Why did you decide to study abroad with AIFS Costa Rica?
Cameron: I chose San Jose, Costa Rica because I wanted to go somewhere where Spanish was spoken. I wanted to be near a city but still have the ability to take a fairly quick trip to visit beaches. I wanted a warm, tropical climate, to escape the cold winter of New England. I wanted classes that I would enjoy, and I wanted all of this all for a reasonable price. This is why I chose AIFS. The total cost, including classes, airfare, excursions and housing was in my price range, and it seemed like a good fit. I went with my gut decision, and I not once regretted it.
Describe your favorite must-have food that you tried while studying abroad.
Cameron: Your host family provides you with a delicious breakfast and dinner, however, you are on your own for lunch. Because of this, my friends and I explored our options, and we discovered some really wonderful places. Anything from Las Leñitas is worth trying, and this restaurant is right down the street from Universidad Veritas.
Another quality place for lunch time meals is Granitico, a small restaurant right by the highway, ran by a sweet couple who also hosts students. They have a regular menu, and on Fridays they always have a special plate. Also, if you’re interested in a quick, healthy smoothie or after meal drink treat, look no further than Alejandra’s batido (smoothie) shop, which is a couple doors down from Las Leñitas. My favorite homemade meal by far was chifrijo, but made in a flour tortilla bowl rather then being in a regular bowl surrounded by tortilla chips.
Tell us about any interesting cultural tidbits you noticed about your country.
Cameron: The first and most important thing that you should know about Costa Ricans is that they are known for being extremely happy people. The country’s popular phrase or saying is “pura vida”, which translates to “pure life”. However, they use this expression for everything...saying hello, goodbye, how are you, nice to see you, etc. The people are truly welcoming wherever you go. Also, in Costa Rica, they always use the third person to refer to the second person. For example, asking a familiar friend, ‘How are you?” would be “Como está usted?” instead of “Como estás?” You will pick up on this very quickly! The vosotros form is not used, either. To refer to you all, it would be “ustedes”, instead of “vosotros.”
Where was your best photo taken on your trip?
Cameron: My best photos were taken in Manuel Antonio at the beach. I captured some amazing shots of the beautiful national park beaches. The color of the water was a shade of bue that I had honestly never seen before, living on the Atlantic. At dusk, I took pictures on the public beach. The sunset was one of the most breathtaking sunsets I have ever seen, and I have seen a lot of sunsets. Standing on the beach, you were literally engulfed by the intense reds, oranges, and yellows from every angle. I always think back to that moment; Manuel Antonio was my #1 favorite place. Unfortunately, I only had time to visit there when I was on an excursion with AIFS. I would go back in a heartbeat.
Did you run into a language barrier? Did you ever think you knew more/less of the language?
Cameron: There were definitely times when I felt like there was a language barrier, but not so often as to discourage me from continuing to learn spanish. My host family only spoke spanish with us, and this was great practice. My intensive spanish courses also helped me tremendously; I had two wonderful teachers who really made grammar “click” for me. I would say my one regret is that I did not speak nearly as much spanish as I should have with my friends. We would say we were going to speak in spanish, but then it would revert right back to english. Take advantage of being in a spanish speaking country; practice your spanish at every chance you get!