High School Abroad in Costa Rica with Greenheart!

A Life-Changing Experience: My Costa Rica Program Review

My experience studying abroad in Costa Rica was truly unforgettable, and I am so grateful for the support and opportunities provided by my program. From the very beginning, the agency made sure I felt safe, supported, and prepared. They genuinely cared about my experience and my individual needs. Anytime I had a question or needed assistance, they were quick to respond and took action right away. Knowing I always had someone to reach out to gave both me and my family peace of mind throughout my time abroad.

Throughout my time abroad, I had countless opportunities to explore Costa Rica, both within the city where I lived and in other parts of the country. The program organized many cultural activities that allowed me to better understand Costa Rican traditions, meet new people, and practice my Spanish in real-life situations. Whether we were visiting beautiful beaches, exploring national parks, hiking to waterfalls, or learning about local customs, every experience helped me appreciate the country’s rich culture and natural beauty.

One of my favorite parts of living in Costa Rica was how comfortable and safe I felt in my city. I loved being able to walk to school, visit local cafés, browse shops, and simply enjoy everyday life. Walking through the city gave me the chance to observe the culture, interact with local people, and become more confident navigating a new environment. Over time, the city that once felt unfamiliar became a place that truly felt like home.

My host family was another incredible part of my journey. They were kind, welcoming, and made me feel like a member of their family from the very beginning. They included me in everyday activities like grocery shopping, family game nights, holiday celebrations, and spending time together at home. These simple moments became some of my favorite memories because they allowed me to experience authentic Costa Rican life beyond what any tourist could see.

Another highlight of my experience was the friendships I made. I met students from all over the world, each with different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Learning about their lives while sharing my own taught me just as much as living in Costa Rica itself. Many of these friendships became lifelong connections, and I am grateful for the global community I gained through this experience.

Perhaps the greatest gift this program gave me was personal growth. Living in another country challenged me to become more independent, adaptable, and confident. My Spanish improved every day because I was constantly surrounded by the language, and I learned to step outside of my comfort zone in ways I never imagined.

This program gave me unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and lessons that I will carry with me forever. I cannot thank the agency enough for creating such a supportive environment and making sure every student felt cared for throughout the experience. I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone looking for a meaningful, immersive, and life-changing study abroad adventure.

Studying abroad in Costa Rica was an unforgettable experience that gave me so much more than I expected. My host family welcomed me right away and made me feel like part of their home, which helped me adjust quickly and practice Spanish every day. School was supportive, and while learning a new language in a different environment was challenging at times, those challenges helped me grow more independent and confident. Some of my favourite memories came from the balance of everyday life and adventure, sharing meals, exploring markets, hiking in the mountains, and relaxing on the beach. Costa Rica’s culture is so warm and lively, and the natural beauty is breathtaking. My biggest advice for future students is to stay open-minded, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and embrace every new experience.

As I come to the end of my ten months abroad in Costa Rica, I cannot help but reflect on how transformative and eye-opening my experience here has been. Not only has my High School Year Abroad with Greenheart Travel helped me learn Spanish as a second language, but it has also exposed me to different lifestyles and customs. I have become more familiar with myself, as well as how I can use my new awareness of other cultures to work towards what I want for myself and the world around me. Through living with a host family, attending school in a small, coffee-farming town, developing friendships with local students, traveling with other exchange students from all over the world, and publishing monthly travel articles on the Greenheart Travel website, I have gained entirely new perspectives and experiences. Studying abroad has given me the opportunity to change the way I see myself and everything around me, and that it a gift that I will cherish and benefit from for the rest of my life.