Alumni Interview with Mackenzie Casten

What inspired you to go abroad?

I have always been intrigued by other cultures, and knew before I even graduated high school that I wanted to study abroad. I love learning new things and meeting new people- and needless to say, study abroad gave me that and so much more.

Why did you choose USAC?

I wanted to delve into culture as much as I possibly could. I knew I wanted a Spanish-speaking country, somewhere in Central or South America. I also wanted to experience a smaller community instead of a big city, and it had to be on the water! That brought me to my destination: Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Siempre es mi ciudad!

What was your favorite part about Costa Rica?

The people were hands down the best part about Puntarenas and Costa Rica. They are so open to taking you in and so generous. Many of them don't have much but they are willing to share what they have with you, or with anyone. Also, the program location in Puntarenas is right on the beach- so almost every day after class ended we would swim, play volleyball, sunbathe, among many other things. I also really loved the food there- Costa Rica is a tropical paradise, so there is no shortage of exotic fruits and vegetables! Us students often walked to get a fresh coconut from down the street, where the vendor (who we became friends with) would open the coconuts right in front of us. Costa Rica is also packed with adventure. We jumped off so many waterfalls, some bungee jumped, we surfed, snorkeled, and whale watched. Boredom is never an option here.

What made your experience abroad unique?

My experience was unique because of the people. I still keep in touch with so many locals, including my host family, and am itching to get down there again to visit! We made a lasting impression on them, and they made a lasting impression on us. All of my friends in the USAC program also became like family- we spent everyday together and still keep in touch.

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

The local staff throughout the program were absolutely phenomenal. They were always available to us with any problem we may have had.  From helping us get to our weekend destinations, to Spanish help, to anything else we could have asked. They went above and beyond for us- I am so thankful to have had such an amazing staff.  The professors, as well, could not have been better. Some of them were like family and I still consider as role models.

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

I wish I would have taken more chances and gone out at every opportunity. I do think I lived my study abroad experience to the fullest- but looking back there were times when I was exhausted after a long weekend or after a test that I passed on an opportunity to go to the beach or for a bike ride. I'd take every one of those now if I had the chance!

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

Wake up, get ready for school, go to the kitchen where my host family would have breakfast ready for me. Usually my Mama Tica would have eggs, homemade tortillas, or even empanadas set out on the table. Then I'd hop on my bike and bike (next to the ocean) to school, two blocks away. We'd have class for a few hours, then head back home for lunch. If it was raining, Mama Tica would make a traditional plate called Olla de Carne- a kind of soup with chicken and vegetables. She always had gallo pinto for every meal, and usually made some kind of chicken or fish to go with it. Then us students would head to the beach for the afternoon, or swim in the pool at USAC, or head to the workout room. We'd head home for dinner, then head back out for a soccer game on the beach. At night we'd drink ron y colas on the beach, or go to one of the local bars to hang out.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

Every weekend we would travel to a new destination. The bus system was awesome and got us to every destination wanted. I picked up surfing while in Costa Rica, which had waves for the newest beginners and the oldest patrons. During the week we would spend a lot of time on the beach or in the USAC recreation area swimming in the pool or working out. We would sometimes rent kayaks to paddle around the peninsula, or bike around and explore different areas and find souvenirs. There were a lot of places that were just a short bus ride away that we could do day trips to, like different waterfalls, hikes, or surf spots.

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

I lived with a host family during my first semester abroad. I got my own room and bathroom upstairs, while the rest of the family resided downstairs. I absolutely loved my host family! They were very accommodating and became like my actual family. They made sure to tell me everything I needed about the town and about traveling around the country. Not to mention my Mama Tica was an astounding cook! She always had breakfast, lunch, and dinner ready for me every single day. They were some of the nicest people I have ever met, and really helped me develop my Spanish skills.

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

Costa Ricans, or "Ticos," live a very laid-back lifestyle. They run on "tico time", which means that schedules usually run a bit behind. But it works for them, and we made it work. It was nice getting out of our fast-paced lifestyles and slowing down!

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

I feel as if my time abroad changed who I am as a person. I am so much more thankful for everything I have- all the opportunities I have in my life, my ability to go and get an education, my family, my friends, my house- everything!  Many people down there don't get to go to school or don't ever get to travel, but still are as happy as anyone you've ever seen. It has motivated me to go as far as I can go with my own talents.

Would you recommend USAC to others? Why?

I would absolutely recommend the USAC Puntarenas program to others. It is such a rich cultural experience where you'll meet friends who will be there for the rest of your life. Your Tico family really does love you- they remember all of their students and are so proud to have had you. in Costa Rica you are right next to any adventure you could want- you have beaches, ocean, jungle, rivers, lakes. You can scuba dive, snorkel, surf, zip-line, whale watch, bungee jump, you name it! It is a one in a lifetime experience, to say the least.