Taking a Gap Year in Costa Rica

During a break from college, I went on the Semester in Costa Rica program to learn Spanish and explore career options in medicine and natural sciences. I chose CIS Abroad because of all the support provided, and my host family — so grateful for my mama Tica, gracias a Dios!

After deciding to pause my college journey, I knew I wanted to make good use of my time off and I was looking at options for studying/working abroad - hopefully in Latin America to learn some Spanish, too.

While searching, I found CIS Abroad’s program in Costa Rica and decided I’d do it because of all the support options and the host family. And I am really thankful I chose this option.

The cross-cultural micro-credential was a really awesome addition to the program. It was incredibly easy to complete along with my school work and didn't take up much of my free time. I really appreciate it because it prompted me to think more in depth about the new culture I was living in. It pushed me to try new things that I wouldn’t have thought to try and to just try to look at things through a different lens.

I especially liked the challenge of a language barrier, where we were supposed to learn new phrases that were specific to the culture. So I asked my Tico boyfriend and his mom some Costa Rican phrases and now I use them all the time. And the locals seem to appreciate it too- or they're just laughing along because Costa Ricans are very polite.

Beyond this, it’s a nice addition to a resume, and the professors and the challenges really push you to actually think how you can apply this to your future, wherever that might take you. It really makes you appreciate this experience and I think that is incredibly valuable. But more importantly than the micro-credential are the things you learn from this experience.

There are a lot of ups and downs with living abroad and I think what makes a study abroad experience- and any experience in life- successful is what you make of the highs and the lows. For one, I wish I had prepared more for Costa Rica before I came here. I wish I had practiced Spanish before arriving, researched more about places in the country I should have visited, and had a more developed budget.

However, those are just some frivolous regrets that come with everything in life. Although I came to this country with no Spanish and no real understanding of what it takes to learn a language, I still learned a LOT of Spanish and can comfortably get around, ask for help, and have conversations - albeit stilted and with patience.

And even though I didn’t see every national park in Costa Rica or every beach, I got to do and see a lot of beautiful places. I like to live each day without a plan and just live by vibes and by doing so, I was able to go hiking around San Jose at the drop of a dime, or hop on a bus to Jaco to go on a wee surf trip, or go out to the clubs at night with friends. I might not have seen a tapir like I wanted, but I made a lot of other amazing memories that I will cherish. And my greatest regret was blowing through literally all of my savings on this trip.

But I know that money went to fun things and good times and life carries on and I am lucky enough to have a job waiting for me when I get home. So while I recommend having a serious budget, also realize that this might be a once in a lifetime opportunity and you should leave thinking to yourself “I can’t believe I did that!” and not “I only wish I had done this.”

Also, don’t get yourself trapped by itineraries in an attempt to make the most of your time abroad. I really enjoy living each day by the vibes that come, and if you find yourself in Costa Rica, the Ticos do the same. And in doing so you get to experience a lot. You also live the life of a local if you follow along what your host family and local friends do. But if you are so wrapped up in “doing everything” I personally feel like you miss out on a lot other than cool pictures because you spent your time abroad like a tourist.

Another big challenge I faced here was homesickness. I was definitely isolating myself at times because I was sad and I don’t like being around others when I am in a bad mood because I don’t think it’s their responsibility and I don’t want to bring down their day. In isolating myself I only made myself feel worse because I missed my friends back home and I didn’t put a lot of effort into making new friends here.

However, after I got over myself and forced a smile I ended up making some cool friends and I met my boyfriend here too. Also recognize that when you’re homesick, that means you have a really beautiful community back home and that is a really special thing. And now that I am about to leave Costa Rica, I am feeling bittersweet because I’ve made a community here too that I now must leave behind, but that’s because I get to return home.

Just make sure you bless each day and recognize that the present is a gift that can never be relived. And really try to learn something new about your host culture and relate it back to home. And PLEASE make friends with locals, it is so much fun. You’ll learn a lot from them and you might make some really strong bonds. Pura vida :)

Blog by Max Jess, Semester in Costa Rica alum

Learn more about CIS Abroad programs in Costa Rica here! 

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