By Cheyne Steinman
Thomas Jefferson University offers multiple program-dependent study abroad opportunities each semester. Two health science students, Alyssa Tsing and Mindy Wanagosit, currently live in Costa Rica for the Fall 2023 study abroad semester.
“I wanted to experience academics and life abroad somewhere new and exciting. Fueled by adventure and the relentless pursuit of excitement, I applied for study away and am living in a culture that I could not experience in the US,” said junior Alyssa Tsing.
Both students are a part of the early start study abroad opportunity, which allows students to move to Costa Rica one month before the semester begins in order for them to develop their Spanish. Although most people in Costa Rica speak English, speaking and understanding Spanish is necessary to truly navigate the country.
Tsing and Wanagosit both live in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, in which they explore the city during the week and travel outside the city on the weekends. They emphasized talking and learning from the locals because they gain a different experience than vacationers.
Sources by Alyssa Tsing
From left to right: Tsing enjoys a typical Costa Rica dish called "casado," which is comprised of rice, beans, vegetables, plantains, and a choice of meat; study-abroad students are able to enjoy Espadilla Beach in Manuel Antonio National Park on their off-time.
Learning Spanish and adjusting to a new culture has been more exciting and less stressful than both students expected because of everyone’s love for teaching. Both Jefferson students live with the same host mother, who has been hosting study abroad students for 20 years. She has made countless students feel like they are a part of her family and is always happy to teach them anything they need to know.
“Our host mother has been welcoming, inclusive, warm, and familiar, and she definitely acts like a mother to us,” said Tsing.
The early start students moved to Costa Rica on September 4, 2023, while the normal start students began on October 2, 2023, with their terms ending on December 22. Tsing and Wanagosit advise students to attend the early action opportunity due to the tremendous amount of experience they have both gained from the extra time. They believe it would be hard to acclimate and adjust if they moved only a few days before classes began.
Currently, Tsing's favorite class is Tropical Botany because of her professor's insightful lectures and opportunity to take field trips. At the end of the term, her final project requires the students to preserve a tropical plant and turn it into a product. Students in the past have made acne and eczema creams, and one even chose to weave a hammock with the plant's fibers.
“My favorite part is getting to talk to the locals since they always make you feel welcomed and embody the motto ‘pura vida.’”
Health science students generally study abroad during the fall semester of junior year to ensure they can take proper credits and align their schedules with the available classes in Costa Rica. The students explain it is important to plan at least one semester before the trip, but earlier would be ideal to ensure everything is properly organized.
Prices for studying abroad vary due to several scholarships available to cover the costs from Thomas Jefferson University and non affiliated organizations. Tsing explained that the early start opportunity does cost more, but her experience has been worth the extra money so far. Both suggested applying to study abroad affiliated scholarships, such as CEA and Gilman, as soon as possible. They explained that plenty of scholarships are available and since very few people know where to look, there is a high likelihood of receiving one. They emphasized the importance of budgeting and were provided with a sample budget with estimated costs. Many of these resources and advice can be found in the study abroad office, located on the bottom floor of Kanbar.
Sources by Alyssa Tsing
From left to right: Tsing enjoys a mango smoothie; Wanagosit smiles for a picture on top of "La Mano Del Mantra;" Tina Zheng, Juliett Vazquez, Lesly Alfaro-Medina, Tsing, Wanagosit, and Lexi Rampolla pose for a picture in their room while on a weekend trip.
“Costa Rica’s ‘pura vida’ lifestyle has allowed me to take in each present moment and enjoy everyday living. This immersive opportunity has allowed me to open my mind to new ways of living that oppose the hustle and bustle of American society,” said Tsing.
“My experience so far has been full of new friendships, beautiful culture, and of course breathtaking adventures. It’s only been a month so far, but I’ve learned a lot about myself, especially my potential. I’ve got to build up new skills and I’ve been pushed out of my comfort zone quite a lot. My favorite part is getting to talk to the locals since they always make you feel welcomed and embody the motto ‘pura vida’. Without them I wouldn’t be able to appreciate all that Costa Rica has to offer,” said Wanagosit.
“I applied for study away and am living in a culture that I could not experience in the US.”
Nature and beauty surround them, and they are genuinely loving the experience. Students can develop soft skills and will build confidence by being out of their comfort zones. They can go on multiple trips during their free time, feed their curiosity, and be immersed in a new culture while learning about what they love.
Source by Alyssa Tsing
Tsing enjoys bungee jumping in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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