My study abroad destination is San José, Costa Rica! I particularly chose this destination because the curriculum aligned with courses I wanted to learn from like Medical Spanish and Holistic Health Approaches. I also chose this destination because for my home school this was the only destination in Latin America.  

Breakfast with pancakes, fruits, and coffee. Gracias, Mama Tica! 

I really wanted to explore a Latin American country because I wanted to embrace the culture more. I’ve taken Spanish every year in high school, and I’ve taken one course in college. Throughout those courses, my desire to learn more and experience the culture grew. I wanted to apply my knowledge of the language and interact with the people.  

I also wanted to expand my food palate. I am used to greasy, unhealthy US food and coming here was a big adjustment where everything was fresher and healthier.  

My first time having gallo pinto (rice, beans, and cilantro) for breakfast! 

Sometimes every day I will consume rice and beans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I usually eat fruit every breakfast with a cup of coffee. I’ve tried fruits native to Costa Rica like manzana de agua, guanabana, cas, caimito, papaya, cacao, pitahaya, mangosteen, and pineapple. I’ve also been to downtown San José, which has a central market where all of these fruits can be found. 

Manzana de agua, mango, oranges, starfruit, mangosteen, guanabana, and caimito. 

All the Medical Spanish classes trying fruits native to Costa Rica. 

Steak, fries, cucumbers, beans, and rice. 

A native dish in Costa Rica for lunch and dinner is casado which consists of rice, beans, a protein, salad, and vegetables. I really enjoy the food here. I feel like I always receive a well-balanced meal.  

Traditional Costa Rican dish: casado for dinner. 

Also while being here, I have explored so many places, like Manuel Antonio, Monte Verde, and La Fortuna. I’ve been on class field trips to the first tuberculosis hospital, to Carlos Duran Museum, Miravalles Volcano, and Irazú Volcano. I’ve been to a lot of farms and have seen horses, goats, sheep, cows, peacocks, pigs, and bulls.  

Downtown San José Central Market with my Spanish professora. 

Helena and I crushing the shells of the coca at a chocolate and dairy farm. 

My friends and I explored Mall San Pedro with ice cream! 

I was also able to experience my first fútbol game! It was the Costa Rica team, Saprissa, against my home city team Philadelphia Union, and it was a unique and fun experience. Every week I continue to explore San José and Costa Rica as a whole.  

Friends and I went to our first fútbol game. We won!