This post is going to be about a lot of things, but I'm hoping it will help sort things out for people who are considering going on exchange. First of all, I heard it before I left, but it is so true: Exchange is not the perfect experience that we fantasize it to be. Yes, I am glad that I am in Costa Rica, but there are times I wish I was back in the US with my family. I think everyone sets goals before they leave. My goals were to learn the language, understand a new culture, and make friends. I can say with confidence that I have achieved all of my goals. I don't think it's possible to fully understand a culture in 6 months, but in the 2 months that I have been here so far, I have learned so much about the Tico culture. I speak Spanish fluently, I am understanding most of what it said to me. I have made so many friends here. Friends from the US, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Norway, France, Costa Rica, and so many other places. Being here has not only allowed me to learn about Costa Rica, but I have had the opportunity to ask the other exchange students about their culture as well.
I have been dealing with homesickness, and it is not easy! I know this is typical for people living abroad, but I had no idea how hard it would be for me. I have honestly asked myself a few times, "Why didn't I go on exchange in Spain?" The easy answer is that they didn't have a semester program for Americans. Living in a third world country has made me so grateful for what I have, but I have also begun to realize that many of the things in my life are unnecessary. We have cold showers, no air conditioning, windows that aren't sealed shut (lots of slits for air flow), tons of bugs and lizards in the house, and a recently purchased used car, but not always money for gas. These things are typical in Costa Rica. They are not just unique to my family. The only places that I have found in my city with air conditioning are McDonald's and the movie theater. Also, most places don't have ceiling fans. These are just some of surface differences between the US and Costa Rica. Although living in these circumstances is difficult, I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to experience something completely new. Back to the homesickness. As soon as I think I'm over it, it hits again. It's typically not me missing the material things in the US, but it's missing my family. Before I left, I knew I have an amazing relationship with my parents, but now that is even more solidified for me. I miss my parents more than I thought possible. It's nice to know they will be there when I get home, but it's hard to be without them now. Luckily, all of my friends here are really supportive, and it makes it a lot easier.
Going on exchange is extremely expensive. You pay a big chunk of money before you come. They also tell you that you have to pay for things like your uniform, extra trips, your visa, and food when you're not with your family. I figured this wasn't that bad. I have spent SO much money since I've been here. It's ridiculous, and I feel awful about it, but I only spend it on logical things. I have bought one shirt since I've been here, and two presents for people. Other than that, I have only spent my money on food, trips, and adventures. Okay, maybe I could have held off on a few of the coffee drinks I have purchased. Or maybe I didn't really need to buy that piece of cake, but going to cafes is a great way to be social here. Maybe I didn't need to go to the beach last weekend or Naranjo yesterday, but the mini-trips are the best part of my exchange so far. What I'm saying is that if you're planning on going on exchange, it's expensive. Even if you manage to raise all of the money for your tuition, you need to be prepared to be spending money. But this does not mean it is not worth it! Yes, I'm spending a lot of money, but as long as I don't return to the US with the same habits, I know it'll be okay. I already spent a ton of money to get here, so I might as well spend more while I'm here to make the most of my experience!
If you plan on doing an academic exchange is Costa Rica, don't plan on learning anything. I have already learned each and every thing that we are doing in math, English is obviously muy facil, I've already learned everything in health class (although I did get to watch a Hispanic woman giving birth...), and Spanish class is a mix of things I've learned in English classes and Spanish 3/4. Also, don't plan on there actually being school on a regular basis. There are so many holidays here, so there is often no school for those. If a teacher doesn't show up, there isn't a substitute, just no class. This happens more than you would think. I am in section 10-4 at my school. I feel really lucky to have been placed there, because I like everyone in my class. I'm with the same people all day, so I think my experience here would really different if I was in another class.
Those are all of the general things I can think of for now, so now I'm going to tell you about what I've been up to! Last Saturday was independence day here. Friday night, I went to my "niece's" school to watch her do a typical dance. She was so cute in her outfit, and my other niece was wearing a matching one. They looked precious together. After her dance, I went to the center, and there was a huge fireworks display. I kept thinking it was the finale, but it kept going. Some people thought it was too long, but I enjoyed every minute of it!
We didn't have school the next Monday, so I went to the beach with Ryan, Eva, and Caroline. We had a great time hanging out. Unfortunately, the lifeguards didn't really let us swim because of the current and waves. I felt comforted by the fact that there were lifeguards, and we still had fun.
Yesterday, I met up with Ryan in San Jose, then we went to San Ramon to meet with Kelsey and Tieta. We saw Kelsey's house, then took a quick bus ride over to Palmares. We happened upon a parade, so that was awesome. We ate lunch in a delicious cafe, then took another quick bus ride to Naranjo. Tieta lives there, so we had been planning on just walking around in her city. Then we realized that there was amazing bungee jumping in Narnajo. After asking for directions 100 times, we finally made it to the bridge. I had an absolutely amazing time! Kelsey and Tieta jumped once, but Ryan and I jumped twice. We got free t-shirts, and they recorded our jumps for no extra cost. They gave us the Tico price because we're exchange students, so we saved a ton of money. They have a membership card, like a buy 9 get the 10th free kind of thing, except theirs is so much better. Pay full price for the 1st, then 50% for the 2nd and 3rd, then get the 4th free! This means that when we go again, I only have to pay $27 for 2 jumps! I definitely plan on going again. It was an amazing experience! When Ryan and I got back to San Jose, we had over an hour until I had to go to the bus station, so we walked around and explored. We went into McDonald's to use the bathroom (you typically have to pay to use public bathrooms here, but not at McDonald's). I put my phone on top of the toilet paper holder so it wouldn't fall in the toilet, and then I left it there... I realized about 10 minutes later, but when we got back, it was gone, and no one had turned it in. I don't know why anyone would even want my phone. I bought the cheapest one possible when I got here, but nevertheless, it's gone. I then almost missed my bus. I was freaking out in the taxi on the way to the bus station, but luckily, I made it with about 3 minutes to spare! All in all, it was a great day!
