My feelings before being abroad were excited, yet intimidated. I chose Costa Rica due to the opportunities they offered related to my major (environmental science) and the language of the country (Spanish). My extent of speaking Spanish was only a few classes I took in high school. I was quite nervous to be completely immersed with a host family that only spoke Spanish. When I first arrived in the country, all my nerves and fears vanished. I had the most welcoming host family who reassured me that my Spanish would be no problem and I would pick it up in no time. They treated me as if I was one of their own. Some of my favorite parts of my day were sitting down at dinner with my host family, talking about my day, and eating a home-cooked meal.
Another adversity I was nervous about was transportation. Many locals rely on the bus system to travel to and from school and work, but also to traverse the country. My family helped me my first few days to navigate to and from the university I attended, to get used to paying the correct amount of change getting on the bus, as well as knowing how and when to get off. In Costa Rica, addresses are not used the same way as they are in the United States; they use landmarks to signal the location. As a result, I knew when to exit the bus when I saw a supermarket sign. Little did I know that the bus system would be my gateway to exploring so many locations throughout Costa Rica. My bus rides ranged from 10 minutes to get to school to 7 hours to travel across the country. I was able to visit beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and so much more by learning how to navigate the local bus system.
An environment that seemed so foreign to me became familiar so quickly. My daily routine, which was initially unfamiliar, became normal. I would wait at the bus stop and see the same people, greeting them with a smile and having conversations. All the streets that looked identical upon arrival became distinguishable landmarks as I grew to know the layout of my neighborhood. Walking to the nearest supermarket, bank, or park was something I did frequently, but I could not even imagine to do when I first arrived there. The smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning was something I came to expect every time I woke up.
The bustling street markets, the vibrant people, and the restaurants became part of my weekly routine. The initial fears and challenges I faced transformed into cherished experiences that enriched my understanding of a new culture and made me feel at home in a once-foreign land. I found joy in exploring local traditions, tasting new foods, and engaging in conversations that improved my Spanish and deepened my connection with the community—each day brought new adventures, turning my initial anxieties into lasting memories and personal growth.
Keyle Bryant (BS Environmental Science) spent the Spring 2024 semester studying abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica through USAC. Keyle had the following to say about studying abroad, “The Costa Rica USAC program provided a life changing experience for me. It allowed me to be immersed in the culture and connect with many traditions. I will always cherish the friendships and memories I made there.”
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