As a student double majoring in International Studies and Community and Justice Studies, I knew that study abroad would be in my future at Guilford College.
I chose to start the process with no expectations; I wanted to keep the adventure open instead of narrowing my search to a popular study abroad location. That choice — the decision to be open — brought me to Costa Rica.
This small (smaller than West Virginia), neutral, peaceful country might have been a popular tourist destination to me, but now it is so much more. In researching Costa Rica, I found out it has some of the most exceptional hospitals, education systems, and universities in Latin America.
Abolishing the military in 1948, Costa Rica also led the world in a new era of peace. Military funding was instead funneled into its education system. Medical care is free and the country leads in pediatric care research. Pura Vida was not just a reputation but a way of life that “Ticos” strive to live by. It is more than beaches and ecotourism, it is a country with deep values of stewardship and traditions of democracy.
No, the country’s infrastructure is not perfect, nor is the history of the country. But its commitment to sustainability, protection of biodiversity, and tradition of peace is certainly something to learn from. And I am grateful for the opportunity to do so at Universidad Veritas through Guilford College’s study abroad partner, ISA.
Check out more exciting international experiences on our student authored study abroad blog, Beyond Friendly.