¡Hola y pura vida! If you’re reading this and you’re still debating whether or not to study abroad, I was in your exact same shoes not too long ago.
Wondering whether it’s really worth the money, whether you’ll make any friends because you don’t know anyone going, or whether it’s really as “life-changing” as everyone says it is? If you’re in that same position, take this as the sign you’ve been looking for. Do it!
The Best Decision I Almost Didn’t Make
There were a lot of concerns and endless doubts that had initially held me back from the idea of studying abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica. Number one: my fear.
I kept finding or even making reasons for me to not go. Maybe I’d wait until the next year when I’m less nervous about the idea, or until nursing school gets easier, or when I finally commit to my Duolingo streak and really feel confident with my Spanish.
The idea of traveling to, fully navigating, and living in a foreign country for weeks to months on end to live with people I didn’t know when I didn’t speak their language was scary to imagine, so I understand if you have your own reservations as well.
Coming from someone who had never traveled outside of the country before, the idea of it all caused more than just a little hesitancy. Since my family doesn’t travel much, there was so much of the world I had not seen or experienced.
Because of that, I had convinced myself that the only way I could commit to something that big was if I went with my friends. I figured that if I got homesick, felt overwhelmed, or just had a bad day, at least I’d have my close friends I already knew to lean on. I let that idea become my safety net.
Looking back, while I don’t think that mindset was necessarily wrong, it definitely would have kept me in my comfort zone. When the close friends I had planned on going with ended up not being able to come because of reasons out of their control, I almost let that stop me from going altogether.
So, if you’re waiting until your friends want to go or until someone you know is going, please don’t!
I’ve been living in Costa Rica for just over two weeks now, and not knowing anyone before I signed up for the program hasn’t taken away from my experience in the slightest. If anything, it’s made it even better. Not having an established friend group coming in pushed me to meet new people, step outside my comfort zone, and build friendships I may never have made otherwise!
As for the financial side of things, I know everyone’s situation is different, and studying abroad is a significant investment. So, while I can’t tell you what to do, what I can say is that if it’s something you can realistically make happen, it’s an investment in yourself that is worth every penny. All the memories, unforgettable experiences, and newfound independence you gain are things no classroom could ever teach.
My Pura Vida Experience in Costa Rica
After my back-and-forth with everything, I realized there would never be a perfect time to go, so I decided not to let that hold me back. Instead, I embraced the “pura vida” life everyone had been talking about. If you didn’t know, one of the biggest sayings here in Costa Rica is ¡pura vida! It directly translates to ‘pure life,’ but it can be used for hello, goodbye, and an expression of gratitude.
For a lot of people here, though, it represents something bigger: embracing a more laid-back, optimistic way of life. So, instead of being super structured and dwelling on all the things that could go wrong, I let the excitement take over and adopted the ‘pure life’ mindset. I just submitted my application, prayed for the best, and now, on the other side of that decision, I can confidently say it has exceeded my expectations and so much more.
Since arriving, I’ve done things I’ve never imagined I’d have the confidence to do. I’ve been able to grow my Spanish every day by speaking with my host family, navigating conversations around town, and taking Spanish classes here.
One of my biggest fears before coming here was not being able to navigate the country, as I didn’t know the language very well, but it has now actually been one of the most rewarding parts of this experience. Every conversation has helped me become a little more confident, and I have seen immense growth in my skills already, so while I’m still not perfect, improving my Spanish while I’m here has been something I’ve grown to accept and cherish!
Living with a host family was another part of studying abroad that initially intimidated me, but now it has been one of my favorite parts of my time here. From the very beginning, they welcomed me with open arms, cooked me homemade meals every day, patiently helped me practice my Spanish, and treated me like part of the family. Our little laughs at the dinner table and debriefs about my day have become the memories I will cherish and miss the most at the end of my experience.
Being able to explore rainforests and hike through the rain and mud, volunteer at elderly living homes, work with special needs individuals, go on excursions for class, and celebrate my birthday in the first foreign country I’ve ever visited has been rewarding beyond what words could ever describe.
If you’re reading this wondering whether studying abroad is worth it, or waiting until you feel completely ready, consider this your sign. There will probably never be a perfect time, and you’ll always find another reason to wait.
But if I’ve learned anything from Costa Rica and the meaning of “pura vida,” it’s that some of the best experiences begin when you stop waiting for certainty and simply say yes.
¡Pura vida!
This blog was contributed by Chioma Olorondu, Global Ambassador for Summer 2026. Chioma is a School of Nursing junior participating in the faculty-led program “Engaging Global Health in Costa Rica” in Heredia, Costa Rica
