travel – Inside an Optimist's Mind

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:

On January 7th, 2023, I headed to the airport early in the morning and took a flight to Costa Rica.

Lunch after orientation the following day.

Every day started with a traditional Costa Rican meal made by my host family.

I walked to the University Monday-Friday’s for class. This photo represents my view as I’m walking

During my time abroad, I studied at Veritas University.

First trip: Irazú Volcano National Park. However, it was so cloudy that we weren’t able to see much.

Following our trip to the Volcano, we visited the Sanatorium Duran Ruins and the Basilica Church.

We visited the Museum of Calderón Grardia. Dr. Gaurdia was a former president of Costa Rica who contributed to many social and health reforms within the country.

Views from the excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park and Beach.

During one of our breaks from the hike, we were able to see this view of the ocean. This picture doesn’t do it justice – it was absolutely breathtaking.

In the mornings at the hotel near Manuel Antonio, we took this path to go get breakfast and see one of the beaches.

Following one of our classes, we visited the Huerter Indigenous reservation. There we learned the history and customs of the Huetares.

During our last day in Costa Rica, we went back downtown, had lunch, and visited a national museum before stopping to purchases souvenirs.

Something sweet to close out my time in Costa Rica.

They say all things must come to end, but this experience will always stay with me.

There’s something beautiful about having the opportunity to get away and see new places.

This is exactly what I got out of the experience of being in Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland over the weekend. I don’t travel much, but when I do I always have a good time. Going out of town for a few days, away from any pressures and responsibility, is freeing and relaxes me in a way that can’t be accomplished in my house. It’s also always interesting to see how other places differentiate from where I live, starting at the structure of buildings and going into the population. Whether the place I’m visiting is a different city, or a different state, the visit itself never ceases to be a fun learning experience, and this time in the DMV area (Maryland, Virginia, part of West Virginia, District of Colombia) exactly the same.

My trip to the DMV area is one that I will never forget, and the experience is one I will forever treasure.