Semester in Costa Rica - Universidad Veritas

Studying abroad in Costa Rica changed my life and it will change you yours as well! I went to Costa Rica with the goal of learning Spanish and it got so much better. I took all advanced Spanish classes due to my minor and because I tested into the advanced classes. They were hard, not going to lie, but it I learned so much. Also there are no tests so that is obviously a perk! The first month maybe a little frustrating adjusting to the language barrier but embrace it because it is a great challenge to learn! Practice your Spanish with other natives because they love when foreigners try to learn their language and culture. If you are not trying to learn Spanish, that is okay to because there will be other international students that speak English and some people in Costa Rica speak English as well so you can still get around. San Jose is also a great city to study abroad in.The area which I stayed in had 24hr security and I felt safe. I will say, downtown during the nighttime can be a little sketchy because there is a huge homeless population there but if you stay with a group of people during the nighttime you should be there. However, there was so much to do in the city and at the school whether that be from events downtowns, sporting events, or parades. I would say get involved in any event you see online or around the city. That is the best way to be immersed in the cultural and also meet new friends. If you just stay in the school and only talk to American people you will not get the full experience of being an abroad student in my opinion.

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.

Studying abroad for the Spring 2017 semester was my first time going out of the country, so I am really glad that I went with a program that would arrange housing, meals, activities, etc which put me at ease as a first-time international traveler. Now that I have studied abroad with a program, I feel equipped to travel on my own (which I have now!). I would highly recommend doing a program if it's your first time going abroad, but if you have experience travelling and adapting to new cultures/languages, it would be a lot cheaper to arrange travel plans independently. I loved my home stay, and students that did not like theirs were given the chance to switch homes. When a couple students got food poisoning, they went to the hospital and were reimbursed for the bills by CISabroad. Our on-site director went with them, check up on them, and helped with insurance questions. I loved being in the capital San Jose because I got to see the downtown area and got to see so many museums, tons of artsy boutiques and shops, and also got to see what daily life was like in the capital. There are so many giant fresh markets that are fun to explore! There is also a big (and confusing) public bus system that is super cheap, and there are bus terminals where you can buy tickets to destinations throughout Costa Rica, or to Nicaragua. I took several trips with friends to beaches using the bus terminals. The CISabroad excursions were great and a way to learn about the culture. Our on-site director knew so much about the culture, wildlife, and history of Costa Rica. We got a tour of the city on our second day there, and on all the excursions she would tell us interesting facts. If I could study abroad again, I totally would!!

I truly felt like an alien visiting a new planet where I did not speak their language well nor did I understand the culture. After only a month of living in this foreign place, my Spanish speaking ability and love for my host country skyrocketed. Costa Rica is the most beautiful place I have ever been exposed to and I have CIS to thank for that. The host family that took me into their home accepted me, a random American, almost as a son. The home-stay experience is so important since this is where you learn about your new country. CIS made sure I had a place I could truly call home. I really became more immersed in the culture because of them.

I don't have many words to describe my four months...Veritas, CIS, and the whole experience were truly amazing. I am never going to forget these past four months. My host family was the best part of my experience. (Costa Ricans are generally wonderful to live with). It was a wonderful experience and I would recommend it to everyone.

I absolutely loved Costa Rica; however, I thought that the Spanish was too advanced for beginners that have never taken any Spanish classes prior. Also, I did not find some of the classes to be very beneficial or organized. I loved the home stay, but I found that some expenses were too high.

I have just returned home from possibly the best thing that has ever happened to me. Studying abroad in Costa Rica has given me such a grand view and appreciation of other cultures and pepole. I lived with a beautiful family, and felt a part of the family unit and greater community. My school was incredible, and I had the most compassionate and knowledgable of teachers. I will rreturn as soon as I can! So blessed for this opportunity, thanks CIS for making it something so very special and life changing.

My experience in Costa Rica was beyong imagination. I have traveled to several other countries but Costa Rica beats them all. From the beautiful, generous and kind people to the food - I was very much haply and satisfied the whole time. If I have to chance to do it, I would go through everything in a heart beat. I would advice anyone who wants to embark in this journey, to enjoy every bit of it.

I love my experience in Costa Rica. I meet a lot of great people and had many great adventures. I went to most of the places I could in Costa Rica, all having there own unique and amazing characteristics to describe them. I was disappointed when it came to picking up and dropping me off at the airport.

I loved Costa Rica so much and CIS made it a great experience. I wish I could have stayed there with my friends forever! I would definitely recommend studying with this program. If not this one, at least go somewhere!!! Studying abroad changed my perspective for the better in so many ways and I think it has changed the course of my life entirely!!! If you do one thing in college, studying abroad should be it.

Overall I had an amazing experience abroad! The only thing I was unhappy with was that the excursions were not set in stone before I arrived. I didn't know what I was paying for beforehand and I wish that had been different, because I felt like the program was just trying to make a profit off of me instead of showing me the best places in Costa Rica.

This once in a lifetime experience was simply AMAZING! I loved my Mama Tica, professors and program director. Each of them helped me so much in making my experience the most it could be by traveling and speaking Spanish every day! I learned so much and I made real quality friends who I will keep in contact with for many years to come! The program provided many traveling opportunities and socials. We had a great time together. I think that the most fun and most memorable trips were the ones included in the program that each of us went on together!!! With the program I always felt safe and included in the environment. I am so thankful to Lisa our program director, and all of those who made this all possible!

My overall experience was one I will never forget. I took Basic Spanish 1 and 2 while abroad. My Spanish speaking skill improved tremendously while I was there due to the fact that I was able to learn in a classroom setting as well as practice everyday with the local people. I would recommend staying with a family while studying abroad. I had a wonderful family that I grew very close too. It was difficult to say goodbye to them. Even though there is a cultural and language barrier it is amazing the relationships that can form. Costa Rica is a beautiful country. I was busy every weekend trying to see as much as I could. One semester simply is not enough time to see everything the country has to offer, but I am blessed by the experiences that I had while living there.

I had a great time in Costa Rica. It was amazing to see a different country and try the foods they had to offer. It was also amazing to see the different activities that were available to me. It was a beautiful place especially once you got out of the city. There were amazing mountains and in a sense made me feel at home because I am surrounded by mountains at home. All in all, an amazing place to go and I can't wait to travel back there on my own sometime.

CIS did well at matching up the homestay families. This gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in the culture. I felt like I got the independence I wanted, and CIS was also there to assist me where I had questions or needed help. I felt fairly safe for the most part. I liked that there were security guards to follow us home as well as the shuttle.

A wonderful experience full of friendly, helpful people and breathtaking places to visit! The city life was certainly abrupt and different to anything I had experienced but you get used to it and it truly gives you an appreciation for all you have back at home. The program coordinator down there is an absolute gem and will quiet literally have an answer to any and all questions you have!! Make sure to just go visit every place you can on the weekends!!

My semester in Costa Rica was AMAZING. Y'all, i wish i could tell you everything, but basically I had the most amazing time of my life- no exaggeration. Costa Rica is such an amazing country and the people are so nice and welcoming and you will meet people you'll never forget. The field trips are awesome, you get to learn and experience another culture and the beaches are GORGEOUS. Just go, I promise you won't regret it!

Though I enjoyed my time in Costa Rica, I felt it could have been executed better. They didn't tell you things like you almost HAD to know Spanish before you went or on the way back home you had to find your own $30 cab ride back to the airport. I was also expecting a lot more socials with in my program and my director was in the US for the last bit of my stay. Other than small things that could have made everything go more smoothly, it was a good experience and a beautiful country to explore for a few months.