Name: Marissa Olson

Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

University: Drexel University

Major/Minor: Global Studies Major, Spanish and Public Health

Graduation Year: June, 2020

It’s been almost a year since you first traveled to Costa Rica. What do you remember the most about your time abroad?

There are so many amazing memories I have from my time in Costa Rica. One of the most memorable parts of my experience was the time I spent with my host family. In the beginning, I felt a little nervous only speaking Spanish, but by the end of my time abroad, I felt so comfortable with my host family! My mama tica was absolutely amazing and truly made me feel at home in Costa Rica. From practicing Spanish with my host family, my Spanish speaking skills improved so much. My sister ended up visiting close to the end of my time there, and when she came to dinner with my host family, I ended up translating. This was such a memorable experience for me because if you asked me if I could translate from both Spanish to English and English to Spanish for an entire night, I would have said no. I still talk to my host mom from time to time, and I am so grateful for that. I also miss the meals I had with my host family! My mama tica is an amazing cook.

What was your favorite excursion or field trip you took?

Panama was definitely my favorite excursion. The water and beaches were stunning. When I realized that we needed to take boats throughout our time there since we were going from island to island, I was shocked but so excited. The times on the boats also gave me time to take in everything around me and reflect on the trip. I remember being almost in disbelief that I was getting to experience it.

How did studying abroad change you?

Before attending Drexel, I never left the country. Now, with multiple international experiences, I can say that I am a different person than before. Studying abroad in Costa Rica allowed me to learn more about myself and the world. I have a new perspective of the world, am more adaptable, and am an overall more understanding person. Studying abroad has allowed me to appreciate people from different parts of the world, think on a global scale, and want to work with people from other cultures in my future career. It also deepened my passion for improving my Spanish.

What was your biggest takeaway from the academic themes of the program?

My biggest takeaway from this program is that I want to work in a Spanish speaking country after I graduate. I also hope that sometime in my future, I help vulnerable populations receive the healthcare that they need, whether that’s abroad or in the United States.

How was your Spanish before you arrived? How did it improve?

My Spanish improved dramatically from studying in Costa Rica. Being immersed truly helped me improve my Spanish and feel more confident when speaking it. I remember the first day I arrived, I often doubted what I said because of not knowing verb conjugations or being afraid of being wrong. Now, even if I do not know all of the grammar perfectly, I am confident when speaking. I learned that it’s okay to not be perfect because people will still understand you. My host mom was extremely helpful with helping me practice my Spanish. Almost every day after dinner, we would talk about my day or plans for the weekend. She also brought me to events such as birthday parties and yoga, so that I practiced my Spanish in other settings.

Do you still keep in touch with anyone from Costa Rica?

I still talk to my mama tica! We keep in touch on Facebook and WhatsApp. I actually just talked to her on Thanksgiving. We send pictures and updates about our lives. I hope to go back to Costa Rica to visit her and my host family in the future.

What advice would you give to a student thinking about studying abroad in Costa Rica?

Take everything in! Your time in Costa Rica will go by so fast, so cherish it. Costa Rica is a beautiful country with beautiful and welcoming people. Sometimes you will be challenged and pushed out of your comfort zone, but that’s a good thing! It will help you to have adaptability skills and characteristics that you can take into your personal and professional life.