedom in Costa Rica, their school system is remarkably similar to our school system. The young generation loves to go out and party and hang out with their friends just like the young generation in the states and they have a lot of the same goals as we do. One pretty big difference I noticed was that Costa Ricans are a lot more family oriented than we are. My family in Monteverde would always spend time together watching television or playing with the girls.

            For me, going to Costa Rica gave me the ability to do something I never thought I would be able to do; successfully speak Spanish. I have always wanted to become fluent in a foreign language but had never really succeeded in becoming comfortable with a foreign language. However, after living with host families and speaking Spanish for three weeks, I learned that not only was it possible for me to become fluent in a foreign language but that I was well on my way towards mastering the language. This trip actually encouraged me to consider minoring in Spanish. I am very thankful I was able to go on this trip. I fell in love with the country and cannot wait to make another trip back; I am already starting to plan one out during Christmas break or next summer.