"Celebrating birthdays, getting rid of cockroaches, planning trips, and missing buses together created a unique bond"
Would you consider teaching Spanish? Did you know that it's possible to experience Costa Rica as a student with Kulturstudier, without taking a break from your education? Read about Tina (24) who spent a semester studying Spanish on exchange from her teacher education!
This text is translated using AI.
View the original article here.– I studied to become a teacher in Trondheim, and wanted to go on exchange to a Spanish-speaking country to learn the language even better.
I had also long had a desire to visit Costa Rica, so when I found out that I could get the semester with Kulturstudier approved as an exchange in my degree, it was an easy choice. Now I have the opportunity to work as a Spanish teacher at the lower secondary level!
Kulturstudier offers Spanish at various levels in Costa Rica. Whether you know a little, a lot, or nothing at all, you get the chance to challenge yourself with great support from our skilled teachers.
– I was halfway through my studies when I arrived in Costa Rica, and therefore a bit older than most students, since many came straight from high school. It went surprisingly well, as everyone had similar interests and a common desire to learn Spanish and experience a new culture.
It was a different everyday study experience than what I was used to from my studies in Trondheim. I learned Spanish much faster in Costa Rica than I have from previous Spanish lessons in Norway.
Being able to talk to the Uber driver, at the grocery store, or ask about the bus schedules in Spanish gave a sense of accomplishment.
Many find that they get much more out of the semester than they had anticipated – if you seize the opportunities that arise along the way, you can become acquainted with aspects of Costa Rican culture, tradition, and daily life that enrich your life.
– There is a lot I take with me from the semester. Not only did I learn Spanish, but I also got to experience a completely different culture with local customs and norms.
I didn't have many expectations other than to experience sun and warmth, but I got much more than that. The semester has given me unique experiences and I have gained an understanding of other perspectives.
The thought of traveling to the other side of the world to study was initially very daunting, but once I arrived in San Isidro and settled into the daily life there, everything quickly fell into place. As the semester drew to a close in December, the prospect of returning to cold Norway was not very appealing!
– I really enjoyed the warmth and the relaxed pace of everyday life in Costa Rica. I spent my free time buying lots of delicious and inexpensive fruits and vegetables at the weekly market in town, La Feria, shopping in second-hand stores, and traveling.
I still keep in touch with several people I met in Costa Rica, and maintain my Spanish skills by teaching Spanish at the junior high level.
Back in Trondheim, I've actually gotten to know exchange students from Spanish-speaking countries, including a student from San Isidro, which has been a lot of fun!
If you visit different countries in Latin America, you quickly realize that the Spanish language comes in a variety of different versions.
The Spanish they speak in Argentina is peppered with Italian slang expressions, Chilean Spanish is notoriously difficult to understand, and so on. Fortunately, the Costa Rican variant is among the easier ones to get acquainted with for a beginner:
– If one wishes to learn Spanish, then Costa Rica is one of the best places to learn Spanish. Many locals speak little English, which forces one to practice the language.
– The local population is very patient and understanding, and they are happy to help you when you need it. Additionally, Costa Ricans generally speak very clearly and slowly compared to other Spanish-speaking countries.
It is much more motivating to learn a language in a place where people actually speak that language, and you quickly feel a sense of accomplishment if you dare to try. You also get a very pleasant study routine in tropical surroundings, which isn't bad either!
Our students are accommodated in pleasant student housing in safe surroundings. Most of them don't know anyone beforehand, and although living with others in a foreign country can be intimidating at first, the vast majority of challenges are resolved with good communication and assistance from our skilled local staff.
– I was skeptical about living and sharing a room with strangers before I left, since I'm used to having my own room and my own routines.
Living together went surprisingly well. We quickly got to know each other and we all adapted to each other's routines. Those of us who shared the house became good friends and supported each other throughout the semester.
Learn more about Costa Rica
- Costa Rica
- Student blog
Tips til deg som skal studere i Costa Rica
– We experienced everything from culture shock to communication difficulties and, not least, overcoming these challenges together. It felt much safer to go through all this with others who were also experiencing the same feelings associated with being far from home in a different culture.
Removing cockroaches together, celebrating birthdays, missing buses, planning trips, and sharing both small and big experiences created a unique bond that made the entire semester memorable.
– The exchange to Costa Rica is one of the highlights of my entire study period, and I am so happy that I chose to go.
You learn so much more than you think, not just about language and culture, but also about yourself and the world beyond the safe borders of Norway. It's cliché to say it, but I have truly grown so much as a person.
I take all the new experiences and perspectives with me forward in life. If I had the opportunity to extend my stay or go again, I would definitely do it!
Curious about a semester in Costa Rica? We'd be happy to help!
