As six Proctor sophomores settle into their daily routines in the cloud forest of Monteverde, Costa Rica, their initial apprehension about living with host families and navigating a new culture has transformed into excitement and appreciation for this cultural and linguistic immersion program. While continuing their core sophomore math, English, and history curriculum, these students also dive deep into intensive Spanish language study and Rainforest Biology. Through daily interactions with host families, local instructors, and other members of the Monteverde community, classroom learning extends beyond the classroom.
By embracing the challenges of language barriers and cultural adjustment rather than shying away from them, these students are discovering that the most powerful learning often occurs by pushing through a bit of discomfort. Read reflections from Lydia '27 and Margaux '27 as they share reflections on their first weeks studying abroad in Monteverde, Costa Rica.
Lydia '27: My Host Family and Adjusting to Life in Monteverde
I can't believe we have been living in Monteverde for almost a month! I think I can speak for the group when I say time has flown by. These past three weeks have been spent learning and adjusting to our new homes. It wasn't the easiest at first. The translation from English to Spanish and Spanish to English felt overwhelming, and I was still adjusting to the new environment. Something that helped take that weight off my shoulders was my host family.
It is not an overstatement to say that they are truly some of the kindest people I have ever met. They have had so much patience and grace with me and my growing Spanish skills and embraced me as a part of their family the second I stepped through the door. Before he even introduced himself, Mathias, my seven-year-old host brother, had already flung himself into my arms. Over the last few weeks, I have had the privilege of getting to know them as both a family and as individuals. Cynthia, my host mother, listens to me talk after a long day. Daisy, my host grandmother, is forever patient with my broken Spanish. Laura, my host sister, opened the door when I first arrived and was my first friend here in Costa Rica. Dario and Mathias, my host brothers, are the silliest kids and never fail to make me smile. Seeing their goofy and serious sides and learning about each of their personalities has been my favorite part of this program so far. I could not be more grateful to have been placed in their home.
As a group, we enjoyed getting to know the town. On the weekends, we like spending time together and exploring. Our current favorite place to grab a snack is a small bakery called Panadería El Hornito de Pilo, which is directly across the street from Centro Comercial. You can smell the bread all the way down the road and everything is under or around 2,000 colones or four USD (which is very appreciated by our teenage budgets). For me, exploring the Santa Elena triangle and the other twists and turns of Monteverde with people I know from back at school has really comforted me with the change of being somewhere completely different from what I am used to.
Overall, our time in Monteverde is off to an amazing start. We are adjusting to living with host families, getting to know each other and our group dynamic, and having a great time exploring the town. I'm excited to keep experiencing and discovering more about this wonderful place!
Margaux '27 - Embracing Costa Rican Cuisine and Culture
Living with my host family in Costa Rica has been such a rewarding experience. In the first week, I felt a bit nervous about my family because welcoming a new family member can be awkward. However, from the moment I arrived, they welcomed me with open arms, which made everything much easier. Eating meals with the whole family became one of my favorite parts of the day. Trying traditional Tico dishes like gallo pinto and plantains expanded my palate in the best way possible. I remember sitting at the dinner table the first night, grateful for the conversation and laughter that filled the room to distract me from missing home.
My host family brought me to Santa Elena, where we watched a corrida de toros (or watching people ride bulls), a traditional event. I also got to participate in local celebrations and festivals, which has helped me gain a deeper appreciation for Costa Rican culture and traditions. My family also encourages me to practice my Spanish, which is very much needed, having come here with little Spanish. These conversations have helped me better understand the language, turning our conversations into enjoyable lessons. The experience has been valuable, and I am excited to see what else Costa Rica has to offer.
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