Semester in Costa Rica - Universidad Veritas

One of my favorite experiences and most beneficial was living with a host family. It was super helpful not only to be fully engaged and immersed in the culture, but also be able to practice my Spanish (which I was able to greatly improve due to the help of my host mom). Living with a host family is a truly unique experience.

Alexis Cohen: Studying abroad with CIS Abroad at Universidad Veritas in San José, Costa Rica was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, if not THE best decision. I knew I’d be immersing myself in a new culture, meeting new people, and navigating a different academic system, but I just had no idea just how much I would grow on a personal level. This experience didn’t just change where I was; it changed who I am as a person. To be honest it was not all easy, the first few days were kind of overwhelming. I was in a brand-new country, surrounded by a language I wasn’t fluent in, trying to figure out everything from how to get to class to what bus to take to get places. But pretty quickly, I started to feel more at home, and it all became worth it. Costa Ricans (aka Ticos) are some of the warmest, most laid-back people I’ve ever met. Everyone was so patient and kind, even when I messed up my Spanish or had no idea what I was doing. That welcoming vibe made it easier to just be myself and not stress so much about standing out or not fitting in perfectly. One of the most important things I’ve taken away from this experience is just how much more confident I’ve become. Before studying abroad, I sometimes second-guessed myself or played it safe, and I was not happy with being myself. But here, I had to figure things out on my own—from navigating public transportation to handling classes in a new system to planning weekend trips with friends. I felt like I could be my fun and comfortable self because of all the things I was achieving, and the supportive friends and staff I was surrounded with along the way. Each time I pushed myself, even in small ways, I could feel myself growing. Whether it was ordering food in Spanish without overthinking it or making new friends from around the area, I started realizing that I can actually do this. And that I really can do anything I put my mind to. And that mindset started to carry over into everything I did. If there’s one phrase you’ll hear all the time in Costa Rica, it’s “pura vida.” It literally means “pure life,” but it’s really more of a lifestyle. People here just get how to live in the moment. They don’t stress over the small stuff. They take their time, enjoy life, and focus on what matters most, which is connection, nature, and peace of mind. Before I came to Costa Rica, I was used to being constantly busy, always chasing the next assignment, work, event, or goal. But in Costa Rica, I learned to slow down. I started to let go of the pressure to be “on” all the time. I learned that it’s okay to relax, take a breath, and just be. Honestly, that’s a lesson I really needed. Looking back, I can see just how much I’ve grown. I’m still me of course,I still love meaningful conversations, trying new foods, and dancing, but I feel more grounded now. I’ve learned how to trust myself more, handle challenges better, and embrace uncertainty instead of running from it. I don’t think I realized how strong I was until I came here and had to rely on myself in ways I never had before. Now, I feel like after leaving Costa Rica I left not just with amazing memories, but with a stronger sense of who I am and what I’m capable of. If you’re even thinking about studying abroad, do it. Seriously. Costa Rica, especially with CIS Abroad and Universidad Veritas, gave me more than just an academic experience. It gave me confidence, clarity, and a fresh outlook on life. You’ll come back with some crazy stories, but more importantly, you’ll come back with a stronger version of yourself. And you might just pick up a little pura vida along the way, actually, you definitely will.

As a very adventurous person, studying abroad was just up my alley. Truly, I was nervous about leaving on my own in a new country with another language I was only used to speaking, writing and practicing in school, but I also was the most excited I've ever been to journey a new place. Once I made my travels to CR and arrived at the airport I found my study abroad company waiting outside and a driver drove my new friends and I to our houses and we then settled in. Once walking around your neighborhood and school, you soon learn the routes, shortcuts, and best eating places quickly! Do not be alarmed by the looks or rumors about the capital San Jose, Costa Rica is a third world country, but it beautiful and really is a life changing experience. You will embrace diverse foods, new culture, and beautiful views of mountains, Pacific and Caribbean coasts, cloud forests, volcanoes and rain forests. This high level of biodiversity is what attracted me towards this opportunity - and I most definitely was not disappointed. If you are worried that you'll be so far away from home, I would say that your home-stay family truly makes you feel like a part of theirs, schoolmates become very close friends, and your program will include you in weekend trips as well. Costa Rica not only acts as an incredible chance to learn new culture, make new friends and have stories to tell for years to follow, but it also acts as a self confidence booster and makes you more than responsible and independent than ever before. I found honestly found out more about myself then I ever knew abroad then I ever discovered at home. I highly recommend traveling and studying abroad it opens your eyes to new levels that are beyond the ordinary.