2023 Study Abroad - Costa Rica

Coast of Samara

Costa Rica - Summer of 2023

Welcome to everything study abroad! On this page, you will find my experiences within my five week stay with two host families in Costa Rica in collaboration with the Kentucky Institute for International Studies.

But first, a few thank-yous' are in order.

Without the Office of Scholar Development at Western Kentucky University, I wouldn't have had the tutoring that enabled me to figure out funding options and apply for such.
Without funding and mentoring from the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, I would not have been able to study abroad in the first place. I am a proud Gilman Scholar!

La Arenal Volcano

Process of Renovating an Elementary School with CREAR in Samara

The Run Down:

Earned six credits towards my undergraduate degree in "Educating Young Children Using Nature" and "Cross Cultural Perspectives of Family" in which I was able to use my homestay experience to learn and teach concepts hands on.
Stayed from May 24th, 2023 - June 21st, 2023
Traveled to:
1. City of La Fortuna from May 24th -May 27th (Stayed in Los Lagos Hotel)
2. Community of Samara from May 27th - May 29th (Stayed with first host family)
3. Rural Neighborhood of La Paz from May 29th - June 21st (Stayed with second host family)
Completed community-based learning with CREAR in renovating an elementary school.
Assisted in teaching a mini-lesson to fifth graders about the English language with their teacher.
Immersed myself in the spanish language and Costa Rican culture in deep conversation and events with my homestay families.

My Host Family in Samara

The hospitality, kindness, and patience of my host madre is something I will never forget. From teaching her the game Uno to her telling me her family stories, she is near and dear to me. Getting to aid her in making dinner is one of my greatest memories.

My Host Family in La Paz

This is my host mom, dad, and brother. My host dad worked sugar cane, but always made sure to tell me good morning and good night. My host mom cooked every meal, had coffee time with us daily (my personal favorite), and told me countless stories. She is genuinely the kindest woman I have met. I cannot forget my host brother Aaron! He is studying English, so we made an effort to teach one another while playing soccer when we could.

Some Favorite Memories of Mine: