Submitted by Stephanie Malin on the 2014 winter session study abroad program in Costa Rica sponsored by the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures…
The highlight of week three, and the whole program for that matter, was our excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park. This park consists of amazing beaches, hiking and all the wildlife anyone could ask for. Monkeys hang out along the beach. Raccoons attempt to steal your food. Sloths can be spotted high above in trees. Manuel Antonio is the epitome of the beautiful Costa Rica thatpeople dream about. It was an amazing weekend getting to spend time with the entire group, which is often difficult since our host families are located all over the city. We learned a lot and got to experience first hand why people try to protect these regions. Without the national park system, a lot of these treasured places would be lost to development. Everyone was sad to leave such a beautiful place, but we were excited to continue our adventures in Costa Rica.
As week four approached, we all started to get sad about leaving. It really hit us as we began to study for our final exams that we were going to have to leave this place. We took it in stride however, making the most of our free weekend as we visited Tortuga Island, a beautiful location at which we snorkeled and took in as much sun as we could before returning to the cold. We bought last minute gifts for friends and families and reflected on our time here. Tonight is our last night and we are all overwhelmed with mixed emotions. We don’t want to have to leave, but we are all so grateful that we got to experience such an amazing place and culture. I’ve learned countless things on this program, made friends that I know I will never forget and experienced what it is like to be a true tica. ¡Pura vida!