TSU Costa Rica 2018

The Costa Rica 2018 Study Abroad Program is winding down from a hugely successful immersion experience. Since mid-May 29 students have been attending classes at Costa Rica Language Academy (CRLA) located in the Barrio San Pedro of the capital city of San José. Truman professors Dr. José Carreño and Dr. Stacy Davis have enjoyed teaching Latin American Culture and Civilization and Introduction to Hispanic literature, while students have also been taking Grammar and Composition and Conversation courses with Costa Rican professors at the CRLA campus. This intensive coursework, coupled with living with host families and students from other programs across the world, has provided a fully cultural and linguistic immersion experience in which Truman students have thrived. Faculty and staff at CRLA have consistently praised the speaking abilities and academic dedication of our Spanish majors and minors. Students have made substantial gains in their linguistic abilities in the target language and leave very proud of the gains they have made.

It has been a jam-packed two months as students attend classes every week, Monday to Thursday, and go on excursions each weekend, Friday to Sunday. Students have enjoyed traveling throughout Costa Rica, visiting famous sites in each of the seven provinces of the country. As the trip concludes, students are looking back on their journey of both academic and personal growth. Trips include ziplining in the mountains of Santa Elena, walking the famous green hanging bridges of Monteverde, taking in the breathtaking view of Irazu volcano, walking the Caribbean beaches of Puerto Viejo, boating past the enormous crocodiles of the Tarcoles River, enjoying the lush green nature reserves of Tortuguero, and sunning on the white sands of Playa Espadilla of Manuel Antonio National Park.

This summer has been one of formative growth; students leaving in two days part stronger not only in their speaking abilities, but also as global citizens more culturally aware and able to navigate the world with confidence and always representing the spirit and pride of Truman State University!