The Happiest Country in the World

When I first decided to study abroad, I looked into many programs. I knew that I wanted to go to Costa Rica, and CEA was the only program through my university (Winthrop University) that went there. I am so glad that I went with CEA, because at every step of the way, they were there with me. After the application process, I received welcome phone calls and e-mails. I was in communication with the academic director for CEA in San Jose, and I had already attended the pre-departure workshop at my school. I was so excited to go! I attended Veritas University in San Jose, Costa Rica for the fall semester of 2012. I had the greatest time of my life there. I loved the school-especially the professors. They really care about their students, and the class size was small, which made it easier to interact with them. Some of my professors there have had a big impact on my life and outlook. Costa Rica has it all- mountains, beaches, forests, and the most beautiful wildlife I've ever seen. I love that I was was able to walk around everywhere and didn't need to rely on a car for transportation. Plus, if you want to go somewhere a little further away, buses are readily available and cheap. My program directors for CEA onsite in San Jose were the most lovely people I've had the pleasure to meet. They were there for me when I was feeling homesick or a little down, and they always made me feel better. I bonded with the other students in our group and now have a few lifetime friends that I am so thankful for. You can't top the experience that you get abroad- it is the best time in your life. I matured, opened my eyes and heart to new experiences, and learned many new things. CEA was a big part of that, because they helped everything run smoothly from departure to return. GO WITH CEA!