Costa Rica Study Abroad

I am currently a third year student at The Ohio State University, studying Pharmaceutical Sciences and Spanish Language & Culture. I have recently been accepted to an International Studies Abroad (ISA) program this summer at the Universidad Latina in Heredia, Costa Rica, for five weeks. I will be studying independently and taking classes at the local university with other international students. I will take two language and culture courses (Advanced Grammar and Spanish Phonetics & Phonology) for a total of 90 contact hours taught in Spanish. Besides the coursework, there are also excursions included in the program to explore the landscape and scenery that Costa Rica has to offer.  I will live with a local Costa Rican family close to the university campus. Through this experience I will have a better understanding of the culture and interaction with local residents. 
I chose this program because it fulfills both my academic and personal goals. I will continue my academic studies, as well as gain the full immersion experience throughout the five weeks. The program offers just enough time for me to fully experience the culture but still be able to properly prepare in the summer for my last year as an undergraduate student.  Study abroad experience is beneficial professionally as I prepare to apply to pharmacy school. My experience abroad will give me a competitive edge that sets me apart from other applicants. I anticipate a great improvement of my Spanish language skills as a result of the need to communicate with my host family and other native speakers.  I look forward to the full immersion of the culture and challenging myself by stepping outside of my comfort zone.  My experience will serve as a way for me to develop my own independence and diversity, but also to inspire other students around me to reach for their goals.  Aside from learning about the Spanish language and culture, I will learn about myself and develop new interests. One of the most important realizations that may occur from studying in another country is a deeper appreciation for my own culture and home.