Earlier this spring, I took a trip to Costa Rica to study abroad. It wasn’t a typical semester trip. It was only 10 days. But that did not make it any less life-changing. More time would have been wonderful, but I am extremely grateful for the time I got to spend in the tropics.
I had been going back and forth with the idea of taking the class for a while. I wasn’t sure how comfortable I would feel going to another country with many people that I didn’t know. I was uneasy about the idea, but ultimately I decided that I could not miss the opportunity.
The class I took was Tropical Ecology. So we studied the different ecosystems of Costa Rica. We performed experiments during the trip that helped us gain knowledge about biodiversity, the organisms within the region, and the adaptations those organisms must have to survive in a harsh environment.
But the trip was so much more than the knowledge I gained about the tropics.
I explored one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I got to do things many other people will never have the chance to experience. I was given the opportunity to take part in and learn about a completely different culture. Oh, and did I mention the friendships? I cannot be grateful enough for the new friends I will have forever.
Can you really think of a better way to make friends than this? They just throw a group of people onto a plane, fly them to another country and force them to live together for 10 days. Basically a really quick season of "The Real World." Just kidding. Well, kind of.
We experienced an innumerable amount of new things together and we created memories that no one else could ever begin to imagine. I share a bond with these people that I don’t share with anyone else.
I climbed to the top of a waterfall and jumped off. I ziplined through the top of the rainforest while monkeys and their babies swung past. I went to a salsa dancing club in downtown San Jose. I even stood in the center of the rainforest in complete darkness and the only thing I could see was glowing eyes surrounding me. How many other people could I have these amazing experiences in common with? Writing about it will never do it justice. The only people who will ever understand are the ones who experienced it with me.
Friendships happen in strange ways sometimes. I am ever-so-grateful that I spent 10 days sweating in a hut with all the crazy individuals in my class. We had ups and downs, but I would not change it for the anything. For goodness' sake, I went on my first flight with these people, and my second and my third and my fourth and my fifth.
It truly is an experience like no other. Basically what I am saying is, take every opportunity you have. Before leaving for the trip, I was really nervous about how it was going to go and if I was going to make friends. And guess what? I cannot say enough good things about it. I do not have a single negative thing to say. There will never be a time when I do not advocate studying abroad. I only went for 10 days, so I cannot even begin to imagine everything you’d get to experience in a semester abroad.
Anytime you feel uneasy about an amazing new opportunity, don’t. Jump in feet first. See the world and experience all it has to offer. You never know when you’ll receive another opportunity. Do as much as you can. I promise you will not regret it.
A special thank you to all our guides throughout the country. You were welcoming and willing to give us a greater understanding of your country and everything it has to offer. I think I speak for all of us when I say we are thankful for all you did for us.
