As six Proctor sophomores conclude their term abroad in Costa Rica, they have discovered that some of their most significant growth comes from embracing challenges and stepping outside their comfort zones. Navigating daily life in a new culture – whether working through language barriers with host families or finding the courage to explore independently – has fostered self-sufficiency and confidence. Read more from Bode '27 and Siena '27 below!
Bode ’27 - Reflections on the Term and Independence
My experience living in Monteverde over the last 9 weeks has created memories unlike any other. Whether it’s living with a host family and improving my Spanish every day, hiking to vistas with the coolest views, or going to fun events such as Bull Riding or Mens League soccer games, my experience here has been amazing. It’s something that I’ll be disappointed to have to leave, however, the memories made and the people I’ve met will always be a part of me.
Every morning I wake up to the delicious smell of breakfast and a very friendly “buenos días” from my host mother before preparing for the exciting day I know lies ahead. Every weekday we have classes for the majority of the morning and afternoon. However, most of the time, there is something fun to look forward to. Sometimes the fun is walking into town and speaking Spanish with the locals for Spanish class, taking hikes in the woods looking at all the diverse wildlife for Science, or even learning about the interesting history and people that helped make Monteverde what it is today. Once classes are over, we get to go do yet another cool activity. Some days we get to go down to a farm and ride horses; other days, we go to our host families' houses for cooking classes. One time we even got to go catch and hold bats. Whatever we’re doing, though, is guaranteed to be an enjoyable, unique experience.
The weekdays are full of thrill, and the weekends aren’t any different. Every Saturday morning, we start our weekend off with an exciting science field trip that varies week by week. A couple of my favorite trips include trying fresh coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane on a tour, walking across hanging bridges suspended high above a canyon or ravine, and going for hikes with some of the most diverse wildlife and prettiest views in Monteverde. After our field trip is over, we usually get dropped off in town as a group and enjoy the rest of the day independently. This usually starts with grabbing lunch at local restaurants across town before going to my favorite place in all of Monteverde: Panadería El Hornito de Pilo. It’s a small bakery with some of the best goods I’ve ever had. My favorites are the guava flutes, chocolate pastries, and these donuts similar to Boston cream donuts. For the rest of the weekend, there are many other lively events to relish. A few examples from my experience include hiking the tallest mountain in Monteverde, called Cerros Amigos, with Colin, watching the Monteverde Men’s Soccer League, and my favorite was attending the local bull riding event with my host family. Those three are just a few of the many fun, different activities I got to do during the weekends.
Overall, my trip to Monteverde has been something I will always cherish and remember. It has been full of many exciting events and experiences, and I am very grateful and glad that I decided to participate in it.
Siena ’27 - Overcoming Language Barriers and Finding Confidence
The past two months have held some of the most valuable experiences of my life. Arriving in Costa Rica with five other students I barely knew made me anxious at first, but I soon began to love my classmates, the culture, and my new family. In my first few days in Monteverde, I focused on adjusting to the climate, food, and my newfound independence. Some of my favorite moments in those first few weeks are simple but special: going out to eat with the group on weekends, walking around the small town of Santa Elena, and, despite the mental challenge, hiking. Soon enough, this place began to feel like home.
A moment that stood out to me was the first time I overcame the fear of asking my family if I could go out for lunch. It was Saturday, and my group had planned to meet at Taco Taco, a restaurant fifteen minutes from my house. Once I finally asked, my host family not only were they excited I was going to that restaurant, but offered to drive me. After lunch, I spent the afternoon exploring before I walked home. The moment I took my shoes off and walked through the door, they got out snacks and were excited to hear about my day. That was one of the first times I felt truly welcomed into my family.
The new routine, language barriers, and navigating new challenges without the direct support of my parents has helped me grow and become increasingly comfortable with my independence. Learning to understand what my family was saying without access to my phone or Google Translate was the largest challenge I overcame. That experience alone made me more confident in solving problems by myself. Uncomfortable situations, like working at the recycling center, a new experience for me, also gave me the confidence to overcome difficulties or unpleasant conditions.
One weekend, I was in town with some people of my group grabbing food and they suggested hiking down to a tree bridge. Although hiking is not one of my favorite activities, I agreed as it was more exciting than sitting in my room reading. As we reached the end of the trail, I was not expecting to see a huge ficus tree reaching across a creek. We visited that tree a lot. All of these experiences, whether happy or sad, helped me grow as a person, and I am grateful for everything. The opportunity I was given to immerse myself in a new culture and language was like no other, and I am so grateful. I have learned so much through all of the excursions we have gone on, as well as living and following my family around the area. This program has prepared me well for any uncomfortable or difficult situations I may encounter in the future. Every experience, good or bad, helped me grow, and I have no regrets.
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