Alumni Interview with Destinee Schuster

What inspired you to go abroad?

I wanted to improve my Spanish language speaking abilities and introduce my daughter to the Spanish language.

Why did you choose Academia de Español Nicoya?

It was recommended by a friend who is also a Spanish teacher.

What was your favorite part about Nicoya?

The people are so friendly!

What made your experience abroad unique?

It was very easy to get involved in the community. We became friends with our neighbors and said "yes" to whatever activity they invited us to (birthday parties, weddings, dinners, etc.), we invited our friends and their kids to do activities with us, such as go for a swim at a local pool, we attended the local church on Sundays, participated in neighborhood BINGO games, visited the library, invited neighborhood kids to play games with my kids (they really liked the water balloons and crafts we brought from the U.S.) and gifted school supplies to a local elementary school. 

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

They were wonderful! They provided me with options for language learning for myself and my children and shared ideas of things to do while there.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?

I wish I wouldn't have packed so much to take with me.

Some advice for others: You are going to do your laundry on a regular basis or have it done for you so pack light and plan on wearing the same outfit twice a week.

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

Breakfast at host residence, walk to school, begin classes, break with fresh fruit and amazing coffee, more classes. Walk downtown for lunch, enjoy the city park, visit with the locals I now call friends, dinner at host residence, work on homework, bed.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoyed reading and listening to the children in my neighborhood play, going on walks around the town, and hiking Cierro de La Cruz. I also enjoyed going to the beach and out on excursions on the weekends.

What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?

I liked the air conditioning and the people I stayed with.

We stayed with locals. In the area where we stay there are a few host families on the same street so part of the time there were other program participants nearby.  Most of the time though it was just my family and the locals. 

What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?

You should stay for as long as you can.

Why do you think it's important to learn another language? 

Our world is becoming smaller, speaking more than one language is important to be able to keep a competitive edge in this global economy.

Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?

I am more confident in my Spanish speaking abilities and I enjoy being able to speak Spanish with my children. 

Did you face any unexpected challenges?

Not really, although I will say that as an American I am used to driving my car everywhere I want/need to go.  In Nicoya people walk everywhere and I wasn't as prepared for all the extra exercise as I should have been.

If you could go abroad again, where would you go and why?

I am enjoying repeat trips to Nicoya.  The school is doing such a fantastic job helping me refine my skills and teaching my children Spanish that I wouldn't want to try anywhere else until my children are fully fluent.  Additionally, the friendships we have made there with the neighbors and the instructors are very strong and we want to continue those friendships.

All that being said, I would like to travel to Ecuador and Belize someday just as a tourist if nothing else.  I don't really have a reason for wishing to travel to Ecuador and Belize just someday if the right opportunity came along, I would like to go.

Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?

I absolutely recommend this program for its personalized, friendly, and high quality instruction!