In the summer 2006 I got my first taste of international travel when I took part in a 5 week study abroad program in Costa Rica. I spent my time there living with a Costa Rican host family and studying Spanish 5 days a week at the Costa Rican Language Academy. During this time I experienced Costa Rican culture, ate delicious cuisine, explored the vast ecosystem of the country, and gained a strong grasp of the Spanish language.
In Costa Rica, there is adventure around every corner. Each weekend was filled with a excitement. We zip-lined through the canopy of the rainforests one weekend. Visited the beautiful beaches of Manual Antonio National Park and watched the mischievous monkeys. We hiked up volcanoes, rode horses through the jungle, swam at waterfalls, went salsa dancing (2 hour optional classes daily at school, which, how could you say no to!) and explored cities, markets, and towns all over the country. It was truly an amazing experience that really gave me my first taste of international travel, and this is probably how I caught the travel bug.