Growing up in Texas, I became accustomed to a fast-paced lifestyle where my days were often filled with busy schedules and constant commitments. Between appointments, meetings, and responsibilities, I found myself always thinking about what was next.
Oftentimes, I got so wrapped up in being busy that I forgot to slow down and appreciate life. Studying abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica, has helped me to reevaluate this way of life and learn to slow down.
“Pura Vida” is a Costa Rican saying meaning “pure life.” It is used in almost any circumstance. It can be used as a greeting or just in simple conversation. The first time I heard it, my host mom texted it to me right before I arrived in Costa Rica. The more time I spent here, the more I realized it’s not just a saying, but a lifestyle.
Learning to Live the Pura Vida Lifestyle
The first week I was here, I went to the bank to exchange some of my U.S. dollars for Colonels, the currency used in Costa Rica. I was frustrated that I had to wait in line for so long and that it looked like the workers were dilly-dallying. At my global health class later that day, I told my professor about my experience.
I felt like no one in Costa Rica was efficient and that they wasted time. She reminded me that the culture in the United States is to rush everything for efficiency purposes and that it’s not the same here in Costa Rica. She said that it’s OK to be frustrated at first but that I would eventually get used to the slower pace and learn to appreciate it. She was, in fact, correct.
Finding Community in Costa Rica
The more time I spend here in Costa Rica, the more I’ve been able to adapt to this lifestyle and understand it. Along with living a slower-paced life, Costa Ricans highly value family and spending time together. Some of my classmates’ host families are neighbors with many other members of their family.
My family back home all live next to each other; however, it’s completely different. Although I live next to my grandparents and some of my aunts, uncles, and cousins, I rarely talk to them or spend time with them.
Living here for the past few weeks has made me realize that it’s a norm for Costa Rican families to truly support and lean on each other. Even neighbors who aren’t blood-related are also often treated as family. For example, many people in Costa Rica keep their front door open so their neighbors and family can come inside if they need anything or just want to chat. I’ve loved watching how family and relationships are prioritized, even when life gets busy here.
Living with a host family has allowed me to truly immerse myself in Costa Rican culture. Some of my favorite memories here have been with my host family. I’ve loved chatting with them about what life is like in Costa Rica, telling them about Texas, playing games, eating dinner together, etc.
Bringing Pura Vida Back Home
This program has been a life-changing experience for me, and I can’t wait to take everything I’ve learned back home. For The University of Texas at Austin students, specifically nursing majors, I highly recommend the Engaging in Global Health program in Costa Rica.
Overall, I’m so grateful for everything I have learned on this trip, and I can’t wait to learn even more before it’s over! Pura Vida!
This blog was contributed by Rachel Crandall, Global Ambassador for Summer 2026. Rachel is a School of Nursing freshman participating in the faculty-led program “Engaging Global Health in Costa Rica” in Heredia, Costa Rica.
