Hi,

I’m back in America, and I couldn’t be sadder that my Avian Biology study abroad in Costa Rica is over. In fact, I can’t wait to study abroad again. I had always wanted to travel, but I didn’t realize how much I would love it. There’s this feeling you get when you’re headed in the right direction, a “calling” of some sort. It’s how I feel every time I think about seeing more of the world. I learned so much about myself on this trip, and I overcame obstacles I didn’t even realize were right in front of me. I think studying abroad is great because you aren’t just any other tourist. I saw Costa Rica for what it really was: the people, the food, the culture, and the landscape. Moreover, you meet other students on the trip who have similar goals and aspirations. You exchange thoughts and ideas, and you learn so much more about the opportunities out there. I’m a pre-vet student, so building connections and learning about the opportunities out there is really important (i.e. internships, jobs, other majors, and other study abroad trips).

I’ve been encouraging my friends like crazy to study abroad, and most of them now want to! You don’t even need to study abroad in a field that relates to your major. If you’re unsure of what you want to do in life, studying abroad can really point you in the right direction. I’m not an Avian Biology major…I wouldn’t even call myself a bird person, but I absolutely loved my trip. Everything is what you make of it, so if you take the time to really appreciate where you are and genuinely try to learn, you will be more than happy with your decision to study abroad!