Studying abroad in Costa Rica changed my life and it will change you yours as well! I went to Costa Rica with the goal of learning Spanish and it got so much better. I took all advanced Spanish classes due to my minor and because I tested into the advanced classes. They were hard, not going to lie, but it I learned so much. San Jose is also a great city. There was so much to do in the city and at the school whether that be from events downtowns, sporting events, or parades. Putting yourself out there is the key!

It was my first time traveling outside of the country. I was so nervous, but both my home and host university were so supportive and comforting. This experience helped to shape me into a more confident, cultured, and self-aware person. One of my favorite moments while abroad was getting to connect with the locals, especially my Mama Tica. The bond we created over such a short time will never cease to amaze me. When it came time for me to leave, we were both crying. We still keep in contact and I plan on visiting her again after I graduate. This is an experience I would do again in a heartbeat and it’s something I would recommend to anyone.

My favorite thing about my host country was my host mom. Staying with a host family offered a super unique experience and a deeper immersion into Costa Rican culture. Staying with my host mom allowed for me to have conversations in Spanish and to develop this skill. If you are looking to learn and practice a new language, then living with a host family provides this necessary practice. It also allows for the actual culture of the country to be explored. By having conversations with your host family, you can learn about different perspectives about the world.

Studying abroad with CIS Abroad at Universidad Veritas in San José, Costa Rica was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, if not THE best decision. I knew I’d be immersing myself in a new culture, meeting new people, and navigating a different academic system, but I just had no idea just how much I would grow on a personal level. This experience didn’t just change where I was; it changed who I am as a person. To be honest it was not all easy, the first few days were kind of overwhelming. I was in a brand-new country, surrounded by a language I wasn’t fluent in, trying to figure out everything from how to get to class to what bus to take to get places. But pretty quickly, I started to feel more at home, and it all became worth it. Costa Ricans (aka Ticos) are some of the warmest, most laid-back people I’ve ever met. Everyone was so patient and kind, even when I messed up my Spanish or had no idea what I was doing. That welcoming vibe made it easier to just be myself and not stress so much about standing out or not fitting in perfectly. One of the most important things I’ve taken away from this experience is just how much more confident I’ve become. Before studying abroad, I sometimes second-guessed myself or played it safe, and I was not happy with being myself. But here, I had to figure things out on my own—from navigating public transportation to handling classes in a new system to planning weekend trips with friends. I felt like I could be my fun and comfortable self because of all the things I was achieving, and the supportive friends and staff I was surrounded with along the way. Each time I pushed myself, even in small ways, I could feel myself growing. Whether it was ordering food in Spanish without overthinking it or making new friends from around the area, I started realizing that I can actually do this. And that I really can do anything I put my mind to. And that mindset started to carry over into everything I did. If there’s one phrase you’ll hear all the time in Costa Rica, it’s “pura vida.” It literally means “pure life,” but it’s really more of a lifestyle. People here just get how to live in the moment. They don’t stress over the small stuff. They take their time, enjoy life, and focus on what matters most, which is connection, nature, and peace of mind. Before I came to Costa Rica, I was used to being constantly busy, always chasing the next assignment, work, event, or goal. But in Costa Rica, I learned to slow down. I started to let go of the pressure to be “on” all the time. I learned that it’s okay to relax, take a breath, and just be. Honestly, that’s a lesson I really needed. Looking back, I can see just how much I’ve grown. I’m still me of course, I still love meaningful conversations, trying new foods, and dancing, but I feel more grounded now. I’ve learned how to trust myself more, handle challenges better, and embrace uncertainty instead of running from it. I don’t think I realized how strong I was until I came here and had to rely on myself in ways I never had before. From all the fun and exciting excursions and challenges to everyday life, the experience has shaped me as a person. We snorkeled with sharks, ziplined, horseback rode to a volcano, and became a family. Now, I feel like after leaving Costa Rica I left not just with amazing memories, but with a stronger sense of who I am and what I’m capable of. If you’re even thinking about studying abroad, do it. Seriously. Costa Rica, especially with CIS Abroad and Universidad Veritas, gave me more than just an academic experience. It gave me confidence, clarity, and a fresh outlook on life. You’ll come back with some crazy stories, but more importantly, you’ll come back with a stronger version of yourself. And you might just pick up a little pura vida along the way, actually, you definitely will.

This was such an amazing and transformative experience. I really enjoyed meeting so many new people from all over the country. It can be taunting going into a new culture but CIS made the adjustment so easy. They were always available to help us with any of our needs and it made everything so much smoother to have such a great support staff. The program includes amazing excursions that really helps you get closer to your peers, and makes you feel more comfortable. I would 100% recommend this program to other students.

This program was a great opportunity for any interested student ranging in fluency to beginner Spanish levels. There were a variety of course options, which not only led to flexibility but also led to a diverse group of students. Through CIS you have a built-in group of other students who may be in your classes, at nearby homestays, and who you can go on excursions with making a new country feel homey. Being at a nearby and smaller private university, you really get to learn from the professors and take home not only knowledge in what you took classes in but also cultural knowledge and stories. Overall, a great way to get out of your comfort zone!

Hi!!! My name is Jasmine Villavicencio and I'm an International Studies and Spanish major at the University of Tampa. I got the amazing opportunity to study abroad spring semester during my sophomore year in college and it was one of the most amazing experiences ever. There I lived with a Costa Rican family who owned a restaurant and I was a five-minute walk away from the Universidad. Each weekend I was always out traveling to a new part of the country and during the school week my roommate and I would check out all the amazing vegan restaurants! One thing I recommend for sure is living with a host family. There, you can really get good advice on where to go and what's safe or not. They also make you feel so at home and welcome and you can really immerse yourself in the language!

I loved my experience with CIS abroad. From the time I arrived to the time I left it was truly unforgettable. Excursions, housing, and academics were excellent. I could not have chosen a better country or time to go abroad! They helped me along the way and gave me the tools I needed. Veritas is a small university located just outside the Heart of San Jose. San Jose is surrounded by mountains and volcanos. Every weekend you can take an excursion to the beach or the rainforest. There are endless possibilities. The academics are great. The department is small and so are the classes so the teachers get to give a lot of one on one attention. The class dynamic is also very flexible. The host families will become like your second family quickly. They not only help you learn Spanish but introduce and immerse you in the culture from food to music to dancing. It will be an unforgettable experience.