My
first day in Costa Rica was one that I will never forget. When I got off the
plane, I felt like I was hit with almost immediate culture shock. Almost
everything was in Spanish. The airport employees were speaking Spanish, the
signs were in Spanish, and the crowds of taxi drivers searching for new
customers were yelling in Spanish. Of course, I knew that this would be the
case but I did not know it would cause this “new-country” anxiety that I had
never experienced. I knew basic Spanish, but I did not believe that I was near
the level that was needed to be living in a Spanish-speaking country for a
month. My group facilitator could see the worry on my face as we traveled to
our first destination. I prayed about it, and I realized that this new feeling
was a good thing. It was the start of me stepping out of my comfort zone. One
thing that my study abroad experience taught me was that, in order to grow as a
human being and educationally was to experience uncomfortable situations such
as this. This realization was the starting thought that fueled my educational
experience.
Enjoying the waterfalls at Llanos de Cortez. |
My
name is Andrew Council and I am a junior, studying Media & Communication
Studies. I had the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica for approximately
4 weeks. We lived in three different cities which included Monteverde, Flamingo
and Heredia. Our first city was Monteverde, where we began our trip with fun
excursions such as zip-lining and horse-back riding. One of my favorite parts
about this experience was getting to meet my amazing host-families. They
welcomed me into their homes with open arms, and I had the pleasure of being a member
of their families. Some had pets, which I truly enjoyed, and the families
treated me as if I had been their son for years. At the beginning of my stay
with their families, the mother of the home, or my “Mama-Tica” would walk me to
the bus stop, and send her good wishes for the day. From there, the students
and I would be off to class.
A little hideaway spot our guide, Leslie, found for us! |
I
took Spanish-immersion classes with Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI). Our
classes were four hours a day, which frightened me before I actually stepped
foot inside of my first class session. The instructors within the classroom
knew little to no English, so they strongly encouraged us to only speak Spanish
while in class. This is where I was able to practice my Spanish the most. We listened
to music and did activities centered around Costa-Rican culture. We also
learned the meaning behind “Pura Vida” and what it meant to the people of the
country. Learning a new language was something that had been a wish of mine for
a long time. There was an ease that came with being immersed in the foreign
language. Learning the language here in Costa Rica came easier than it did with
my classes back on campus. I enjoyed meeting and learning about the various
professors that I encountered. They were always willing to listen and had a
true dedication to teaching their beautiful language.
My dragon Joaquìn enjoying the beach! |
We
had the opportunity to participate in various service projects while abroad as
well. We worked with many organizations and foundations that were created to
serve communities and the youth in various areas. Serving these communities was
something that will stick with me for the rest of my life. I was able to meet
so many people who were filled with so much joy. This experience helped me
realize that I do not have to be the richest, or “most able” man in the world
to be happy or content. As U.S citizens, we have such as ethnocentric view of
the world and an “Americanized” view of what defines happiness. This study
abroad experience helped me to find peace within myself, and it was definitely
an enriching and humbling experience. I am so glad that I have the opportunity
to share this experience with other current and future honor students.
My group serving a young man of the community. |