Why did you decide to study abroad with Universidad Veritas in Costa Rica?
Ivana: The decision to study abroad in Costa Rica came from a yearning to visit the country a few years ago. My cousin went to Costa Rica for his high school field trip a few years back and I fell in love with his stories. I had also asked a couple of friends back in October about their regrets in college, and they said they wished they had studied abroad.
For a little disclaimer, as a student who has stayed behind the scenes most of her academic career in college, studying abroad seemed out of my league. After not being completely satisfied with my college experiences and my level of activism in school, I came across the information station for study abroad and decided to fill out the application. I was reluctant to apply, having been afraid of rejection. I decided to go ahead and apply anyway.
Coming from a big city such as New York City, I wanted a taste of adventure and nature instead of your usual busy country. Universidad VERITAS was the program that was offered in the package for Costa Rica, so I felt more secure at my choice.
What made this experience unique and special?
Ivana: What made the experience unique was the fact that the program we were in (Short term three week stay) was specifically designed for us. The group was comprised of two different classes with a combined group of nine girls. We were able to see parts of Costa Rica that most other semester abroad students don’t get to see.
My homestay parents were amazed at how much of the country we had been exposed to. Most of their host students don’t get to experience what we were fortunate enough to experience. Also, it was a relatively small group, and as such, we were able to have that one-on-one experience which allowed us to get closer to the people, the places, and the culture.
How has this experience impacted your future? (Personally, professionally, academically, etc.)
Ivana: This experience has impacted my future tremendously. For starters, I have a neat story to share in future interviews for employers. I can bring a part of me to the interview that will allow these employers to see the different perspectives that have been acquired because of this trip.
I feel like this trip inspired me to break out of my shell. I was able to learn so much from the program excursions and the professors, but most importantly, my classmates. I decided to make sure I learned something from each of the girls, and bring what I learned back with me to the states. I enjoyed getting to face my fears and push myself to the limit with all of my classmates and professors by my side. From the homestays, to the excursions (which were extremely terrifying for me) I had a supportive group of people to share the experience with.
What is one piece of advice you would offer someone considering interning abroad in Costa Rica?
Ivana: A piece of advice I would like to share to anyone choosing to study abroad in Costa Rica is to break out of your comfort zone. Costa Rica is a country full of intense nature; you will hike, zip line, snorkel, whitewater raft, come across many different animals, see volcanoes, eat A LOT of rice and beans, etc.
You’re going to meet new people and you’re most definitely going to be uncomfortable at times. Getting uncomfortable is the first step into breaking out of your shell and becoming more open to your surroundings. You have to learn to laugh at yourself sometimes and be prepared for rejection. Once you become comfortable with uncomfortable, you eventually learn a lot about yourself, and trust me when I say, you’re going to LOVE what you learn about you.