Brittany in Costa Rica!

My name is Brittany Dale, and as soon as I heard about studying abroad with EF I knew it was something I wanted to do but never thought it was possible. Even though Costa Rica wasn’t the first place I wanted to go, I am so glad that I am here.

When people told me it was going to be a life changing experience I just nodded my head and agreed but never really believed them. But boy, were they right! Not only have I learnt Spanish, which was something I had always wanted to do, I have been exposed to a way of life that is so different from life in Canada.

Costa Rica is not a third world country, but a developing country. I have seen some things that where kind of like things back in Canada, but others things that show that people do struggle here.

I was lucky enough to be placed in a great host family. I can honestly say they are a part of my family. I love them, and owe them so much for taking me in for a year. I have a large family, but live with my host parents and one host sister. The family was very loving right from the start and made me feel like family as soon as I got there. Even though there was a huge language barrier at first, we had our way of figuring out what the other said, like making up actions for certain words. It was really funny at times. Even though we mostly experienced good times, we did go though some hard times together. We felt the 6.2 earthquake that hit Costa Rica on January 8th, 2009, and they helped me though it, seeing as it was the first earthquake I had ever felt. We would watch the news and hear how many people were affected, and were almost in tears because that was OUR country. We were definitly blessed that we did not get hurt, nor did any of our family.

I have learnt to appreciate all the things we take for granted here in Canada (and other developed countries). And of all the things I did, and have learnt, I learnt most about myself. I learnt how far I can push myself, I have become more confident in myself and my appearance, and I have done things I always wanted to do.

I encourage everyone to do this, it WILL be the best time of your life.