I finally made it! After months of planning and anticipation my airplane touched down in the city of San José. I can't even begin to describe the emotions I was feeling as I realized I finally arrived. From the moment I exited the plane, it was a whirlwind. Immigration, baggage claim, customs, and then attempting to find my program and ride to my host family.
There were welcoming faces everywhere and I immediately connected with the other people in my program, one of them happening to be from the very same university as myself back in Ohio. We hopped in a big van and headed to our homestays. As more and more students were being dropped off and meeting their host families, my nervousness grew. Finally we pulled up to a white and orange house and our driver called my name.
My host mom came out began helping me carry my very large and heavy luggage inside. She started talking to me in a rapid blur of Spanish, of which I maybe understood two or three words. All I thought was "Oh shit, I can't understand a word. This is going to be a terrible four months." But then my saving grace walked into the room, my host sister, Raquel. She is thirteen years old and her English is almost perfect. Raquel was able to explain to me what her mom was saying and help me get situated into the house.
As I grew more accustomed to the speed of the language, the easier it was for me to understand my host family. Listening is one thing, however speaking is a whole other and it will take a few weeks for my confidence to grow. But until then, I think I will get by just fine! ¡Bienvenido a Costa Rica!
There were welcoming faces everywhere and I immediately connected with the other people in my program, one of them happening to be from the very same university as myself back in Ohio. We hopped in a big van and headed to our homestays. As more and more students were being dropped off and meeting their host families, my nervousness grew. Finally we pulled up to a white and orange house and our driver called my name.
My host mom came out began helping me carry my very large and heavy luggage inside. She started talking to me in a rapid blur of Spanish, of which I maybe understood two or three words. All I thought was "Oh shit, I can't understand a word. This is going to be a terrible four months." But then my saving grace walked into the room, my host sister, Raquel. She is thirteen years old and her English is almost perfect. Raquel was able to explain to me what her mom was saying and help me get situated into the house.
As I grew more accustomed to the speed of the language, the easier it was for me to understand my host family. Listening is one thing, however speaking is a whole other and it will take a few weeks for my confidence to grow. But until then, I think I will get by just fine! ¡Bienvenido a Costa Rica!