Chelsey Smith, History
As a History major and Spanish minor, I decided to study abroad in Costa Rica in order to improve my communication skills in Spanish and to experience the rich culture. Living in San José with a host family and taking Spanish classes allowed me to immerse myself in the Costa Rican culture and to utilize my reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in Spanish everyday. From my composition and culture classes to the authentic Costa Rican food, my study abroad experience exceeded my expectations. I would encourage students who want to learn another language to study abroad; they will not only improve their communication skills, but they will also learn to appreciate a lifestyle and a culture that is different from their own.