In January 2023, I had the wonderful opportunity of studying abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica. This experience was made possible by the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which funded my trip.
During my time abroad, I took a course titled “Costa Rican Healthcare System and Tropical Medicine.” Through this course, I learned about the history of Costa Rica and its Healthcare system and how Costa Rica’s healthcare systems differs from that of the United States. I also learned about some diseases/viruses found in Costa Rica, such as dengue fever and Covid-19, as well as what the preventive measures for these diseases looked like during the height of outbreaks. Through lectures, a museum visit, a case study, building a timeline, and participating in group presentations, my classmates and I were able to learn more about the different aspects that make up medicine and healthcare within the country. I found the class to be very eye-opening and educational. I realized that how a country views healthcare (as a privilege or as a right) has a significant impact on what that country’s healthcare system looks like.
My time in Costa Rica was not only spent sitting in a classroom though. AIFS, the provider of this wonderful study abroad program, planned different trips and excursions for us to attend. After orientation, we saw different landmarks in downtown San Jose. Later that week, we spent a weekend at Manuel Antonio National Park. There, I saw beautiful beaches, went on a hike, and got to spend time in nature. Other visits included: Irazu Volcano National Park, Museum of Calderón Guardia, and an indigenous reserve. Each and every one of these visits taught me something new about the Costa Rica, the culture there, and its rich history.
Even though I have been back in the United States for a couple months now, I think about Costa Rica every day. I enjoyed viewing breathtaking sights. I am filled with nostalgia whenever I think about walking back from the beach (located at Manuel Antonio park) with other students. We had to walk while it was raining but in that moment, I wasn’t annoyed that I was getting rained on. I simply thought “pure vida” and enjoyed the peaceful walk back to my hotel room. I laugh whenever I think about the monkeys who are adamant about stealing people’s food at the Manuel Antonio and near the hotel. I smile when I think about the wonderful people I met during my time abroad, and then I hope they are doing well. I feel a sense of serenity when I think about how in Costa Rica, I was able to immerse myself in another culture while having the luxury of moving at a slower pace. I did not have to worry about twenty different responsibilities, and I was able to be present. Most of all, I feel grateful when I remember that only a small percentage of students get to study abroad, and I had the chance to be part of that number.
I will never forget this once in a lifetime opportunity. Below is a set of pictures that do a decent job at capturing my experience:
This photo was taken at 6:24 am on the way to the airport. I was admiring the sky.
After arriving in Tallahassee, the group went to a bus which served as our means of transportation for the duration of the trip.
Day 1 at the Capitol: I witnessed a hearing for a bill for the first time in a room on the Senate side of the Capitol building.
Day 2 and 3 of our trip also coincided with "Dade Days" commissioners and representatives and students groups from Miami Dade County were also in Tallahassee. During lunch on day two, we were served Paella, which was distributed by different government officials.
This is an image taken by one of the advocates on trip. Here, I was thanking Senator Pizzo for his honesty, integrity, and the work that he does for his constituents.
On night 2, I walked around the neighborhood and did a little bit of site seeing.
Day 3, like Day 2, of the trip was all filled with meeting representatives, attending and speaking at hearings; essentially doing our part in making our voices heard. This image was taken by staff from Catalyst Miami. 
Inside an Optimist's Mind 