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Want to hear from a college student who studied abroad in Costa Rica? We recently caught up with AIFS Abroad student Adeline from the College of Charleston, who spent her fall semester studying abroad in the Central American city of San José.
Read on to discover how Adeline’s experience in San José with AIFS Abroad set her up for major academic success!
Choosing a Study Abroad Program Destination
Deciding where to study abroad can be tough for some students (our team can help with that!) after all, there are so many amazing AIFS Abroad programs to choose from. Luckily, you’re in for a life-changing experience no matter where you choose. Here’s why Adeline chose San José for her study abroad destination:
“I knew that I wanted to study in Latin America. I chose San José, Costa Rica due to the affordability of the program and the extra Spanish language component, [which included] one month of intensive Spanish prior to the official start of the program.”
Academics Abroad
Academics make up a big part of your study abroad experience. Fortunately, all AIFS Abroad programs connect you with a highly reputable university or institution where you can advance your academic knowledge and skills. For some students, like Adeline, studying abroad is the perfect opportunity to earn even more credits than you would during a semester at your home university:
“I attended Veritas University. I was impressed with the course offerings and the diversity and depth of the language classes. This allowed me to take nearly 21 credits while abroad.”
Plus, studying abroad gives you access to courses that may not be available at your home university. Hear Adeline describe her favorite class as a student in San José with AIFS Abroad and the impact it had on her future:
“I really enjoyed my dialects course. Analyzing Spanish dialects and grammar outside the United States was fascinating. The course exposed me to a manner of learning I had not previously been exposed to as a Spanish student in the US, so this course changed my perspective. As a Latin-Americanist, this was life-changing for my professional and career development, and the perspective I gained while abroad as a junior has shaped my research and work as a senior. It is more than fair to say that the classes, projects, field trips, and lectures made an incredible impact on my career trajectory as an undergraduate student, and the experience has afforded me great opportunities while applying for graduate school.”
Professional Growth
While many students choose to intern abroad to advance their careers, studying abroad can also impact professional growth. During her study abroad program, Adeline went the extra mile and volunteered at a government municipality just outside San José. This experience volunteering in addition to her study abroad classes did wonders for her future career:
“Studying abroad allowed me to find my niche! I always knew I wanted to work in Latin America and in the field of diplomacy, but I did not have many specifics. After [volunteering] at a government municipality in Curridabat, I had the opportunity to see how governments in Costa Rica adapt to address their problems in real time; specifically, I saw what a good government does for its people. Curridabat offered a variety of cultural classes and community events that brought the community together. Curridabat was also one of the safest municipalities in Costa Rica, largely as a result of their hard community work. I used my study abroad experience in my applications for graduate school and have received a Rotary International Grant to study in the United Kingdom. I have been accepted into Oxford, the London School of Economics and Political Science, St. Andrews, University College London, and King’s College London. I am so excited to travel again next year!”
For those like Adeline who want hands-on professional experience during their study abroad program, AIFS Abroad offers Study + Internship programs, which combine a part-time internship alongside academic coursework.
Making Friends Abroad
Every AIFS Abroad program provides plenty of opportunities to make friends. There are inclusive social and cultural activities, along with day trips and excursions, where you can get to know other AIFS Abroad students while deepening your cultural understanding. Plus, while you’re at your program destination, you’re free to make friends with the locals, like Adeline. She discovered that, in addition to helping her improve her Spanish proficiency and advance her career, volunteering was an incredible way to make friends with the Costa Rican people:
“For future participants, I would recommend volunteering a bit in your free time. It is truly the best way to meet people and form lasting connections. It is also a great way to learn about the culture of the host country, while studying it in the classroom.”
Cultural Appreciation
While cultural differences may initially cause culture shock, over time, they often inspire cultural appreciation. As Adeline discovered, experiencing Costa Rican culture allowed her to improve her own life:
“The Caribbean side of Costa Rica is actually incredible. I adored the culture, the people, and the way of life. One thing that I specifically admired was the universal appreciation for the environment and animals. At times in the United States, things are so fast paced that we tend to forget the value of being in touch with our surroundings and appreciating daily life. While in Costa Rica, I began prioritizing sleep and my well-being, whereas in the past I had not always recognized the value in caring and valuing myself.”
Housing
All AIFS Abroad study abroad programs include housing, which may include a homestay, student residence, or shared apartment. Hear Adeline describe her experience in a homestay:
“I love my host family. They were a fabulous old couple who had years of experience in hosting study abroad students. I lived with another housemate, who was also American, and we are still close friends! I enjoyed interacting with my host family and our discussions during breakfast and dinner.”
Sustainability
Adeline discovered that by living in Costa Rica, along with going on an AIFS Abroad excursion to indigenous territory, her perspectives on sustainable practices shifted significantly:
“By living in Costa Rica, I got to see sustainability in real life. I mean that in the sense that sustainable practices were incorporated into the day-to-day experience in a manner that I had not seen previously. For example, AIFS Abroad took us to visit an indigenous territory. We spoke with a chief who shared intimate knowledge of agricultural and religious practices. In recent years, these practices have gained recognition as Costa Rica strives to integrate indigenous knowledge into national sustainability efforts, including eco-tourism and conservation projects, which support both cultural heritage and environmental protection.”
Why AIFS Abroad?
There are so many reasons to choose AIFS Abroad, and students choose our programs for a wide variety of reasons. Here’s why Adeline chose AIFS Abroad:
“I decided to go with AIFS Abroad due to the scholarship opportunities and team responsiveness. I had contacted other institutes for study abroad, and they either got back to me late or failed to get back to me. AIFS Abroad was the opposite! I called and had a wonderful experience on the phone with a representative who pointed me in the right direction. I also wanted to study in Latin America, and AIFS Abroad had one of the most affordable programs.”
As the winner of the AIFS Abroad John S. Linakis Scholarship, Adeline was able to study abroad with us for almost half the usual program fee!
Adeline’s Study Abroad Advice
To any future study abroad students, Adeline offers the following advice:
“Get ready for an amazing part of your life! While abroad, remember to be yourself. Engage in the highs and the lows. Make friends. And trust yourself! The connections you form while abroad matter as much as you want them to. You could very well see the shores of where you study again, but you do not have to, and neither is it guaranteed. The important thing is you! And how you let your study abroad experience change you for the better.
I encourage you to make connections with your host country. It is a beautiful thing to have friends and even more meaningful to know you have friends across borders. Ultimately, your study abroad country can begin to feel like a second home. So, make sure you have people to come back to.”
Thinking about studying abroad like Adeline did in Costa Rica with AIFS Abroad? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students study abroad. Our programs come with many valuable inclusions, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to providing things like cultural and social activities, excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and more, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.