Getting Oriented

I wasn't really looking forward to today's orientation session, but it turned out to be really helpful.

I learned a lot about what to bring, and how to prepare... especially how to leave behind my life in America so that I can really live in Costa Rica. My favorite part of the day was eating lunch with students from all over the world who are living here now. I especially enjoyed talking with Iliana from Costa Rica. Iliana told me about the schooling and the food in Costa Rica. She told me about her big family. I realized that going up to people and starting a conversation is not so difficult, and this is what I'll need to do when I get to Costa Rica.

Iliana and a guy from Honduras were nice enough to speak to each other in Spanish so that I could practice my listening skills. I found that I could understand pretty well what they were saying.

There was a girl named Winnie, who just got back from Chile. She had such a great time, and talked about her host family and friendships, and what a fun time she had in school. Listening to her made me feel really excited about all of the experiences I have to look forward to.

I was beginning to have some doubts about missing out on some things during my last year of high school, but after today I realize that in Costa Rica, I'll make some great friendships and have experiences that I know I'll remember many years from now.

The Adventure Begins

Finally... The adventure begins. After months of thinking, dreaming... and applying(!), it's actually happening. I got word this week that my application was accepted for a six-month program in Costa Rica starting in July. I hope that soon I'll find out about my host family so that I can begin communicating with them.



It just sunk in that it's really going to happen. In a few months, I'll wake up and I'll be in Costa Rica. Mostly I'm really excited, but also a little bit scared. There's a lot I don't know yet. Whatever happens, I know it will be great. I'm really excited about becoming fluent in Spanish. I'm excited about new, exotic foods. I'm excited about seeing the beautiful country of Costa Rica.



My family got an old VHS tape about Costa Rica from our local library, and we watched it together. It was funny because it was about 20 years old, but it still gave a sense for the incredible natural beauty of the country. Two oceans, rain forests, volcanoes, amazing wildlife... and all within such a small area.



Sure, there's a lot I don't know yet, but how can I not be excited?