Medical Spanish in Costa Rica

This previous summer I studied medical Spanish abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica for three weeks. While there, I was enrolled in a five credit course at Veritas University where I learned ample medical terms in Spanish. We had two hour classes Monday through Thursday and presentations from medical professionals once a week. My classmates were solely students from my university’s program, although Costa Rica’s academic season is during America’s summer season and we arrived during the midst of their normal semester. In addition to classes, I shadowed physicians (12 hours total), volunteered with a local nonprofit organization (4 hours total), and engaged in guided tours of the city, museums, and various public/private hospitals. My program also included a cooking class (off campus), a dance class (on campus), a day-excursion (to a coffee farm) and an overnight-excursion (to a chocolate farm, hot springs water park, and hostel near a volcano). We were also allowed to explore on our own freely throughout the week. The CEA CAPA staff were amazing by attentively answering any questions/concerns and physically guiding us throughout every program-specific activity (on and off campus).

As a young black woman, I was anxious about being in a foreign environment, however, it was almost immediately that I was embraced with the “pura vida” and welcoming spirit of Costa Rica. Before our departure, a questionnaire was provided to help with housing arrangements. I lived with two roommates (who were from my university) and a native older woman (called a “mama tica” or Costa Rican mother). In my program our host families/mama ticas prepared breakfast and dinner but would provide additional meals if requested. Our dietary restrictions and preferences were deeply considered and the food was overall good. My roommates and I walked five minutes to campus and felt very safe, as police frequently patrolled the neighborhood, though the entire country was quite safe and is highly noted for its lack of crime. I believe being completely immersed in Spanish culture significantly improved my Spanish proficiency and cultural understanding but also completely changed my perspective on international education. I absolutely enjoyed my time abroad and would recommend it to everyone regardless of their background or experience. I hope this review was helpful and you have an amazing time abroad!