What inspired you to travel abroad?
Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to travel. Both of my parents traveled as a part of their jobs. I had always heard stories and seen photos of their journeys and immediately knew that’s what I needed to do once I grew older. Once the opportunity arose, I made sure to take it for myself because I believe that the world is our classroom. Exploring and experiencing what is beyond reach is one of the most important things that we can do for ourselves and for each other.
Why did you choose Santa Barbara City College?
Originally, I applied for the study abroad program in Tokyo, but I was put on the waiting list and decided to transfer my application over to Costa Rica‘s program. After all, I am a Latina woman who does not speak enough Spanish, so I thought, why not make my family proud. I’ll go live in Central America for a month and learn not just the language but also the culture and a new way of life. This was the best thing that could’ve happened to me, and I had no choice but to learn more Spanish! I now feel so much more connected to my heritage and much more confident speaking with my family.
A mangrove boat tour in Costa Rica.
What was your favorite part about Costa Rica?
The best part about Costa Rica and specifically the town we stayed in, Quepos, was the community and feeling of unity. Everyone was so welcoming and once we settled in I didn’t want to leave. I had a family there and had gotten familiar with the streets, the locals, and we had our favorite restaurant that we would go to after class. I loved being comfortable with the unfamiliarity of being in a completely new place.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
I couldn’t pinpoint one specific thing that made this experience extraordinary. I think just the willingness and open-minded perspective going into this trip, to begin with made everything fall into place. I think it was more of an internal fulfillment for me. I tried to have little to no expectations because I knew that things were never going to be how I had imagined, being in such a new country. I think this made everything that much better. I had on these rose-colored glasses pretty much the whole time. Even when things didn’t go “right” it was just a story to tell, and overall character-building.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff was incredible. They were always around to help us when needed. Even with things not relating to the classes, there was always someone to talk to, and you didn’t feel hesitant asking for help. Every time we had class or a planned excursion, we had Viviana from Maximo Nivel right by our side every step of the way. The school itself was very nice and visiting both schools, Manuel Antonio and San Jose, was very helpful to see more of Costa Rica and have a home base.
A waterfall in Rainmaker Park.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I think one thing I could have done differently was not holding back when there was an opportunity to meet more people from the school or just other locals. There were times were I could have said something, but I was insecure about my Spanish and chose not to speak up. And it’s kind of funny because that’s the only way you learn; through practice and through mistakes. There were times where I would just approach a local and ask for directions or start talking in Spanish, but I didn’t do that as much as I wanted to. The language barrier is a difficult thing and usually ends up in a game of charades. For me, I think just separating my ego and talking to people in their native language can only help me grow more. We’re here for connections especially as a student, going out and meeting new people is apart of the program and is crucial to learning more about yourself and who you’re around.
Describe what a typical day in your life in Quepos, Costa Rica looked like.
Our days started at 6 a.m., bright and early. We would have our family breakfast, which was 80% of the time rice, beans, plantains, and maybe some fruit or toast (a typical tico meal). 4 days a week, we had surfing, where we would take a 10-minute bus ride to the beach and spend about two hours with our surf instructor. Then we would all be hungry again, and off we went to get more rice and beans or other. Afterward, we would either have a Spanish class, tour, or free time. Just getting to explore the town, do some shopping, and get to know one another was such a beautiful feeling. We would all then go back home for our family dinner, tan and tired. Sometimes, on the weekend, we would go out or have a game night with some of the other students as they were our neighbors, which was another perk. After we’d said goodnight we all passed out to get rest for another packed day!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
During my free time I liked to take myself on a little adventure. One time I did an early yoga class at this hotel with a beautiful view of the jungle and beach. I really loved to just explore the town and walk around. It can be very draining being around so many people all the time so having a self-care day is crucial! At one point me and a friend did go skydiving in our free time and that was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had.
The Poás Volcano.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
Our accommodation was staying with a host family, and we had a house of 9 girls, including me, and three rooms. I shared a room with two other girls, and I absolutely loved it. It was so much fun, and in such an intimate and feminine atmosphere, we all became super close. We had a host mom, dad, and little brother and they were the kindest people. Our host mom made us breakfast and dinner every day. This made our program really special was not staying in a hotel or another kind of accommodation but having a real family and being home away from home.
What is one thing every future participant should know about Communication, Film Studies in Tokyo, Japan before their program begins?
Keep an open mind. Allow yourself to experience everything you can while you’re there. It feels like a lifetime when you’re in it, but it goes by so fast. With the Costa Rica program, you have a full day jam-packed with all kinds of activists, and it can be easy just to go, go, go. One thing I will say is make sure to take time to take care of yourself, respect your body, your mind, and those around you.
Coffee plantation tour.
Would you recommend Communication, Film Studies in Tokyo, Japan to others? Why?
I would 100% recommend this specific program and provider to others because traveling should be an opportunity for everybody. This program allowed me to be fully immersed in a new culture, a new land, and to learn more than I ever would have learned sitting in a classroom for a year. Maximo Nivel was amazing and the staff was so supportive. And of course, it was so much fun having our city college teachers there. The curriculum was great and honestly, it didn’t even really feel like we were in school. We had homework and class time, and everything was organized very well. We all were engaged and wanted to be there and be present to learn.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
I think the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is discovering more about yourself through the insight you gain from others. Learning that you don’t need that much, specifically coming from America, we have this perception that you can always have more; bigger faster, stronger is better, but being in Costa Rica everybody lives so simply. It is so beautiful because they have everything they need and it’s not nearly as much stuff that we have back home. Also living out of a suitcase and a backpack, you realize you don’t need that much. I didn’t have a closet or that one shirt I wanted for one day. To just have necessities was so refreshing.
Manuel Antonio Beach, 10 am surf lessons.
Now that you're home, how has your time in Costa Rica impacted your life?
This trip abroad really did change my life. There is so much out there in the world, and there are so many amazing people and so much BEAUTY. I am a person of change, and I find that I don’t mind being uncomfortable or unfamiliar with my environment. One of my biggest fears is not changing and staying sedentary, but I don’t think that’s possible for who I am. Traveling has always called me because it’s more than a want, it’s a need. My heart physically pulls me out to the world. I will always have a place to call home and I am blessed to have a family that loves me and supports the fact that I am someone who feels that home is where the heart is. My heart knows this world is our home and we should see and feel as much as we can in the time we have here.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is doing what your heart tells you to do. Meaningful travel is not holding back because if there is a will, there is a way. You don’t have to stay in a nice fancy resort or hotel. Sometimes it’s nice, and if you can, that’s great. I have found staying in hostels, getting dinner, or exploring with other travelers and learning about people's lives is an experience worth more than any 5-star hotel. Just talking about life with others, where they’ve gone and where they’re going and why they do what they do is what It’s all about. The connections you make that lead to friendships all around the world is magical. Connecting more with yourself, with nature, or with the pulse of a city. Figuring out what to do when you miss your flight and have to stay in Guatemala for a day (which might have happened to me). Anyway, you live and you learn.
