What inspired you to go abroad?
I was inspired to go abroad when my family and I visited my brother in Taiwan. He was teaching English to kids in a school in Tainan, Taiwan. The moment we landed, culture shock hit me hard. Everything was different from what I was used to: the people, the food, the language, the stores, the culture, everything... and I absolutely loved it.
After traveling around Taiwan for ten days, we said our goodbyes and flew back the US. On the very, very long plane ride back, I thought to myself, "If my brother can jet halfway across the world and be functioning in a completely foreign country (and loving every moment of it), I can too."
Why did you choose Instituto Estelar Bilingue?
I chose Instituto Estelar Bilingue for a few reasons. I primarily chose it because I was already an English teacher at the school. I was very interested in finding a place to take Spanish classes and it couldn't get more convenient than this! Additionally, I liked how the program included a tour of the town, a cooking class, "Spanglish" events at a local restaurant, and a mini trip to a local farmers market.
What was your favorite part of Liberia, Costa Rica?
My favorite part about Liberia is the location. Liberia is a town within the Guanacaste province that is only an hour away from the closest beach. Additionally, it has two bus stations in the center of the town which makes traveling to other places in Costa Rica easy.
What made your experience abroad unique?
My experience abroad has been unique due to all the beautiful places I have explored. I have had the opportunity to see waterfalls as blue as the sky, blood-orange sunsets over oceans, and monkeys jumping from branch to branch in the treetops over my head. I have hiked volcanoes, swum in hot springs, seen dolphins surfacing while on a catamaran, and watched sloths move ever-so-slowly while bike riding between beaches. In other words, my experience abroad in Costa Rica has been unique because I lived in a place surrounded by paradise.
How did local staff support you through the program?
The staff was very friendly and eager to answer any questions I had about the program or the classes themselves. They also helped remind me about various events going on such as "Spanglish." This is an event where students, teachers, and people from the community meet at a local restaurant and spend time speaking in Spanish and English.
What is one thing you wish you had done differently?
I wish I had set aside more time outside of class to review the things I had learned in class that day. With so many different things that I wanted to do, it was hard to find time for everything.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
In the mornings, I would make myself breakfast and a cup of coffee. You find out very quickly just how important coffee is in Costa Rica! Then, I would spend the first half of the day in my Spanish class at the institute. Since I was an English teacher at the school, I taught classes afterwards.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
I always spent my weekends traveling to new places in Costa Rica I had never been to before. I loved exploring and taking photos! During the week I liked going to local restaurants and bars to try the local foods and drinks.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
Since I was a teacher at the school, I found my own accommodation with three other teacher friends of mine. I liked the house we lived in because it was located in a safe community and there was a nice outdoor pool!
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
Every participant should know that the institute offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses. So no matter what your Spanish level is, there is a class for you!
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
This question brings a smile to my face because I'm actually still living here in Costa Rica! I've now been here a little over two years. So evidently my Spanish program, teaching English abroad, and Costa Rica itself have made a significant impact on my life currently and where I see myself going in the future. I have developed a deep love for travel which I will carry with me forever.
Would you recommend Instituto Estelar to others? Why?
Yes, I would recommend this program to others because it enables you to learn Spanish while being immersed in the local community and culture. Additionally, the location is very good for getting to the beaches in addition to other beautiful places in Costa Rica.
