Ohio University senior Emma Larkin-Gero had the opportunity to immerse herself in a culture outside of North America and specifically outside of Athens, Ohio. She spent her last fall semester as an undergraduate in Costa Rica studying biology and Spanish. Larkin-Gero attended Veritas University in San José, Costa Rica, and really learned how to assimilate into a Hispanic culture in a completely different continent.
“It can be tricky getting by in a country with a completely different language,” she said. While on a weekend trip, Larkin-Gero and her friend were about to order breakfast at a restaurant and saw “tortilla y natilla” on a menu. When they saw “natilla,” they instantly thought of Nutella. After the waiter brought over a tortilla and a bowl full of a white spread to their table, the girls learned that “natilla,” in Spanish is actually “sour cream” and sadly not Nutella.
While getting accustomed to the culture and learning more about Costa Rica, Larkin-Gero stayed with a host dad, mom, sister and two other exchange students, along with two small, black dogs, two tortoises and an “occasional bird-sized moth that made its way inside the house,” she said.
Not only did she learn about the culture in San José, but Larkin-Gero also explored different parts of the country, including different beaches on various weekend trips. Manuel Antonio, Curú, Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo, Montezuma, Cuajiniquil and Bocas del Toro (in Panamá) were some beaches she visited.
Traveling across different parts of the country allowed Larkin-Gero to turn her adventures into amazing memories. She went scuba diving in the warmest and clearest water she had ever seen and saw “amazing underwater creatures.” She went zip lining through the cloud forests of Monteverde and she said she wasn’t sure if the height and speed took her breath away or if the incredible views did! Larkin-Gero loved “watching the extremely color, bright and beautiful sunsets over the ocean” too.
As the end of her semester abroad came to an end, Larkin-Gero said she will miss the friends she made in Costa Rica.
“They make every experience and challenge unforgettable,” she said. “I can’t deny that I will miss the perfect temperatures and sun-filled days … I can’t forget the food either. No words can describe the copious amounts of delicious foods I’ve eaten, my favorite being the foods made at my homestay. ¡Que ricisimo!”
She also noted that the coffee in Costa Rica is amazing.
If you’re looking to have your own adventure studying abroad, Larkin-Gero said to put a good amount of research into deciding where to study abroad because it’s important to find someplace that has exactly what you’re looking for.
“I would definitely try to stay in a homestay,” she added. “My family gave me such great advice on what to do or not to do, and where the best places to go are! If you’re already studying abroad, I’d say don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, make yourself uncomfortable. That’s how you can make some great memories.”
For more details on her adventure in Costa Rica, check out her blog!