When It's Over...

Two days left here in Costa Rica, and I have learned so much more than books can teach you. Moving to a different host family's house was the best decision I made here. If you ever think about moving, you SHOULD. I've learned there is a REASON we pay so much to be here, and it should be worth it! Living with the girls who had a pact to only speak Spanish was also a definite advantage.

Things I Have Learned
1) The Pura Vida Lifestyle- the phrase pura vida literally means pure life, and that is how the Ticos try to live. This pace of life here is much slower (except in traffic related situations, where everyone seems to be in a hurry) and much more relaxed. Before coming here, I stressed way too much for my own good. I've learned there is value in kicking back and relaxing, and that having fun is not something to feel guilty for. Taking life slow is a good thing! We only get to live once, our time here is not guarenteed. Chill out, mae!

2) Making new friends is awesome- but so hard to leave. I was really looking forward to going home and seeing everyone, but I quickly realized I'm also REALLY going to miss my new friends from here. The relationships you can build while studying abroad are both powerful and valuable.

3) Appreciation for BOTH other cultures AND my own- It is easy to think we appreciate other cultures without ever experiencing them, but it really is not the same. Being immersed in the culture teaches you so much that you can't believe, or feel, without seeing it, being there. Before, I also resented being an American- I felt like we had no culture, just a big blend of cultures that no longer celebrate their traditions- but this is NOT true. We do have a culture, we are unique, and it is something to celebrate.

4) Appreciation from a unique perspective- As a study abroad student, you can experience the world from a unique perspective. You are not merely a traveler, tourist, or visitor. You are actually LIVING here for a time, with the perspective of someone who lives here, but at the end of the night, you know you get to go back home to your comfort zone.

5) Try things out of your comfort zone!- That is the point of this trip! We don't go to foreign countries to do the same things we can do at home. Why would we spend so much money to do that? You need to EXPERIENCE the culture, the life, the people, all of it. And this can be expensive, but it is worth it to come back with the knowledge you gain.

I've learned so much more than that in my time here, but those are key point that I wanted to share. It is DEFINITELY an experience worth having.

I'M COMING HOME IN TWO DAYS!!!!!!!!!! :)