Costa Rica: Hamilton Williams (Final Reflections)

I do not want to leave! Costa Rica is such a beautiful country not only in its natural beauty, but in the kindness of the people and the culture of love for one another and the environment. When I came to this country, I thought “Pura Vida” was just a touristy slogan that was used to encourage people to live to their fullest, but after living the “pura vida” lifestyle for six weeks, I have learned that it is truly much more than that. It’s a lifestyle of relaxing in every situation of life, of seeing the beauty in every breath you take and in the world around you. You missed the bus? Pura vida,

you get to experience the beauty of the trip to school on foot. You’re half an hour late for a meeting? Pura vida! It’s “Tico time”, everyone else is probably late as well, and it’s totally cool. You’re trying to order a sandwich, but your Spanish is absolutely horrendous? Pura vida! The person taking your order and the people waiting in line behind you are all willing to help you through it. This outlook on life is something I really hope to maintain when I return to the USA.

My most lasting memories I have from this program experience are the smaller moments with friends I made along the way. Costa Ricans, or “Ticos”, are some of the most loving people on the planet, and I was able to form some pretty special friendships in my short time here that I will maintain through the rest of my life.

 

 

Hamilton Williams

Hometown: Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Major:  Civil Engineering

Program: UW Spanish Language in Costa Rica

I chose this program because it offered me the opportunity to be immersed in the Spanish language while also giving me a great cultural experience that I otherwise could not have gotten in college. I recognize that this is an opportunity that I may never have again, so I am anxious to seize it!