Over the last four weeks, I’ve had the privilege of studying abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica. From the moment I set foot in San Jose, I felt welcomed by the warmth and friendliness of the locals. At first, I was nervous to stay with my host family. I was unsure of what to expect- I hadn’t known anyone that’s stayed with a host family before. However, I knew that staying with a host family was the best way to indulge myself in Tico culture. My worries subsided as soon as I met my host parents, Marta and Fausto. Marta and Fausto have been host parents for over 30 years and immediately made me feel comfortable upon arrival. Every day, Marta prepared breakfast and dinner and sat down with me during meals to practice my Spanish. I sat with Fausto during fútbol matches and conversed about the culture in Costa Rica. Having a host family allowed me to fully immerse myself in Costa Rican culture. I enjoyed trying traditional Costa Rican dishes and learning about Tico culture from locals.
I’m currently a nursing student at California State University, Chico. I’ve worked at hospitals where there is limited access to translation services, and I’ve seen how language barriers pose significant challenges in healthcare. Patients may struggle to accurately describe their symptoms or understand their diagnosis and treatment. It is important to deliver equitable and culturally sensitive care to all patients, regardless of the language they speak. I came to Costa Rica with the intention of learning medical Spanish and improving my previous knowledge of Spanish. At Universidad Veritas, I took an intermediate Spanish class for healthcare professionals. In class, we covered vital signs, charting, symptoms, procedures, and recommendations. During these four weeks, my Spanish improved tremendously. Since there was only one other student in my class, one-on-one support was available whenever needed. In addition to learning medical Spanish, we also explored healthcare in Costa Rica. I learned that Costa Rica is known for having one of the best universal healthcare systems in Latin America. However, like any healthcare system, no matter how it is set up, has its share of drawbacks and difficulties. Though generally efficient, the public healthcare system occasionally faces shortages in resources. Ticos may wait years for surgeries or appointments with specialists. To combat this issue, the nation prioritizes preventative care. Preventative care essentially promotes well-being, prevents the occurrence of disease, and increases life expectancy. Ticos prioritize the “pura vida” lifestyle, meaning that they live a “pure life”. The pura vida way of life places a focus on finding balance and living modestly. It also entails strong connections with friends, family, and the community. In addition to the pura vida mindset, Ticos follow a healthy diet, an active lifestyle, and stress-reduction practices. This was interesting to learn, and I adopted this cultural attitude while here. It’s amazing how the Ticos prioritize a balanced, positive mindset.
Costa Rica’s breathtaking scenery was what truly set my trip apart. In my free time, I explored outside of San Jose with my study abroad group. Some of my trips included the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Sarapiqui, and La Fortuna. I ziplined the longest zipline in Latin America, went white water rafting, and went on a night hike. The national parks, Tortuguero and Manuel Antonio allowed me to see sloths, monkeys, and toucans up close. The combination of beautiful landscapes, wildlife, outdoor activities, and Tico hospitality elevated my experience in Costa Rica.
Studying in Costa Rica not only improved my Spanish, but it helped change my perspective on holistic health and the importance of a positive mindset and well-being. With this experience, I hope to effectively communicate with Spanish-speaking patients, provide culturally sensitive care, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. This opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without the FEA AIFS Study Abroad Access Partner Scholarship. I am eternally grateful for all of the donors that contribute to experiences abroad. Through this experience, I’m now able to further my nursing career and skill set, and ultimately advocate for Spanish-speaking patients. Pura Vida!