Costa Rica

Each student has a unique and individual experience on their Experiment program. The following profile offers a single glimpse into a program from one student's perspective.

Profile of a Past Experimenter

Gregory Rose
Hometown: Staten Island, NY
Year: 2006

Why did you choose to participate on an Experiment program?

I have always been fascinated with international relations and traveling abroad due to my love for foreign languages and cultures. In the summer after sixth grade, I spent two and a half weeks in Australia through another program. After having traveled half-way around the world, I knew without a doubt that I would have to capitalize on my next opportunity to go abroad. As soon as I took a look at the EIL brochure, I knew that it was the program for me.

What was your most meaningful experience while on your Experiment program?

My most meaningful experience in Costa Rica was the few days that we spent at an eco-lodge in the rainforest. Since there was no access to electricity or telephones, the group became much closer in the absence of all of the distractions that usually pervade life. Together we went horseback riding, tree climbing, and learned a little bit about the wildlife that surrounded us. Without any permanent lighting it was pitch black at night except for the small flashlights that we carried around as we visited each other's cabins. The peace and tranquility of our time in the rain forest was a much needed escape from civilization and a great opportunity for us to reflect and learn more about ourselves and each other.

What was the highlight?

The highlight of the trip was the three days that we spent at a beach-front hotel prior to our return to the United States. Since we were some of the only people checked into the hotel, it served as our own private paradise where we could go swimming, boogie-boarding, or just relax on the warm white sands of the beach and hear the soothing crash of the waves on the shore. We even took an outrigger (basically a huge canoe) out to a nearby island and went snorkeling in their coral garden. After three weeks of travel all throughout Costa Rica, our time at that hotel was a great way to kick back and enjoy our last few days in the beauty and warmth of Central America.

How did you feel about The Experiment's immersion-based approach?

The homestay is the best part of the EIL experience. While everyone in the group was worried that they would not be able to communicate well with their host family or that their host family would not like them, we were all presently surprised to discover that each family was extremely welcoming and excited to have us. I spent the first night of my home stay looking through family photo albums with my host mother, Zaida, and immediately felt like a member of the family. Nothing could possibly replace the opportunity to experience great home cooking, complete immersion in the Spanish language, and two weeks with a loving family. Fortunately, Mercedes de Atenas was a very small and close knit community and so it was very easy for me spend time and visit with the other Experimenters.

How did your group contribute to the experience?

I still find it hard to believe the fact that the thirteen members of my group grew to be so close in such a short amount of time. Although traveling to a country where English was not the first language was a little intimidating at first, it was comforting to know that I could share both my joys and my struggles with twelve great friends. Since each member of the group came from the different state, we all brought different backgrounds and past experiences with us as we traveled together throughout Costa Rica. I loved getting to know each of my friends in the group and it was incredible how all of our personalities and talents complemented each other to create the perfect group dynamic. By the end of our four-week trip, we weren't just friends, we were family.

In what way did the experience result in personal growth that is reflected in your current life?

After having traveled to Costa Rica, I feel like a more active member of the global community. It is important to get out of the United States, even if only for a little while, in order to get a different perspective on international affairs and current events. One thing that struck me about my experiences in Costa Rica was the fact that life there was so similar to life in the US. Before traveling to Costa Rica, the idea of traveling to Central America often brought to mind images of luxurious resorts, pristine blue beach waters, and never ending fun. While Costa Rica did have all of these things, it also had much more to offer. It was extremely refreshing to go to visit banks, post offices, and grocery stores simply because it was an important reminder that people around the world all have the same basic needs. I feel that such a realization has made me much more open-minded in the way I view cultures other than my own in not I am now able to see not only the differences, but the vast similarities as well.

If you had one thing to say about why a prospective student should choose EIL, what would it be?

Any summer spent traveling with the Experiment will be an unforgettable one no matter where you go. It is a great opportunity to meet new people both from the states and abroad, experience a different culture, speak a different language, and spend time with a great family. By the end of summer, I guarantee you will wish that it wasn't coming to an end and that you could spend another week, maybe even another month, in your destination country. To be an Experimenter is the experience of a lifetime.

What advice would you give to a student about to embark on an Experiment summer program?

I would tell a student that was about to embark on an Experiment summer program to look forward to the home-stay and to bring ice-breaker materials like photo albums or their favorite keepsake. Also, bringing gifts for the members of your host family is a great way to show appreciation for the time that they are taking to accommodate you. The most important thing to do regardless of what country you are traveling to is to keep an open mind and be willing to try something new.

In today's world, why is it important for young people to consider participating on an Experiment program?

I think that today people have a dangerous tendency to focus on the differences between themselves and residents of foreign countries and thus fail to acknowledge the similarities and rich experiences that life in another country has to offer. It is also important for students to observe first hand what feelings other countries have towards the United States in order to get a different sense of perspective. Also, knowledge of foreign languages and cultures can go a long way in today's world as the interests of individual countries become increasingly interconnected, and the Experiment in International Living is the perfect avenue to the international community.