Sol Education Abroad: Heredia, Costa Rica

My experience in Heredia, Costa Rica was one of the best decisions I've made in my entire life. There is no better way to experience another country than to be living with a family and interacting with locals on a daily basis. Costa Rica is filled with so many beautiful places and people, and I will definitely be back to visit in the future. The classes were fun and interesting, and I really enjoyed all of our excursions. I stayed in Costa Rica for six weeks, but if I could do it again, I would stay for 9 or 12 weeks. My Spanish has really improved, and so has my confidence. My experiences here in Costa Rica have changed my life. ¡Pura Vida!

I have absolutely loved my experience in Costa Rica!! The people and culture have been wonderful and the scenery and wildlife are incredible. The education I received was amazing. I learned so much in the three months I was here. Before this program I was really scared to speak up in class and try talk to people in Spanish. I feel so comfortable now having conversations with and learning and understanding from native speakers. I think this program has made greatly prepared me to graduate with a Spanish major and to speak Spanish more comfortably in the workplace and beyond. I felt like the educators, directors, and the Tico family I lived with really cared about my health and well-being. They were all very kind and willing to help with anything I needed. I have made so many wonderful memories in the time I was here. I went on this trip with new people and have come out with lifetime friends. The experiences learning and exploring the countryside, cities, beaches, mountains, volcanoes and all of the other amazing places Costa Rica has to offer will stick with me for the rest of my life. This trip has definitely changed my life for the better, and I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn Spanish.

The growth in my spanish is amazing! I’ve had a wonderful time in Costa Rica. Not only did I absolutely love my host mother but my program directors and professors were amazing. They really made my study broad a pura vida experience

I remember, vividly, the day I arrived into the beautiful country of Costa Rica like it was yesterday. From the outset, I was approached by many taxi drivers at the airport asking if I needed transportation. Because all students had already received specific directions of where to go to meet our coordinators, I declined their offers. They all caught me by surprise when they responded the exact same way: a smile followed by the words "pura vida". Little did I know at that moment, those two words over the next few months would become an integral part of my existence. I arrived at my host family's home late that night. I remember it was dark on the way there, everything was completely foreign to me, and I became extremely nervous when the van slowed down and the chauffeur told everyone in the van that this was the first stop. Meaning out of the eight of us that arrived on the same flight and became somewhat familiar with each other over the 20 minute ride to our neighborhood, it was time for the first student to meet the people that they would be living with for the next 4 months. We came to halt, a bald, tan man approached the van, greeted our driver, and peeked his head through the window, and said "Dónde está el capitán, Colin?" I grabbed my backpack and before I could shut the door, Javier, my host dad, shut it for me. I extended my hand to introduce myself and he gave me a hug like we had known each other for years. He and his family were so welcoming and good-natured that my nervousness disappeared instantaneously. Because of this family, each member with their own unique character and charm, my home-stay experience was truly unforgettable. I will say my trip would not have been the same if it wasn't for the directors of the SOL education program in Costa Rica. Janiva, who proved to be such an invaluable resource to every single student that she came in contact with, is an insightful woman whose energy will rub off on you instantaneously. Jessenia is the fun-loving, extremely approachable tica who always is there to help. Angelica, whose smile will light up the room, will make you feel so relaxed because of her natural friendly vibes. Because of these leaders who were so passionate and willing to go the extra mile, I think I can speak for all of the "SOL-mates" that our time together was such a positive and life-changing experience. The superlative organization and flawless execution of the countless excursions we went on is unheard of and goes to show that these directors are, without a doubt, professionals. After every expedition, whether it be to the volcanoes, the beaches, the jungle, the hot springs, the cooking classes, the beautiful resorts, the different food markets, the zip-ling or the white water rafting( I could go on and on of all the different adventures), I would think to myself "how did I get so extremely lucky to end up here with all of these beautiful people, all with unique stories and backgrounds with whom I still to this day keep in touch with, in all of these places that I would never have dreamed of reaching and exploring". The few descriptions of the excursions on SOL's website do not do justice to the quality and quantity of journeys that you will embark upon. I will end this review here because the nostalgia is kicking in, and I might end up buying a plane ticket to Costa Rica because of all the reminiscing. Studying abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica made me better person - my spanish improved drastically, I saw places that took my breath away, I ate the world's juiciest fruits and tasted coffee that brought tears to my eyes, I befriended so many cool, goofy, and strong characters, and above all, I now know what it means to live "la pura vida". If you are reading this and contemplating whether you should go or not, do yourself of favor and sign up. Pura vida mae.