Costa Rica: Catherine Carroll

Program: UW Spanish Language in Costa Rica, Summer

Catherine’s Majors: Journalism, German

What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?

It is a privilege to have the opportunity to learn about and become a part of a community other than your own. In Costa Rica, I was fortunate to have this opportunity, and my immersive experience abroad was improved because of this. Living with a host family, interacting with university students, and taking part in daily life enabled me to have a rich experience and gain a better understanding of Costa Rican culture. This also allowed me to make rapid improvements in my Spanish speaking skills, connecting with people and expanding my worldview each day.

How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?

I appreciated the small class sizes and patient instructors at the school I attended, Máximo Nivel. Classes were conducted entirely in Spanish by native speakers, which challenged me as a language learner and encouraged me to think in the target language. After each five-hour day of classes, I found it difficult to switch back to speaking English — a sign of true language immersion. In class, I was also often pleasantly surprised by my ability to discuss complex topics in Spanish with ease. Additionally, I participated in tandem conversations with English learners at Máximo Nivel, allowing me to further practice my Spanish while helping others with English.

How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?

Before studying abroad in Costa Rica, I was committed to pursuing foreign correspondence. Six weeks of Spanish language immersion and cultural exposure not only heightened my enthusiasm for this career but also sparked an interest in reporting on Central America. Meeting Costa Rican journalists during my stay further solidified this interest.