Adjusting to "Tico Time" in San José, Costa Rica
While adjusting to life abroad hasn’t been without its challenges, intentionally grounding myself throughout my time in San José, Costa Rica, has made the transition much smoother.
Before I left for my semester abroad, I brainstormed different ways I could make time for myself and reflect on my experiences. I was unsure of how realistic it was going to be to implement these, but these simple habits have turned out to be both easy and effective.
Movement
Taking time out of my day to move my body has been super helpful in keeping a routine in a completely new environment. Every morning before breakfast, I go on a long walk around my homestay neighborhood. I find that this sets me up for a productive rest of my day. I also joined a local gym that I go to during the week.
Morning walk with my roommate! San José is a super walkable city.
View from our neighborhood, Zapote, which is only three minutes from campus.
Journaling
Journaling has also been super helpful in reflecting on my time in San José. I wasn’t much of a journaler before studying abroad, but many friends of mine who have traveled recommended keeping track of the things you do, places you see, and feelings you have while abroad. I try to journal a few times a week and hope that I can keep this habit when I return home!
I try to journal around three times a week and hope this habit sticks with me!
Eating Meals with My Host Family
Spending time with my mamatica (host mom) is definitely a highlight of my day. She is a fantastic cook, and my roommates and I always look forward to her meals. This sense of family has been super helpful whenever I start to miss home. My mamatica has also taught me so much about Costa Rican culture and has helped me improve my Spanish.
One of my favorite dinners that my mamatica makes is this shredded chicken, rice, refried beans, and beet salad! It's super yummy, even better when you eat it with tortilla chips.
Another dinner from my mamatica - this one was lasagna with rice and salad.
Exploring San José
I also try to explore San José during the week, as I typically spend my weekends traveling to different parts of the country.
Ice cream from Lola Mora’s, a 124-year-old ice cream shop in San José’s central market.
Coffee from Libertario, a cute coffee shop in the Barrio Escalade neighborhood of San José.
Seeing different parts of my host city has helped me feel more comfortable and familiar with the area. Some of my favorite experiences in San José have been going to a World Cup Qualifying match, trying new cafes, and exploring local markets.
Some friends and I attended a Costa Rica soccer game! Soccer is huge here, and the fans are super passionate.
Spending Time with Fellow Students
Finally, spending time with other students in my program has helped me keep things in perspective while abroad. It’s been fascinating to get to know people from all different walks of life and hear their stories.
Some friends from CEA CAPA meeting the cutest little puppies in Tortuguero!
Leaning on one another and showing each other grace as we navigate such a unique experience has really helped me find my footing. I’ve learned that community makes all the difference when you’re far from home!
Pictures from a weekend trip to Tortuguero, Costa Rica! This beach is known for its sea turtle nesting sites.
